Aviation fans love first jet weekend

The first flight of a British jet aircraft, from RAF Cranwell, 75 years ago, was celebrated in deafening style at Metheringham Airfield.
Metheringham Airfield visitors centre holding an event celebrating 75 years of the jet engine. Organiser Paul Flynn with his Jet Provost. EMN-160516-094712001Metheringham Airfield visitors centre holding an event celebrating 75 years of the jet engine. Organiser Paul Flynn with his Jet Provost. EMN-160516-094712001
Metheringham Airfield visitors centre holding an event celebrating 75 years of the jet engine. Organiser Paul Flynn with his Jet Provost. EMN-160516-094712001

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre teamed up with the Jet Provost Group and Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre for a weekend of jets, talks and fun for all the family.

On May 15, 1941 RAF Cranwell saw the first flight of the Gloster E28/39, proving the principle of jet propulsion for aircraft and leading to the first generation of jet fighters. It was created by famous Cranwellian, Sir Frank Whittle.

There were well attended talks at Metheringham by Sir Frank’s son, Ian, and by Nigel Macknight, the world water speed record challenger.

Metheringham Airfield visitors centre holding an event celebrating 75 years of the jet engine. Ian Whittle (son of Frank Whittle) giving a talk at the event. EMN-160516-094734001Metheringham Airfield visitors centre holding an event celebrating 75 years of the jet engine. Ian Whittle (son of Frank Whittle) giving a talk at the event. EMN-160516-094734001
Metheringham Airfield visitors centre holding an event celebrating 75 years of the jet engine. Ian Whittle (son of Frank Whittle) giving a talk at the event. EMN-160516-094734001

The engines were fired up on a restored Jet Provost at Metheringham and a jet powered car. There was also a display at the RAF Cranwell Heritage and Ethos Centre.

Almost 300 visitors attended Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre’s exhibition about Sir Frank Whittle.

Heritage assistant Angela Riley said: “Celebrating this anniversary was particularly important to us and I personally think Frank Whittle is one of the most important individuals in modern aviation - if he hadn’t thought about introducing the jet engine everyone wouldn’t be going on holiday around the world.”