David Gilmour and Intrepid Aviation |
DAVID GILMOUR & INTREPID AVIATIONThe following are the recollections of Brain Damage regular Chris Kluttz, a fan of the band, and a fan of vintage planes. He therefore decided one day to combine both interests, visiting Intrepid Aviation... Established in 1990 to manage David Gilmour's collection of vintage aircraft, the Intrepid Aviation Company have established themselves as the people to call for anything aeronautical. Operations manager Brendan Walsh's background in the music and film business has proved invaluable in matching the needs of productions with the highly specialised area of aviation filming. Responding to the shortage of filming facilities in the London area, in July 1997 Intrepid Aviation acquired Hangar 4 at North Weald - just 1 hour from Central London by road or 40 minutes by underground. A few years ago, David decided to sell Intrepid, for the following reason (taken from a BBC radio interview in 2002):
My scheduling error was, in fact, a last minute gift, generously given by my parents who sent me to England from the United States. Having lived in the London a few years before, my parents knew how much I wished to return. A well-appointed flat, courtesy of my aunt and uncle, sealed the deal. Despite having missed the event by several weeks, I was excited because in my hands was a note from Intrepid’s go-to guy, Brendan Walsh. After sending an inquiry which I figured would get me nowhere, I had received a note from Brendan, inviting me to Intrepid for a tour.
Upon approach, I noticed that one of the hangars boasted a small seal - that of Intrepid Aviation. Not big enough to draw too much attention, but easily identifiable to the inquisitive eye; I had identified my target location. Immediately next to the hangar was a small trailer/modular building containing the only sign of life - a 3 series BMW.
Walking up to the office trailer, it appeared that I could walk straight in. No one was in sight; only a narrow hallway was on the other side of the windowed door. I entered and it was immediately evident that I was to turn right and walk down the hall to the open office area. However, human nature got the best of me and I became curious. Upon seeing David Gilmour’s photo (in full flight suit) above an office door, I put two and two together, made the conclusion that this was his office, and headed directly for it - in the exact opposite direction of where I was supposed to go. The staff of Intrepid Aviation, obviously not expecting Mr. Gilmour and hearing footsteps headed away from them, immediately began to shout politely, “Hello!? Hello!?” Before responding, I did get an inside view of David Gilmour’s office - a very nice, black leather sofa, a desk and a large Sony television. My memory is all I have of this, as I was quickly scooped up before being able to take a picture.
The staff were all very kind and incredibly accommodating, especially to someone right off the street. As a gesture of my appreciation, I had brought a copy of a book that my friend’s parents had written on World War II soldiers’ journals. (For those interested, and I admit this is a cheap plug, the book is entitled, “A Wartime Log” and is available on Amazon). I handed this to Brendan, giving my thanks and explaining the book’s significance. He was taken aback, as I recall, but I insisted it was the least I could do. On with the tour. Seemingly fascinated with the book, Brendan walked me outside to the hangar, which was open and awaiting my inspection. All these years later, and I’m still impressed by the access that I was given. I climbed in and around all of the planes, snapping several photos as I went.
After spending my hour-plus rummaging about, I knew my time was limited. I believe that had I asked, I could have taken a ride in one of the planes. A dream come true for some, but flying, ironically, is not something I enjoy. Visions of me ruining the inside of a vintage aircraft kept me quiet. Before hopping in with my friend the taxi driver, I again entered the office trailer with Brendan and was given several posters to commemorate my visit. My favorite is a close-up, in flight photo of the Mustang. I still have this framed and hanging in my office at home. Thus concluded my day at Intrepid Aviation. As we drove back to the train station, I stared back at the hangar until it was out of site. When we arrived at the train station I was still smiling from ear to ear. I don’t even remember being upset at the cost of the taxi for the return trip. Our thanks to Chris Kluttz for sharing his memories and pictures with us. Good stuff, Chris! |