World Helicopter Open Day at Chard Equestrian
The home of Historic Helicopters in Chard is holding an open event on 18th August for World Helicopter Day, the second year it’s marked the occasion, using the large open fields and arenas at Chard Equestrian for a variety of events and displays.
For helicopter enthusiasts it’s a chance to see the Whirlwind HAR Mark 10 and the Navy Wessex HU Mark 5 in action - the only ones of their type flying in the world! But there is lots more going on. The Army Display Team will have a climbing wall, virtual reality games and a living history display with military re-enactors. There will be a drone racing qualifier for the national championships, which will involve battling it out on an assault course using VR technology.
Another exciting feature will be the “horseless horse trials” where a team of three, one in a wheelchair, will attempt a timed obstacle course and other equestrian challenges - all done by humans! It’s in aid of Regain, which supports those who have become tetraplegic as a result of a sports accident.
Highlights include:
Police dog display team.
“Horseless” horse trials.
Historic helicopters in flight.
Military vehicles.
Drone racing.
Army display teams.
Climbing wall.
Living history display with military re-enactors.
Cafe and licensed bar.
Visiting helicopters from The Helicopter Club of Great Britain.
Based in Chard, Historic Helicopters raises money to help keep vintage military aircraft in the air. It preserves, maintains and operates a select fleet of unique aircraft. A small and dedicated team of aircraft engineers is employed to preserve and maintain the Historic Helicopters fleet. Most of them are former members of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Several have even previously flown or maintained the very aircraft they are now preserving!
Project Leader Andrew Whitehouse said: “A day like this is a great opportunity to share what we do and to spread the enthusiasm for these incredible aircraft. It’ll be a brilliant day out for all the family - we literally have something to keep everyone happy!
“We also want everyone to have a chance to learn more about the historically significant helicopters which were built locally at Westland Helicopters in Yeovil, to increase everyone’s understanding and appreciation of the global impact made by this world leading Somerset company.”
Profits from the open day will go towards the RAF Benevolent Fund and Navy Wings charity. It will run from 10am to 5pm. The cost will be £10 per person or £25 per car.
For more information please contact: Mark on 07903 411692
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