Salisbury Stars Appeal: Wing Walker took to the sky for charity

The wing-walking venture by Downton Leisure Centre’s Dave Taylor took place on Friday, September 1 when the AeroSuperbatics Display Team based at Rendcomb Aerodrome near Cirencester helped him to achieve his two-flights charity goals.

The first flight was a 15-minute trip at 800ft.

Dave Taylor at 3,500 ft (Image: Dave Taylor)

Dave, 60, said: “I could have done this flight all day long. It was very pleasant. They start you on this to be sure you are ok with it.

“The second flight is four times as high. It was more of a challenge. I would do it again, but it is expensive."

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He paid almost £400 for each flight from his own money.

On the second flight, they reached 3500ft before the plane looped the loop and barrel-rolled over Cirencester.

Dave said: “It was surprisingly warm at 800ft but at 3500ft the wind chill at 160mph was -1C. I should have followed the example of the pilot, who had a warm leather jacket, but I was absolutely freezing in my T-shirt.”

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Mathi, Dave and Gus (Image: Dave Taylor)

His business partners Mathi Mathivannan and DLC member Gus Yee also took the 800ft trip.

Dave added: "I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s a real adrenalin buzz and the views- especially at 3500ft were fantastic."

Downton Leisure Centre has raised £3,000 for charity but hopes to raise more. The fundraising was set up to benefit Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal and for Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK. The charity Taxi for war veterans will also benefit.