Islanders across the East Wight had their eyes to the skies this afternoon (Thursday) when a RAF C17 Globemaster made a rare appearance in local airspace.
It is not unusual to see the odd Chinook helicopter flying around the Isle of Wight, but it is extremely rare to see a giant of the sky such as the C17 anywhere near the Island. One concerned resident said that the plane looked ‘very sinister’.
The low flying activity has left many wondering why the military aircraft was ‘sightseeing’ up and down the East coast of the Isle of Wight between Bembridge and Ventnor. Island Echo has the answer…
Pat Tapley, who lives in Bembridge, has taken to Facebook to confirm that it was a farewell flight by her son who is retiring from the Royal Air Force after 35 years. Pat has said the flight was quite emotional as he chose to fly over Bembridge and their beach hut at Forelands.
