22nd July 2009 – Peter Wells made his first public appearance in G-RIOT at RAF Odiham Families Day alongside the rest of the Swift Team, the first aircraft to fly with the new UL260i aerobatic engine.

RAF Odiham in Hampshire operates three squadrons of RAF Chinook HC2 and as well as Army Air Corps Lynx helicopters and these were out in force.

Despite many last minute cancelations, the display line-up was a ‘who’s-who’ from the great and good of the display world. Commentator was the legendary Brendan O’Brien and the display aircraft included the Red Arrows, Vulcan, Chinook, F86 Sabre, the Orange Lion Dutch F16 and Blades.

“Display of the day” must go to the Vulcan that put on a very close, intimate display and to Nick Richards in the 1940’s camouflaged Italian Fiat G46. A spirited performance showing Nick’s calibre as one of UK’s top BAeA Advanced level pilots.

The wind was a big feature of the day, and peaked at 26kts across the main runway, stronger at flying heights. We chose to operate from the disused runway and performed separate Swift and Twister solos as Paul is awaiting his formation DA upgrade.