A wave of aircraft that were due to fly during the King's Birthday Flypast tomorrow (Saturday, June 15) have been 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.
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.
This formation will use 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'.
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This will be 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.
The RAF aircraft still taking part including Red Arrows
More than 30 aircraft are still due to take to the skies above the crowds on The Mall and over Buckingham Palace, 'subject to weather, serviceability, and operational requirements'.
The RAF said in a statement: "The formation, which will be led by Chinook helicopters from No. 7 Squadron of RAF Odiham, will fly over Buckingham Palace as the Royal Family watch on from the balcony following the King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour).
"The aircraft will come from eight different RAF stations, and 15 Squadrons will be participating, with two-thirds of those Squadrons being involved in D-Day 80 years ago. The aircraft will highlight the wide range used by the RAF to secure our skies and protect our people both at home and abroad.
"This includes helicopters, training, air transport, air-to-air refuelling, maritime, ISTAR, and fast jet combat aircraft. At the front of the flypast will be three Chinook helicopters and the event will culminate in a spectacular show of red, white and blue from the pilots of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.
"Following the Chinooks will be three Typhoons from 29 Squadron, RAF Coningsby."
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