A commitment to display - 25 years of excellence

 

The OFMC was formed in by Ray and Mark Hanna with the intention of preserving and maintaining rare historic aircraft in airworthy condition. At the heart of the company's policy is the commitment to display the aircraft in a manner that emulates as closely and safely as possible the roles for which they were originally designed. That they succeeded in fulfilling that ambition reflects the determination and professionalism with which they set about their task.
Both the Hannas had exceptional backgrounds in military and aerobatic flying, Ray as an RAF Squadron Leader and leader of the Red  Arrows in the 1960s, Mark flying Hunters and F-4 Phantoms with the RAF.   From the beginning the company specialised in film and television work, and has an impressive list of credits to it's name, including Piece of Cake, Memphis Belle, Saving Private Ryan, James Bond Tomorrow Never Dies and Empire of the Sun. Ray's daughter Sarah Hanna continues to manage the film and advertising use of the aircraft and has been involved with the company since it's conception.
	The company's Spitfire Mk IX MH434 is probably the most famous of all the Spitfires still flying today. Built in 1943, she had several wartime kills to her name. Purchased by the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1947 MH434 saw action again in Java, then went to the Belgian Air Force as a trainer. Bought by a private owner in 1956, she flew in the Battle of Britain film in 1968. Ray Hanna purchased MH434 for OFMC in 1983.When not in film make-up she flies in her authentic 222 Squadron codes of DB-Z.    Such is the popularity of this Spitfire that a DVD was released called A Spitfire's story, which tells the history of the aircraft and follows  MH434's extensive rebuild, as well as featuring interviews with the Hannas and in-cockpit footage.
Sadly, Mark Hanna was killed aged just 40 in September 1999 in a landing accident while flying OFMC's Buchon, a Spanish license-built version of the Messerschmitt Me109. Despite this grievous loss Ray Hanna continued with OFMC until he died in December 2005 aged 77 at his home in Switzerland .   Ray Hanna, considered by many to be one of the finest display pilots ever, died at home on 1st December 2005. His consummate flying skills were probably best seen by the public in his bravura displays in MH434, skimming the grass at high speed, a sight which will never be forgotten by those privileged to see it.
	From 1999 until 2003 the company flew the highly popular and unique 'Breitling Fighters', consisting of four World War Two fighters, at displays all over Europe .
OFMC continues to operate the Spitfire Mk IX and P-51D Mustang from Duxford. These aircraft are specially chosen to perform the unique air displays that the company’s prestigious pilots perform. OFMC displays are renowned for presenting their fighters in an exciting and safe aerobatic display, either solo or in formation. Today the task of displaying these wonderful aircraft is shared by only 5 pilots, and they are all highly experienced in both aerobatics and display flying.  The pilots are - Lee Proudfoot (Chief Pilot), Nigel Lamb and Paul Bonhomme (both Red Bull Air Race pilots) together with Brian Smith and Alister Kay. OFMC is well known to deliver the very best air displays, and the company’s focus is primarily the display of these aircraft for private and public events, and film work. OFMC’s unique event management is handled by Laura Wetton who looks after the flying displays from initial contact right through to completion with an outstanding level of service. Regular events include the Goodwood Revival, Arundel Festival, Stanley Hall Private Party, Silverstone Race Track and Biggin Hill Air Fair. The aircraft displays carry on the OFMC tradition of showing the aircraft in their original roles, a fitting tribute to the much-missed founders of the company.

 

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