Latest news with #HawardenAirport
Leader Live
03-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Family of Lancaster bomber crew member watch it land at Hawarden
Jack Oliver, from Hawarden, was a rear gunner in the iconic Avro Lancaster bomber in World War Two - taking part in 42 missions. Jack Oliver (Image: Family handout) In RAF bombers, nearly 50 per cent of crew members were killed during the Second World War - but, remarkably, Jack remained unharmed. This gave rise to his nickname of 'Lucky Jack' and people were desperate to fly with him on board. After the war, King George VI presented Jack with a medal and letter of thanks for his efforts during the war - after which he remained in the RAF. He died in 1999 - aged 81. Last Friday, his family were at Hawarden Airport to see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster bomber return there - 80 years to the month it rolled off the production line at what is now the Airbus wings factory. The Lancaster bomber and two Spitfires pictured during the flypast on Friday. (Image: Russell Challinor) Jack's daughter, Vanessa Roberts, her niece, Michelle Sherratt and Michelle's 12-year-old son, Quinn, were all in attendance. "As the Lancaster came into view, all of a sudden all I could think about was my dad stuck in that little bubble at the back being a rear gunner and all the dangers he went through. "I was incredibly emotional and wept into my niece's arms and I so wish he could've been here to see this. "I felt very privileged to see these great planes with my own eyes and it is on my bucket list to be able to go into that little bubble one day to see where my dad spent those terrible days and nights." Quinn, Michelle and Vanessa pictured on Friday. (Image: Handout) MORE NEWS: Michelle recalls Jack telling her about one mission where his toe was stuck in the rigging of the plane as a German plane approached. He was able to yank his toe free, breaking it in the process, so he could fire the machine gun. Vanessa added: "My dad had PTSD from seeing so many of his friends' planes being shot down. I remember my mum used to have to wake him up as he was shouting in his sleep. "He was my hero."
Leader Live
25-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Drone photographer's unique view helps with depression
About 12 months ago, Brett Williams picked up a camera drone for the first time. Before this he had never even owned a camera. A member of the Leader Camera Club Facebook group, the 52-year-old, from Mold, began to share his aerial images on social media of locations from across the county. He often has a positive message behind his shots - recent images and videos have been in support of the fire service and British farmers - and as time went on, had a strong urge to share them. There has been a learning curve in using the drone, including being a responsible operator. This has included applying for permission to fly in restricted airspace, such as around Hawarden Airport. What initially began as a hobby, has become much more to Brett, who is a carer for his wife Carrie Williams. Drone photographer, Brett Williams. (Image: Brett Williams) He said: "It's all completely new to me but I've found a bit of a release in flying the drones. "I've put in quite a bit of time to learn to control it, for safety if nothing else. "I enjoy the flying and the photos. The purpose now is through the images, to bring people together, sharing with those who can't get out. "My drone is a little heart in the sky. There's power in a photograph. It's about building people up in a different world, people over likes." Brett, who has struggled with depression since his teens, has found some peace in his new creative interest. He said: "Depression has been a blight on my life but photography has been the best medicine. "Part of my motivation is to lift someone with a photo, and the support has been brilliant." One recent image was of Mold Cemetery, called Our Shared Loss. Brett had asked on social media for people's thoughts before attempting it, not wanting to be disrespectful but the overwhelming response was a positive 'yes'. Our Shared Loss (Mold Cemetery). Photo: Brett Williams Of this image, he said: "I felt a deep sense of sadness on a recent flight over this cemetery, thinking about the pain of loss felt by all the people who had lost loved ones. "Something we all have to face but at least we can support one another when it happens. Love to all." His bird's eye view of everyday places have proved a hit. An initial fun subject matter was roundabouts, and Brett began getting requests from driving instructors for certain ones, using the unique view to help teach students. Brett has now compiled a file of roundabouts specifically for driving instructors. His perfectly framed shots are more than just the image he sees on the drone. Brett added: "I try to pack in as much as I can about each photo, there has to be more to a picture. "I feel a photo, I'm guided by emotion." • To see more from Brett, and group members from across the region, visit the Leader Camera Club Facebook page.
