Pilot creates a smiley face in the sky as his tribute to the NHS

Posted on 17th June 2020 by Streets


Image to represent Pilot creates a smiley face in the sky as his tribute to the NHS

Mark Jefferies, whose family runs Little Gransden airfield in Cambridgeshire, took to the skies recently to make his tribute to the NHS for their sterling work in looking after those affected by Covid-19.


With lockdown restrictions eased to allow light aircraft to return to the sky, Mark, an accomplished aerobatic pilot and a member of the Global Stars display team, decided he wanted to use the airspace to make a number of unique vapour trail messages and tributes.

Not only did he draw smiley faces in the sky to mark the NHS Clap for Carers, he also did the same for the Knighthood of Captain Tom Moore. However, he did admit he hadn’t planned to write Captain Tom’s name until the last minute.

When asked about the specific display, Mark said: “‘I hadn’t planned to write Captain Tom’s name until the last minute. He did an astounding job and I popped up to do a smiley face for him.”

The images are created at an altitude of two miles using two gallons of cosmetic baby oil to create vapour trails from his Extra 330SC light aircraft. Each heart can be a kilometre (3,300ft) wide and must be above the inversion layer of the atmosphere where the air is still.

With the aviation sector particularly hard hit by the pandemic, Mark is also hoping his displays will help to inspire children to develop an interest in and love of aviation.

When asked about his motivation to do the displays, Mark said: “Covid-19 has had a hugely damaging cascade effect through the aviation industry. 

“An aircraft taking off is only the pinnacle – from cleaners to security, air traffic control and fuel supplies, every aspect you can think of has diminished. We need to be back in the air.”

 


No Advice

The content produced and presented by Streets is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice. Furthermore, it should not be considered a recommendation or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities or other form of financial asset. The information provided by Streets is of a general nature and is not specific for any individual or entity. Appropriate and tailored advice or independent research should be obtained before making any such decisions. Streets does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of obtaining Streets' visual or audible content.

Information

The content used by Streets has been obtained from or is based on sources that we believe to be accurate and reliable. Although reasonable care has been taken in gathering the necessary information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information we publish and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions in material. You should always seek specific advice prior to making any investment, legal or tax decisions.


Expert insight and news straight
to your inbox

Related Articles


Protect your land and property from fraud

It is important to take the necessary steps to protect your land and property from fraud. You are at a higher risk if: Your identity has been stolen You rent out your property You live abroad The property is empty The property is not


Transfers of assets abroad

A new rule aimed at preventing individuals from using companies to avoid taxes through the Transfer of Assets Abroad (ToAA) provisions applies to income arising to persons abroad on and after 6 April 2024. This change affects UK residents who own or


VAT Flat Rate Scheme overview

The VAT Flat Rate Scheme allows businesses to pay VAT as a fixed percentage of their total turnover, which includes VAT. The applicable percentage varies based on the business type. This scheme is designed to simplify VAT accounting, thereby reducing

You might also be interested in...