In 1997 the RAF’s Exercise ‘Northern Venture’ recognised the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the DHC-1 with a round-the world tour. An attempt to complete the exercise in 1996, the actual year of the 50th anniversary, had been obliged to turn back for reasons beyond its control...
Sqn Ldrs Tony Cowan (expedition leader), Ced Hughes and Bill Purchase shared the duties of flying two Chipmunks, WP833 (c/n C1-0714) and WP962 (c/n C1-0809). Fg Off Tony Severs piloted the support Turbine Islander, which also carried engineer David Gill and support materiel. Each Chipmunk was modified for the trip by the installation of a 24-Imperial gallon auxiliary fuel tank, Garmin GNC-250, a long-range VHF antenna and transponder.
