Pupils at Cotswold primary schools flying high after RAF Hawk pilot drops in (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Meysey Hampton and Kempsford pupils welcome RAF Air Tattoo pilot

1:43pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in School News By Charlotte Shepherd

PUPILS at two Cotswold primary schools were treated to some top flight entertainment when an RAF solo Hawk T1 display pilot came to call.

Real-life Top Gun Flight Lieutenant Phil Bird touched down at his old primary school Meysey Hampton and paid a visit to Kempsford on his way to thrill the crowds with a display of the Hawk at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford The Hawk pilot from Fairford attended Meysey Hampton school as a child followed by Farmor’s before starting his career with the RAF.

He thrilled pupils at both Meysey Hampton and nearby Kempsford with stories of his career as a fast-jet pilot. He explained to Kempsford pupils: “The last time I was at Kempsford Primary was when I was nine and playing soccer for Meysey Hampton so it’s nice to come back to talk about my work. It’s an awesome job and great fun.”

Class 3 Kempsford teacher Rachel Portch said: “Phil’s visit was fantastic. All the children loved it and so did the staff and they came out really enthused.”