On this day, we were proud to welcome two veteran RAF pilots on a surprise day visit organised by Care UK’s Harrier Lodge in Whitstable under their “Wishing Tree” initiative. John Orminston (77) and Alan Sansom (89) had a guided tour of the museum and also took the opportunity to sit inside the cockpits of jet aircraft that they flew back in the 1980s. Both veterans had no difficulties recalling the function of every aircraft control and dial, much to the amazement of their carers and the museum staff.
“It brought back so many fond memories from my time in the sky,” Mr Sansom said.
Mr Orminston added: “I had a great time back in my flying days and loved revisiting the planes at the museum.”Manston: RAF veterans return to cockpit of planes they once flew Care home residents surprised with trip to see planes they flew as RAF pilots Harrier Lodge Care Home in Whitstable surprises retired RAF pilots with RAF Manston History Museum trip