Follow-up

rEpOrTS of first flights (peterborough) reminded me of my — rather costly — experience.

On National Service in 1947, working as a clerk in the orderly room at 109 Squadron, rAF Yeadon (now Leeds/Bradford Airport), Flight Lieutenant Cocker was testing an Airspeed Oxford and asked if anyone wished to go on the flight.

My three colleagues and I said yes, and were fitted with parachute harnesses, to which a hand-carried chute could be attached in emergency.

After take- off, I quickly decided the experience would not be to my liking.

Thirty minutes later, I was making as quick an exit as possible after landing. But instead of picking up the parachute by the handle, I pulled the ripcord release.

An open parachute in such a small space is a sight to be seen — and it cost me five shillings to have it repacked.

As my weekly income at that time was only 21 shillings, it proved an expensive mistake, and not to be repeated.

Colin Blackwell, Barnsley.