Elisa Hilton

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Johnny Hates Jazz

Turn Back The Clock

Listen Live Podcasts

RAF Puma 'farewell flight' to pass over Harrogate district

Wednesday, 26 March 2025 11:35

A convoy of three RAF Puma helicopters will pass over the Harrogate area tomorrow. (Images: RAF Benson)

The RAF Puma helicopter convoy will pass over the Harrogate district tomorrow (Thursday) as part of its 'farewell flight.'

RAF Pumas will retire on the 31st March and be withdrawn from service.

And to celebrate more than 50 years of service, three RAF Puma helicopters will fly over sites in the UK that have been associated with the RAF Puma.

The flyover is taking place over two days, departing from their home base at RAF Benson today (Wednesday) before ending at Bangor Castle on day one.

And tomorrow (Thursday) they’ll be heading to RAF Leeming, which is north of Ripon, as part of their journey back to Benson.

The exact time has not been revealed, but the RAF Puma will be seen above Catterick at 11am before making the journey south over the Harrogate area.

The convoy is due above Stafford at 1:23pm and will end back at Benson at 5:47pm.

The flyover has drawn criticism for not incorporating Scotland, however the RAF has said there is “not enough time” to visit all locations that feature in Puma history.

The RAF Puma HC.Mk 2 is a medium support helicopter, which is based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, and operates under Joint Aviation Command (JAC) control.

The RAF Puma is used in a variety of combat roles, including the tactical movement of troops, weapons, ammunition and stores on the battlefield, as well as the extraction of casualties and in response to medical emergencies on the frontline.

It is also used in humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

The first Puma helicopters entered service in June 1971.

Timings and route may change due to weather or other requirements.

More from Local News

Local MP calls for children to be allowed to attend Great Yorkshire Show

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has spoken in Parliament about adopting a more flexible approach to school term-time holidays.
Specsavers to host Halloween events in Ripon

Children in the local community are being invited to take part in a range of Halloween-themed activities at Specsavers Ripon this half term.
Ripon Rotary President, 83, soars down 60mph zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

83-year-old great-grandmother Alys Allardyce, President of the Rotary Club of Ripon, has completed one of Europe’s fastest zip lines to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Harrogate running group supports women's campaign

Local community running group Early Bird Run Crew is inviting women to take part in its early morning 5km runs on Friday, 31st October, in support of the national campaign Let’s Lift The Curfew, led by This Girl Can.
Survey finds residents overwhelmingly reject Harrogate Spring Water expansion

A new independent community survey has revealed that 86% of Harrogate residents disagree or strongly disagree with the proposed Harrogate Spring Water bottling plant expansion.
Harrogate animal charity recieves huge donation from local business

A Harrogate animal charity has received a major boost after a local pet food company responded to its appeal for help.
Local sports coach launches free online sports courses for Harrogate children

Stuart Owen, a local sports coach, is offering free access to online sports courses for all primary school aged children in the Harrogate area through his social enterprise, Skillabus CIC.
Charity ball raises over £200,000 for children's hospice

Martin House hosted a Glitter Ball at Rudding Park to raise money for Martin House Children's Hospice.
Witnesses asked to come forward following fatal crash in Harrogate

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision near Harrogate.
New Cold Bath Road restaurant announces opening date

A new independent restaurant and bar is preparing to open its doors on Harrogate's Cold Bath Road.
Kids eat free at Zizzi in Harrogate this half term

Families in Harrogate can enjoy a great value meal out this October half term, as Zizzi is offering free kids' meals for members of its loyalty club.
Ripon farmer trapped under tractor for 10 hours rescued by Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The latest episode of Yorkshire Air 999 captures the moment both Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopters were called to a life-threatening farming accident near Ripon.
Entries now open for Harrogate's Christmas shop window competition

Entries are now open for Harrogate's Christmas Shop Window Competition, which is making a return.
Harrogate crash leaves pedestrian in hospital

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a crash involving a pedestrian in Harrogate.
Saint Michael's Hospice to host its first running event in Harrogate

Something new is coming to Harrogate, as Saint Michael's Hospice prepares to launch its first ever Harrogate Run - A Run For Everyone.
Quilting and Sewing Show announces return to Harrogate

The popular Quilting and Sewing Show has confirmed it will return to Harrogate next year.
Opening date revealed for Harrogate's new pizzeria

The opening date of Harrogate’s new highly-anticipated pizzeria has been revealed.
Harrogate girl set to appear in Channel 4 equestrian documentary

A Harrogate schoolgirl is set to appear in a Channel 4 documentary next month after a series of equestrian successes throughout the year.
Knaresborough become first town in county to agree double devolution deal

Knaresborough has become the first town in the county to take over services from North Yorkshire Council as part of a so-called double devolution deal.
How to take the fear out of fireworks, according to Harrogate vet

Bonfire Night is a highlight of the autumn calendar – but while the skies light up with dazzling displays, many of our four-legged friends find it a night of fright rather than delight.