During lockdown Cpl Bayford from 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn decided to take part in an epic flight simulator journey, to raise money for the COVID 19 NHS appeal. His aim was to fly a C17 Globemaster, starting at RAF Brize Norton and finishing in the Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, stopping at various bases along the route to refuel.
After setting off at 19:00 in the evening he visited various Bases within the UK such as RAF Marham, RAF Scampton, RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Wittering where Cpl Bayford undertook his first flight in a Grob Tutor with the Air Cadets. He also visited other bases around the world, including RAF Akrotiri, RAF Gibraltar before finally landing at RAF Ascension Island the following evening at approx 18:40hrs. His next stop was Nigeria.
To keep himself going throughout his journey he consumed numerous bottles of Lucozade, followed by Bacon Rolls at 01:30h in the morning and Sausages and Hash browns at 08:00h.
Prior to the flight he had received lots of messages from well wishes including ones from 51 Sqn Canada Aviation and Space Museum Air Cadets based in Ottawa, and also from the Head of the Administrators office on Ascension Island, wishing him a safe trip and a soft Virtual landing on the island.
Here are a few photos of his journey.
He has currently raised £1295 for NHS Charities Together – to donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lukesflightathon
