SEVENTY FIVE years on and it was a case of history repeating – except this time it was no mistake for the historic Hornet Moth.
Avro Heritage partner Harry Harvey welcomed the De Havilland Hornet Moth G-ADND to the former Woodford Aerodrome as it recreated it’s now infamous flight.
In 1937 the bi-plane was supposed to be flying to Manchester’s Barton Aerodrome from White Waltham in Berkshire when bad weather prompted the pilot Duncan Menzies to touch down at Manchester Airport – before it had been officially opened.
His son Peter Menzie recreated that historic flight on May 17, 2012, with owner David Weston, flying into Manchester Airport and then Woodford to commemorate the historic flight.
Avro Heritage Ltd partner Harry Harvey, said: “We were delighted to assist David and Peter in recreating this historic flight – it was magical to see the aircraft fly in.
“We take so much for granted in terms now in terms of air travel and it seems incredible to think that when Peter’s father flew into Manchester there was nothing there, it wasn’t even open!
“For us, it was an honour to host them at Woodford. They flew in and visited the heritage centre on site before setting off to fly home. It was magical to watch the De Havilland climb gracefully into the Cheshire skies.”
It may not be the last time the De Havilland is seen over Cheshire skies as it is understood it will be invited to join Manchester Airport’s 75th birthday celebrations.
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