As a supplier to the team we were invited to visit 27 Squadron and meet some of the stars behind this years display.
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- Sergeant James Big Kennedy – Weapon Systems Operator
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- Master Aircrewman Vince Bartlett MBE
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- Flight Lieutenant Stu Kynaston – Display Captain
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- Flight Lieutenant Andy Donovan
The RAF Chinook Display Team, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire, aims to demonstrate the RAF Chinook’s capability. As well as part of the RAF Chinook Display Team, the crew are also part of a fully operational Squadron where they combine their daily training demands with practising their display sequence – in short they work very hard.
We are delighted to have worked alongside Vince and the team to create this new range of products. We discussed leather, colours, stitching, logos and linings before production began. Delivery was made direct to the team earlier this year at RIAT.
ASALI meets a Chinook!
The day got off to a great start meeting fellow corporate suppliers to the team as we got up close and personal with the aircraft itself.
Next stop was the briefing room where we had the chance to listen to members of the team about the season but also how their work fits in and around the operational duties of 27 Squadron.
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- Wing Commander Jonathon Eastlake
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- Flight Lieutenant Stu Kynaston – Display Captain
Prior to the flight itself all participants attended a pre-flight briefing and got kitted out. It was a pleasure to meet Sean and Helen from Pride of Skies and the gents from Jaguar Land Rover. Click the image to view slideshow.
The time for the flight finally arrived…
Click an image to view slide show
This was an experience but what did we learn about the Chinook?
- A Chinook can accommodate 2 x full size Range Rovers inside
- Being in a Chinook is noisy, windy and strangely soothing as the rhythmic nature of the blades can be quite melodic
- Each flight always has 2 pilots and 2 crew members on board
- The UK Chinooks have a unique mission management system which means they use the whole crew to their full potential with a digital moving map in the back end
- The aircraft and the teams are responsible for many special, secret and life saving missions here and around the world.
- It is impossible to take a selfie near a Chinook (if you have hair and it is ‘rotors running’!)
- The red hands are in-fact massive, there are 3 of them (made by the crewmen) and the 3rd one is covered in stickers!
- The RAF took delivery of it’s first Chinook in 1980
Time for a timelapse…
We ended the day with a front row view of one of the team’s currency in-season practices…
Interested in creating something for your team? Get in touch
Please note, we are unable to offer or arrange flight experiences in a Chinook.
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Fantastic write up. Great to see Asali going from strength to strength. Which team or company will be next to get the Asali touch?
Looking to get a birthday gift for my partner allways wanted a ride on one is this a possibility
Is this possible as a gift . A ride in a chinook ?
HELLO YOU ALL CAN YOU TELL ME IF I CAN BRING MY BEAUT WIFE FOR A RIDE IN A CHINOOK FOR HER 60TH BIRTHDAY ON THE 23RD MARCH 2021?? CHEERS MARTIN..
Hi there – sorry we don’t offer this. This blog recalls our very lucky experience of having a ride as we work with the team, as a business we offer bags with the Chinook on them..! Happy birthday to your wife and good luck in your search.
Can I book a trip experience? Or a link to do so?
Hi Kate – unfortunately we do not offer this experience, we offer luggage with the Chinook on and were very lucky to have the experience to fly in one. Good luck with your search.