Rhyl Journal
07-05-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Police urge safe drone use after surge in incursions near airport
The message isn't one of restriction, but safety. Officials say drones can and should be part of a safe, modern airspace - but only when used with proper awareness and approval. 'We're committed to integrating drones safely into our skies,' said PC Dave Jackson, based at Hawarden Airport. 'But pilots need to understand that flying near an airport without permission is not only dangerous - it's illegal.' In recent weeks, multiple drone incursions have been reported within Hawarden's Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) - a controlled airspace that extends 2.5 nautical miles from the runway and covers aircraft approach and departure paths. These incidents are now being jointly investigated by the North Wales and Cheshire police forces. Unauthorised drone flights within the FRZ have caused the closure of the runway, and flights, including the Airbus Beluga XL, to be diverted to other runways. 'This isn't about stopping drone use,' PC Jackson continued. 'It's about protecting aircraft, passengers, and our local communities. We've had a worrying increase in unauthorised flights, and we're acting to make sure drone pilots know what's at stake." PC Jackson said there were several incidents over the bank holiday weekend. (Image: The Flight Restriction Zone around Hawarden Airport) In the UK, police have specific powers under the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021 to enforce drone laws. These powers include making drones land, stopping and searching people or vehicles for drones, and confiscating and keeping drones found during searches. Penalties for violating drone regulations can range from warnings to fines and even imprisonment. Know the rules Flying a drone within Hawarden's Flight Restriction Zone requires explicit permission from the airport. Without it, pilots risk prosecution under UK aviation laws. Officials are asking all drone operators—whether hobbyists or commercial users—to plan ahead and use the tools available to them, including: – to request authorisation to fly in the Flight Restricted Zone at Hawarden. – to request authorisation to fly in the Flight Restricted Zone at Hawarden. Drone Assist – a free app that maps airspace restrictions and helps pilots plan legal routes. – a free app that maps airspace restrictions and helps pilots plan legal routes. The Drone Code – the official guide to safe UK drone flying. A QR code linking directly to The Drone Code will be made available on police communications and local signage. – the official guide to safe UK drone flying. A QR code linking directly to The Drone Code will be made available on police communications and local signage. NATS AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) – the official source of UK airspace data and aviation procedures, available at Drone users can check NOTAMs, airspace classifications, and flight restriction zones in detail. 'The responsibility lies with the pilot,' said PC Jackson. 'Before every flight, you must check where you're flying and whether permission is needed. It only takes a few minutes—and it could save lives. 'Fly smart, fly legal and please check before you fly.' PC Dave Jackson looking out onto the runway at Hawarden Airport. (Image: Newsquest) With airspace becoming increasingly shared between crewed and uncrewed aircraft, the need for responsible flying has never been greater. Authorities are asking drone users to respect restrictions, seek permission, and help keep the skies safe. MORE NEWS: Authorities are also urging parents and guardians who buy drones for children to ensure they understand the rules and responsibilities that come with flying them. 'We often see cases where a young person has flown a drone in restricted airspace without realising the risk,' said PC Jackson. 'But ultimately, the legal responsibility lies with the adult. If you're buying a drone for your child, it's vital you help them understand where they can and cannot fly.' Parents are encouraged to install apps like Drone Assist, read through The Drone Code together, and check the drone's capabilities—especially if it can fly long distances or at high altitudes.
Leader Live
07-05-2025
- Leader Live
Police urge safe drone use after surge in incursions near Hawarden Airport
The message isn't one of restriction, but safety. Officials say drones can and should be part of a safe, modern airspace - but only when used with proper awareness and approval. 'We're committed to integrating drones safely into our skies,' said PC Dave Jackson, based at Hawarden Airport. 'But pilots need to understand that flying near an airport without permission is not only dangerous - it's illegal.' In recent weeks, multiple drone incursions have been reported within Hawarden's Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) - a controlled airspace that extends 2.5 nautical miles from the runway and covers aircraft approach and departure paths. These incidents are now being jointly investigated by the North Wales and Cheshire police forces. Unauthorised drone flights within the FRZ have caused the closure of the runway, and flights, including the Airbus Beluga XL, to be diverted to other runways. 'This isn't about stopping drone use,' PC Jackson continued. 'It's about protecting aircraft, passengers, and our local communities. We've had a worrying increase in unauthorised flights, and we're acting to make sure drone pilots know what's at stake." PC Jackson said there were several incidents over the bank holiday weekend. (Image: The Flight Restriction Zone around Hawarden Airport) In the UK, police have specific powers under the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021 to enforce drone laws. These powers include making drones land, stopping and searching people or vehicles for drones, and confiscating and keeping drones found during searches. Penalties for violating drone regulations can range from warnings to fines and even imprisonment. Know the rules Flying a drone within Hawarden's Flight Restriction Zone requires explicit permission from the airport. Without it, pilots risk prosecution under UK aviation laws. Officials are asking all drone operators—whether hobbyists or commercial users—to plan ahead and use the tools available to them, including: – to request authorisation to fly in the Flight Restricted Zone at Hawarden. – to request authorisation to fly in the Flight Restricted Zone at Hawarden. Drone Assist – a free app that maps airspace restrictions and helps pilots plan legal routes. – a free app that maps airspace restrictions and helps pilots plan legal routes. The Drone Code – the official guide to safe UK drone flying. A QR code linking directly to The Drone Code will be made available on police communications and local signage. – the official guide to safe UK drone flying. A QR code linking directly to The Drone Code will be made available on police communications and local signage. NATS AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) – the official source of UK airspace data and aviation procedures, available at Drone users can check NOTAMs, airspace classifications, and flight restriction zones in detail. 'The responsibility lies with the pilot,' said PC Jackson. 'Before every flight, you must check where you're flying and whether permission is needed. It only takes a few minutes—and it could save lives. 'Fly smart, fly legal and please check before you fly.' PC Dave Jackson looking out onto the runway at Hawarden Airport. (Image: Newsquest) With airspace becoming increasingly shared between crewed and uncrewed aircraft, the need for responsible flying has never been greater. Authorities are asking drone users to respect restrictions, seek permission, and help keep the skies safe. MORE NEWS: Authorities are also urging parents and guardians who buy drones for children to ensure they understand the rules and responsibilities that come with flying them. 'We often see cases where a young person has flown a drone in restricted airspace without realising the risk,' said PC Jackson. 'But ultimately, the legal responsibility lies with the adult. If you're buying a drone for your child, it's vital you help them understand where they can and cannot fly.' Parents are encouraged to install apps like Drone Assist, read through The Drone Code together, and check the drone's capabilities—especially if it can fly long distances or at high altitudes.
