Saturday, March 23, 2013

Hercules captain is to be part of history: For nine years Captain Tim Pembrey flew troops, people and freight around the world on the workhorse of the Royal Air Force

He looks back on his time flying the Hercules C130 Mk3 as the best years of his life.

Captain Pembrey, 62, left the service in 1987, and his old aircraft was the last of its kind when it was decommissioned in 2011.

Fat Albert, as the Hercules was know, became a permanent exhibit at RAF Cosford, and this week she was reunited with her old pilot when Captain Pembrey was invited to share his memories for a new documentary, commissioned by the museum, which will tell the story of the Hercules and its importance aviation history.

Captain Pembrey is one of 17 former members of aircrew set to be interviewed about their experiences on board.

The ex-pilot, who now lives in Crawley, West Sussex, sat back at the controls to be interviewed and spoke of his experiences during three tours.

He said: “I spent 18 years in the RAF. I spent nine wonderful years flying Hercules all over the world.

“I have many fond memories of flying this lovely old bird which we affectionately called Fat Albert. It was undoubtedly the best flying of my long aviation career.”

Back in the cockpit, the married father of two said: “It is wonderful to be back. Sitting in this seat brings back so many memories.

“She was part of the transport fleet.

“The logistics and transport of any war are as important as the weapons.

“She was quite a reliable beast. There are so many memories and good times. We had a fabulous time in the squadron. I am very proud to have been part of that piece of history.”

Read more here:  http://www.shropshirestar.com

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