Craigantlet 486 Takes Flight at the Ulster Aviation Society
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
Members of Craigantlet Masonic Lodge of Friendship No. 486, together with family and friends, swapped the Lodge room for the cockpit on Saturday 15 August, when they enjoyed a fascinating and thoroughly entertaining afternoon with the Ulster Aviation Society at Maze Long Kesh, Lisburn.
More than 30 attended the outing, including several grandchildren, making it very much a family occasion and a great opportunity for Brethren, families and friends to enjoy an afternoon together.
The group was warmly welcomed by the Society's volunteer guides before setting off to explore its remarkable collection, which charts many decades of aviation history and reflects Northern Ireland's particularly rich contribution to the story of flight.
From helicopters and propeller-driven aircraft to regional passenger aircraft and some of the most famous military jets ever to take to the skies, there was certainly plenty to see.
Among the aircraft attracting attention were the Phantom, Tornado, Buccaneer, Harrier and Fairey Gannet, together with an impressive collection of helicopters including the Sea King, Puma, Gazelle and Lynx.
The military helicopters also brought back plenty of memories, with several of the aircraft instantly familiar to those who remembered seeing them in the skies over Northern Ireland in years gone by. Seeing them again at close quarters prompted plenty of reminiscence and conversation.
The Shorts regional passenger aircraft prompted rather different memories, with several members recalling journeys aboard these familiar, locally built aircraft. Before long, the familiar instructions came flooding back — seat backs upright, tray tables stowed and window blinds open for take-off! Fortunately, on this occasion there was no turbulence, no baggage allowance to worry about and absolutely no danger of missing the flight.
There were also opportunities to do considerably more than simply admire the aircraft from a distance. Members and their guests were able to climb aboard several exhibits, explore aircraft interiors and, in some cases, take their place in the cockpit.
It was around this point that a few 'Maverick' and 'Goose' ambitions began to surface.
Some were even brave enough to climb into a Red Arrows aircraft and settle themselves into the cockpit. Getting in proved relatively straightforward. Getting out again was another matter entirely.
Nevertheless, dignity was eventually restored, all personnel were successfully extracted and, thankfully, no ejector seats were required.
The Society's knowledgeable volunteers brought the collection to life throughout the afternoon, explaining the history of the aircraft and giving the group an opportunity to see equipment and features that would normally be impossible to appreciate from behind a museum barrier.
The visit also extended well beyond the aircraft themselves. Displays of aircraft engines, flying equipment, uniforms and aviation memorabilia provided a fascinating insight into how aviation and the equipment used by aircrew have developed over the years.
Other exhibitions explored Northern Ireland's important place in aviation history. Of particular interest was the story of the United States Army Air Forces in Northern Ireland during the Second World War, including the significant American presence at Langford Lodge, while the exhibits also reflected the important contribution made by Short Brothers and Belfast's aircraft industry.
With so much packed into the hangars, even those who arrived claiming not to be aviation enthusiasts soon found something to capture their interest.
Thankfully, despite the large number of aircraft, aspiring pilots and tales of aviation exploits, nobody had cause to ask the inevitable Airplane! question: “Surely you can’t be serious?” We were serious — and don't call us Shirley.
The afternoon was, above all, an opportunity for members to enjoy time together away from the Lodge room and to include their families and friends. With several generations represented, from grandchildren upwards, there was plenty of good humour and conversation throughout the visit.
What also impressed everyone was the dedication of the Ulster Aviation Society's volunteers, who give freely of their time to preserve, restore and share this remarkable collection. The Society is run by volunteers and relies on donations and the generosity of visitors and supporters to help preserve Northern Ireland's aviation heritage for future generations.
Craigantlet Lodge of Friendship No. 486 would therefore have no hesitation in recommending a visit to other Lodges, organisations or for a work outing, to anyone seeking an interesting and slightly different social outing. It is an ideal event to which Brethren can bring wives, partners, family and friends — and, as Craigantlet 486 discovered, there is something to interest everyone, from grandchildren to those old enough to remember the Spitfire in service.
After a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, everyone departed safely, all personnel were accounted for, and no ejection seats had been accidentally activated.
With everyone safely back on terra firma, Craigantlet 486 could declare the afternoon a flying success.
