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A wave of aircraft that were due to fly during the King's Birthday Flypast) were grounded after a Spitfire crashed during an air show in Lincolnshire last month.
The event is being put on for King Charles III's official birthday (Saturday, June 15, 2024)
Squadron Leader Mark Long died from his injuries after the vintage plane came down at around 1.20pm on Saturday, May 25. Now, it has been confirmed that a Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) are no longer taking part this weekend.
Instead, the formation used the BBMF radio callsign of 'Memorial Flight' in Squadron Leader Long's honour, and all three pilots are instructors from the Typhoon Conversion unit, where he also flew Typhoons. Each are also his 'close friends and colleagues'.
This was led by Squadron Leader Andy Millikin, who is a previous commanding officer of the BBMF, and an ex-Spitfire pilot. He is an ex-full time military pilot and is now a defence contractor who today is flying in his role as an RAF Reservist.
More than 30 aircraft still took to the skies above the crowds on The Mall and over Buckingham Palace, having been 'subject to weather, serviceability, and operational requirements' - but as they fly over stormy grey rainy Chelmsford the skies ahead of them were blue and inviting.
RAF Typhoon aircraft flew over Buckingham Palace amongst others
The RAF said in a statement: "The formation, which was led by Chinook helicopters from No. 7 Squadron of RAF Odiham, flew over Buckingham Palace as the Royal Family watched from the balcony following the King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour).
"The aircraft came from eight different RAF stations, and 15 Squadrons participated, with two-thirds of those Squadrons being involved in D-Day 80 years ago. The aircraft highlighted the wide range used by the RAF to secure our skies and protect our people both at home and abroad.
Негізгі бет CRHnews - TROOPING THE COLOUR AIRCRAFT FLY OVER CHELMSFORD 2024
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