AIR LEGEND 2023 – Page 2

North American T-6, F-HLEA

A legend in military training Nicknamed the ‘Pilot Maker’ by the Americans, the T-6 Texan (or Harvard in Commonwealth countries) trained thousands of Allied pilots during the Second World War and beyond. An advanced training aircraft, it was used to learn the complex manoeuvres required to fly fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and the Spitfire. Its tandem cockpit, sliding canopy and ability to simulate the behaviour of combat aircraft made it an essential part of military pilot training. Flying with Aero Vintage Academy F-HLEA, based at La Ferté-Alais, is operated by the passionate team at Aero Vintage Academy. In…

Atlantique 2 (ATL 2)

The watchman of the seas The Atlantique 2, more commonly known as the ATL2, is a maritime patrol aircraft of the French Navy, designed for surveillance, intelligence, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). It entered service at the end of the 1980s and is a further development of the Bréguet Atlantique (ATL1), modernised to meet contemporary operational requirements.From its bases at Lann-Bihoué and Nîmes-Garons, or during external deployments, the ATL2 criss-crosses the seas in search of invisible threats. Its exceptional endurance and latest-generation onboard sensors make it a key player in the deterrence and protection of France and its…

T-6, D-FAME

T-6 DFAME T-6 DFAME T-6 DFAME D-FAME AT-6 Harvard was constructed in 1952 with Canadian Car & Foundry. Construction number CCF-4-77. The Harvard MK.IV was handed over to the Royal Canadian Airforce RCAF in 1952 with Serial number RCAF 20286. The aeroplane was in RCAF service until 1968. From 1969 until 1983, she was based in the US with registration N13631. It was also flown as a “Reno-Racer” # 88 named “Super Slug”. 1983 – 1996 it was registered in the UK as G-BKCK. In 1997 it was bought by Achim and Elmar Meier (Meier Motors…

Gazelle ALAT

The land forces scout Light, fast and formidably agile, the Gazelle is one of the most emblematic helicopters of the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT). Designed at the end of the 1960s by Sud Aviation (now Aérospatiale, then Airbus Helicopters), it has accompanied all French external operations for over 50 years.Its slender silhouette, fenestron-type rotor, pointed nose and exceptional agility make it an instantly recognisable aircraft. Used for reconnaissance, fire support, troop illumination and target designation, the Gazelle has been an indispensable asset in many theatres of operation. A legend on the verge of retirement Gradually replaced by more modern…

TF51 MUSTANG, G-CLNV

© Frédérik VANDENTORREN © Frédérik VANDENTORREN © Frédérik VANDENTORREN © Frédérik VANDENTORREN © Frédérik VANDENTORREN Constructed in 1945 as a P-51D-25-NT by North American at the Dallas, plant in Texas, USA, the Mustang was taken on strength with the United States Army Air Force with serial number 45-11518. Right after its delivery the Mustang was delivered to the Royal New Zealand Air Force with serial number NZ2427.Following many years of storage in New Zealand, the aircraft was restored to flying condition by Maurice Hammond in Suffolk, between 1997 and 2001, with a first flight on July 14, 2001, as ‘Janie’.…

Gazelle – F- AYSA (APPAF)

Gazelle de l'Association pour la préservation du patrimoine aéronautique français (APPAF) Acquired in 2013 by the APPAF, the Gazelle SA 341, registration F-FAYSA, is a former military helicopter of the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT). Carrying the serial number 1353, the APPAF Gazelle is now a demilitarised private helicopter flying under the Certificat de Navigabilité Restreint pour Aéronef de Collection (CNRAC). This special status enables the APPAF to present the Gazelle Sierra Alpha in flight at airshows in France and Europe. Through its presence at Air Legend, the APPAF is highlighting the diversity of missions carried out by this combat…

Meetings with Editions Paquet authors

The list of authors for the next edition will be confirmed soon. Below are some of the AIR LEGEND regulars Lucio Perionotto Olivier Dauger Romain Hugault Gyula POZSGAY Antoine Crespin

Life on a WWII airbase

91st Gatinais Highlanders Pipeband

The 91st GHPB is part of the association Schools of Bagpipes and Celtic Arts. It was created about about ten years ago. In addition to animating various festivals or commemorations, they also run a bagpipe school.

Flightline walk (9:00 to 13:00 a.m)

© Jeremy Melloul During the morning, from 8:30 to 13:00 a.m., visit the aircraft paddock, where speakers and crews will be there to answer your questions. Subject to availability, the "aircraft park visit" option will allow you to visit a DC-3 (Dakota) which took part in the Normandy landings in June 1944! Note: Last entry at 12:30.