Drawdown of Puma 31st March

[JB87]

The end is neigh.

https://bensonpc.org.uk/2025/03/13/draw ... af-benson/

On 31 March the Puma HC.Mk2 helicopters based at RAF Benson will be retired from service. This decision is part of a broader package of Strategic measures aimed at generating savings to reinvest in Defence. The Puma helicopters have been in service since 1971.

Whilst RAF Benson will still operate the Chinook helicopter and Tutor, with the drawdown of the Puma fleet, there will be a noticeable reduction on helicopter activity in the local area. This period of reduced activity may mean RAF Benson is utilised more frequently by visiting aircraft. Once the new medium lift helicopter is in service activity will ramp up once again.

Wg Cdr Tierney, Station Commander at RAF Benson said: “As a Station we would like to thank the local community for your ongoing support to both Station activities and our personnel. A formation of Puma’s will depart from RAF Benson for a farewell flight on the 26 Mar and return on the 27, if you would like to spectate, please do so safely and avoid blocking the crash gates.”

probably a mess worthy topic but the Benson section could use the visits.

[AlexLee05]

Finally some dates and official confirmation of a flypast. Interesting that it's two days, I guess they will go Northern Island as that's a big part of their history

Hopefully I can catch them in the Wye Valley

[tim_raper]

apologies for having to post an Instagram link but it's all I could find.
I don't think you need an account, you should be able to bypass the login, and see the animation

https://www.instagram.com/rafbensonoffi ... bcynJtEPk/

[NAM Updater]

We're pleased to have been included on the Thursday route!

http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/Puma_Final_Flypast

[NAM Updater]

Some additional details have been added to our website concerning the car parking arrangements at the museum on Thursday 27th March for the Farewell Flypast of the Puma HC2

http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/Puma_Flypast_Parking

#54AndOut

[Pat Murphy]

Does anybody knowhow many Pumas will do the Tour?

[Nighthawke]

I cannot recall where I saw it but somewhere it said three.

[MFoster]

I cannot recall where I saw it but somewhere it said three.

Squadron Prints released their patches today - the FACS patch had three on with the callsign WARLOCK which should be the flypast callsign

[NAM Updater]

Does anybody knowhow many Pumas will do the Tour?

On our notification it said three, as advised by Nighthawke above.

[Bob DeBilda]

Has anyone seen timings for Thursday 27th please?

[MFoster]

Has anyone seen timings for Thursday 27th please?

Only seen 2 timings so far

1020z - Barton Aerodrome

1355z Newark Air Museum

[tim_raper]

Has anyone seen timings for Thursday 27th please?

..or indeed the 26th ?

[reaper493]

Benson said they would release them today via social media.

[reaper493]

Times just released -

The RAF Benson Puma’s will commence their final flight on Wednesday 26th March. Join us in celebrating their incredible legacy by sharing your photo of the farewell flight on Facebook or Instagram using #54andout, in a message to Facebook or Instagram or send them into rafbensonpic@gmail.com
Please be aware whilst we endeavour to be at the locations on time there may be factors outside our control that causes some delay.


Day 1 – Wed 26 March
Odiham​ - 0945
Andover​ - 0957
Middle Wallop​ - 1002
Boscombe Down​ - 1007
Salisbury​ - 1013
Abbey Wood​ - 1031
Hereford​ - 1051
RAF Museum Cosford - 1115​
Shawbury - 1126
Hillsborough Castle – 1419
Thiepval Bks - 1421​
Aldergrove – 1430
Bangor Castle - 1655


Day 2 – Thu 27 March
Catterick​ - 1100
Stafford​ - 1323
National Memorial Arboretum​ - 1332
Newark Air Museum​ - 1355
Cranwell​ - 1402
Honington​ - 1604
IWM Duxford​ - 1622
Kensington Palace​ - 1647
RAF Museum Hendon​ - 1651
PJHQ​ - 1656
Halton​ - 1707
High Wycombe​ - 1712
John Radcliffe Hospital​ - 1721
Kidlington​ - 1724
Shrivenham​ - 1735
Benson – 1747

Whilst the route incorporates locations with links to Puma, there is not enough time to visit all locations that feature in Puma history. Of note, Scotland, which has played a key role in the development of the skills of Aircrew through Exercise KUKRI DAWN and Operation RESCRIPT where Puma’s deployed to support medical evacuations during COVID-19 from the remote islands.
Join us in celebrating the Puma share your flight snaps with us #54andout

[martyn75]

On the farewell flight map raf Marham is shown, but a time isn't on the list, could it be a refuel stop?

[Wyvern]

Leeming also missing.

[colt99]

2 hours from Cranwell to Honington is to much time, so almost definately a stop

[tim_raper]

Leeming also missing.

as is the departure time from Benson

[colt99]

Leeming also missing.

as is the departure time from Benson

9.30 is the rumour "at the fence"

[Captain Haddock]

No timings for Valley arrival and departure, Ribblehead Viaduct and Brize Norton. Where's the Mach Loop timings, oops!