Regular flights under the Clifton Bridge?

[ZeBedie]

The website of the Avon Gorge Hotel claims this:

"In years gone by, newly qualified R.A.F. pilots used to fly under the Clifton Suspension Bridge, to be toasted by their officers standing on the Hotel's Terrace, as part of their initiation ceremony. "

Is there much truth to the claim?

[Warmtoast]

"In years gone by, newly qualified R.A.F. pilots used to fly under the Clifton Suspension Bridge, to be toasted by their officers standing on the Hotel's Terrace, as part of their initiation ceremony. "
Is there much truth to the claim?


Probably not since 1957. See here:
http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/324922-flying-under-bridges-what-where.html

But I'm willing to be proved wrong.

[ZeBedie]

I think it would have been pre-WWII if true. Can't see the officers bothering to drive down from Cranwell though?

[T-21]

Try here also Bristol - Avon Gorge (2) (http://brisray.com/bristol/bagorge2.htm)

[ZeBedie]

T21 - thanks for that.

It says "There was an RFC training squadron at Filton airfield during WW1 and it is believed many of the pilots stayed at the Avon Gorge Hotel (where no doubt there was a good claret available!) The practice of flying under the Bridge was not officially condoned but nevertheless occurred occasionally right up until the 1930's and beyond."

So I'm inclined to believe the story now. I just don't get how the poor chap in the Vampire could have got it so wrong though.