Visiting CTS @ Kemble and getting a look at a plane

The guys and gals at CTS (Chevron Technical Services) have proven invaluable. Without the help of many people we would not have the opportunity to do the work we want to do for Childline and without CTS no chance of getting our hands on a plane.



In the picture here you'll see (L-R) Neville, Imran, Harry, Laurence, Alf and a kneeling Scooter) in front of the BAE 146-100


So when a few calls earlier this year resulted in an invite to Kemble Airfield we raced to take advantage. Using the old Gymnation mini-bus several of our crew set of for the 40 minutes or so journey. A little confusion on where to go meant we more or less drove around the complete perimeter but eventually we found our way to their offices and had a brief chat. We were then introduced to an engineer of we followed him into the hanger.





It must be said that although we later had the possible chance of a crack at a 747 (more on that another time) on first view the plane we were shown on this visit still seemed a little large and somewhat daunting. But as we walked around and got a feel for the scale it slowly seemed doable. Most of us has pulled the fire safety tender before and that can weigh between 9 tonnes empty and 14 tonnes laden (4 of which will be water) so the idea of 2 or more pulling a BAE 146-100 weighing (in the lightest model) between 29 tonnes empty and 35 tonnes fueled didn't seem too much.


Other engineers came over and soon we were looking at towing points and expanding on the race between staff using two such planes the previous year. Before we knew it and forgetting the words of their boss James in our excitement we were just about to have qa go when he appeared. Apologies abounded - it was just so tempting. Big Laurence had already put on his light weight climbing boots and the rope together with the harness was laid out!!

Leaving left us with a feeling of being that little bit closer to getting a chance to pull a jet airplane and raising as much as possible. Over the many, many years I've had my interest in all things 'Iron' be that weightlifting, bodybuilding, grip, etc I know that the larger and more visual a feat is the better it looks and the more the media likes it. I also know that the opportunity to pull a jet airplance comes but rarely and so we must grab such chances and bless all those that give us such opportunities - cheers ops @ Kemble and cheers to all @ CTS!!