Al Taylor. Flying is in his Blood. Fighter Pilot Extraordinaire.

Wing Commander Al Taylor.  Flying is in his Blood. Fighter Pilot Extraordinaire

Al grew up during WW2 years: Blackout curtains, gas bags on buses, coupons.   In 1942, he saw 4 x P-39 Air Cobras carry out mock attacks against the Lithgow Small Arms Factory.  He was five and very, very impressed.  Growing up, he built and flew control line model aircraft and studied model radio controlled aircraft.    In 1952, Al had a Joy ride in a Tiger Moth.”

By 1958, Al had joined No 22 City of Sydney Squadron operating Wirraway, Vampire and Meteor followed by Sabres F86 operating in Malaya.

Then twice the speed of sound Mirages fighters came into his life.  This culminated in him leading the Mirage display team.

Al was appointed Commanding Officer of the renowned 77 Squadron

In 1981, Al joined civilian Aerospace contractors.

Still seeking adventure, Al bought a powered hang glider and attempted to fly around Australia for Fred Hollows Foundation.

He followed this with more fun and games on Model radio controlled aircraft together with Flight simulation on computers linked with pilots around the world:  Spitfires in a Battle of Britain scenario, F/A18 from carriers and UH-1H in a Middle East scenario

All good stuff.