In support of the 75th Anniversary commemorative flyover on the 5th of June, local radio enthusiasts linked together on the airwaves to track the flight and provide live updates. A small team were based at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, and they were able to provide live information about the delayed start and the takeoff. The information was related instantly over the airwaves to plane spotters across Essex and Kent, and one enthusiast was tracking real-time aircraft position on a map of England using live radio signals sent from the aircraft.
Some of the team from local group Essex Ham gathered on Two Tree Island, Leigh-on-Sea, to watch the flight, and they were able to keep members of the public up-to-date on the flight’s progress, letting photographers know exactly when to get their cameras ready.
Amateur radio is a hobby that allows people to experiment with radio, sending messages around the world, and even into space. You can find out more at www.essexham.co.uk