RAF Benson News

RAF Benson farewell flight details

Nine Puma Helicopters hover over runway.
Puma helicopters from 33 sqn and 230 sqn at RAF Benson during the Puma 50 flypast on 7th July 2021.

The RAF Benson Puma’s will commence their farewell flight on Wednesday 26th March.

Join us in celebrating their incredible legacy by sharing your photo of the two day farewell flight on Facebook or Instagram using #54andout, in a message to Facebook or Instagram or send them into [email protected] 

Day 1 – Wed 26 March  

Odiham​ - 0945 
Andover​ - 0957 
Middle Wallop​ - 1002 
Boscombe Down​ - 1007 
Salisbury​ - 1013 
Abbey Wood​ - 1031 
Hereford​ - 1051 
RAF Museum Cosford - 1115​ 
Shawbury - 1126 
Hillsborough Castle – 1419
Thiepval Barracks - 1421​ 
Aldergrove – 1430 
Bangor Castle - 1655 

Four Puma helicopters flying in staggered formation
Puma helicopters from 33 sqn and 230 sqn at RAF Benson during the Puma 50 flypast on 7th July 2021.

Day 2 – Thu 27 March 

Catterick​ - 1100 
Stafford​ - 1323 
National Memorial Arboretum​ - 1332 
Newark Air Museum​ - 1355 
Cranwell​ - 1402 
Honington​ - 1604 
Imperial War Museum Duxford​ - 1622 
London Heli Lanes
Kensington Palace​ - 1647 
RAF Museum Hendon​ - 1651 
PJHQ​ - 1656 
Halton​ - 1707 
High Wycombe​ - 1712 
John Radcliffe Hospital​ - 1721 
Kidlington​ - 1724 
Shrivenham​ - 1735 
Benson – 1747 

Whilst the route incorporates locations with links to Puma, there is not enough time to visit all locations that feature in Puma history. Of note, Scotland, which has played a key role in the development of the skills of Aircrew through Exercise KUKRI DAWN and Operation RESCRIPT where Puma’s deployed to support medical evacuations during COVID-19 from the remote islands.   

Please be aware whilst we endeavour to be at the locations on time there may be factors outside our control that causes some delay.  

One RAF Puma flying alongside River Usk, Sennybridge, Wales.
Puma HC-Mk2 Helicopters from RAF Benson transited with an RAF Odiham 18 Sqn Chinook, making their way to Sennybridge to assist with trooping serials for an Army Cadet Exercise.

 

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