Main fundraiser photo

Turbulent Display Team Appeal

Hello and welcome to our Gofundme page. We are seeking funds to help rebuild G-ARNZ ("November Zulu"), one of the D31 Turbulent aircraft flown by the Turbulent Display Team, but unfortunately badly damaged after an engine failure. 

The Turbulent Display team is the oldest flying display team in the world. We are a year older than the Royal Air Force’s Aerobatic Team - The Red Arrows. Sadly, we don't have quite the budget of the Red Arrows: we are still flying the same vintage aircraft as when the team was founded in 1959.

2020 has been hard on everyone, and for the Turbulent Display team there have been very few flying displays. We were fortunate to get one display at the historic Stow Maries Great War Airfield in September, but we haven't been able to cover the costs of maintaining our historic aircraft. 

Flying under the limbo poles  in front of the crowd at Stow Maries Wings and Wheels 2020

Sadly, disaster struck  later in the year when one of our much loved aircraft,  November Zulu, suffered an accident. November Zulu was built in 1961 by Rollason Aircraft and Engines at Croydon Airport.  She’s had an eventful life, displaying at many airshows across the UK and further afield.  She is one of only two Turbulents that can be fitted with skis, allowing people to learn new skills in flying.

November Zulu on skis, about to take off

In 2016 November Zulu went for an unexpected swim during an airshow at Herne Bay, when part of the balloon she had just popped went into the carburettor and caused the engine to fail.

Photo Credit: Kent Times

After her dunking she was rebuilt,  and returned to the display circuit in 2018 in a striking orange livery.

Photo Credit: Claire Cargill

In November 2020 she suffered a fuel pump failure and came down on broken ground. Thankfully there were no injuries to her pilot, but the same can't be said of November Zulu. She requires a full rebuild.

The Turbulent is an historic aircraft with a significant place in UK aviation history. It has a royal connection: the Duke of Edinburgh flew Turbulent G-APNZ solo in 1960, reportedly without the Queen's approval. He didn't do it again.


Of the 29 Turbulents built by Rollasons, only 8 are still airworthy. Six of these are with the Turbulent Display team, so it is important for us to keep those aircraft flying, to inspire and promote accessible and affordable sport aviation for all, and to inspire and encourage more people to get involved in aviation and engineering.

The team members have put in their own contributions and time to the rebuild.  But, to rebuild NZ to a level where she’s safe to fly in front of a crowd to today’s high standards, we need a little help from you. We would like to start work as soon as possible so she is ready for the 2022 display season.  We estimate the work will take more than a thousand hours.

Please read more below, but any donation, no matter how small, would be welcome to restore this 60 year old lady to her place at flying displays for generations to come.

We thank you all for your kind and generous support and we hope that you will get great pleasure from seeing NZ displaying again soon. 
 

The Tiger Club
Founded in 1957 the Tiger Club has been the premier home to all aspects of sport flying including formation flying, aerobatics and display flying.  The club has a diverse and inclusive membership base where you can learn to fly vintage aircraft and even train to air show display standards in a friendly and affordable environment.

To find out more and how you can fly these amazing aircraft please visit our website
The Tiger Club 

 
The Turbulent Display Team
The Tiger Club is home to the Turbulent Display Team which was formed in 1959 and is one of the longest running display teams.  The team fly the D31 Turbulent powered by a 1600cc Volkswagen engine and weighing around 350lbs empty.  Despite their size they have lively handling and make for a unique and exciting air show display.

To find out more about the team and their displays please visit our website
Turb Team Website

The Turbulent Team also welcome any sponsorship opportunity for the 2021 season and beyond - our large wings make a great billboard in the sky!

Thank you for your support.

Organizer

Turbulent Team
Organizer
England

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.