By Isle of Wight Observer
High Sheriff, Jacque Gazzard, rediscovered the ‘joy of flying’, albeit virtually, with a trip round the Island when she visited the Wight Aviation Museum at Sandown Airport this week.
As she climbed into the cockpit of the Beagle Bulldog ‘Virtual Reality’ flight simulator, former pilot, Jacque, admitted: “It’s at least 25 years since I did some flying,” adding: “Oh my gosh, that’s fantastic, the plane really does follow the controls! I love it.”
Jacque was given a guided tour by the enthusiastic volunteers of the WAM team. Paul Carey told her about the Skeeter helicopter, one of the museums largest exhibits. Then Grahame Smith, a former GKN employee, guided her through the heritage of the Saunders Roe Princess flying boat of the early 1950s, right up to date with the many parts still manufactured by GKN for modern aircraft.
Jacque said: “This is an incredible collection. People, with any interest or not in aircraft, should come and see the depth of the collection.”
At the end of her visit Jacque was presented with a personal memento, by Perry Clifton, senior archivist of WAM, a framed picture of her Aunt Barbara, as a child, presenting a bouquet of flowers at the opening ceremony of the Isle of Wight Flying Club in July 1930.
She also received a flight certificate for her trip in the simulator.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter