56 Sqn RAF - would you like to join us?

[Talisman]

Hello folks,

 

We are looking for new members, so please send me a personal message on the forum if you would like to try us out for guest flying to see if we are a suitable fit as a squadron for you.  We are active on both WW1 and WW2 servers. 

 

56 Sqn RAF currently fly almost exclusively on IL-2 GB, including Flying Circus, though there are some members who also dabble in DCS. 

 

Our members are a friendly and good natured bunch who have a passion for aircraft and aviation. 

 

Currently we have a hard core of about 6-8 flying regularly on Sundays & Wednesdays, from about 8pm to 10pm local UK time.   Sometimes two or three of us will meet up on other days or nights unofficially and fly casually.  I tend to fly almost every night of the week, so I should easily be able to find time to meet up and fly with anyone who may want to consider joining us.  We are currently looking to set up more regular WW1 Flying Circus flying, particularly on a Saturday night in the Knights of the Sky and Flugpark servers.

 

Our membership is mostly UK based, but we also have members from Poland and the Netherlands.  We don't have a formal rank structure, but on a voluntary basis we agree a new CO for 12 or 6 months at a time to provide leadership and direction.

We have no entry qualification.  Most people join by just asking to fly with us a few times and then sticking around if they would like to continue flying with us.  If you can take-off and land and are willing to fly as part of a pair then you will be OK.  If you would like training then we can provide that and match our flying to meet your needs and ours. 

 

We don't fly 'air display' wingtip formations.  We usually fly a combat spread around 400-800yds apart and we are patient if it takes folks a while to improve their ability to stay with the leader.  We find that we are always learning and are always looking to learn from and support each other.

We aim to fly as a group and stay alive and return to base together, so suicidal types who only want to get kills, die and relaunch alone to do it again will probably not fit in, LOL.

 

We use our own TeamSpeak3 server, broken down into flights when necessary.

The Spitfire and Tempest V are historical rides for 56 Sqn (SE5A for WW1), so we often fly these aircraft, along with the P51 Mustang at the moment, together with the Mosquito, P38 and A20 for mud moving.  The Sopwith Camel is also a favourite on Flying Circus maps.  On Eastern front maps we fly the Spitfire, Hurricane, Yak1bs/Yak7bs/Yak 9 and the Pe2.  You will be given a personal skin for these and a few others.  Some of us lean more towards bombers, some of us lean more towards fighters and some of us like flying bombers just as much as the fighters.  If you would like to join us I think you will find us a broad church and we have a couple of chaps who like to fly LW aircraft too.

 

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me (PM) if you would like to give it a go and come and punch holes in the virtual skies with us.

 

Happy landings,

 

56RAF_Talisman 

Number 56 Virtual Fighter Squadron 'Firebirds' was first formed as an active flight simulation squadron flying Aces High in 2001.  The sqn was formed by Nexx (call sign Replicant).  A number of early members transferred to 56 Sqn from Kraits sqn and Bulldog sqn previously flying in Air Warrior.  

Replicant stood down in March 2001 and Vladd, now flying as Roke, took over as CO.  The sqn moved on to fly the original IL-2 series by Oleg Maddox and then Cliffs of Dover.  The sqn now punches holes in the virtual sky with the new IL-2 GB series and some members also enjoy flying a variety of aircraft in DCS.

The sqn has seen many CO's and members join, leave and return over the years and remains a group focused mainly on flying WW2 era aircraft.  However, members also enjoy flying WW1 aircraft, jet aircraft and helicopters. 

 

Edited September 4, 2023 by 56RAF_Talisman

[RAF56_Springer]

Good evening, Sir!...  After a long hiatus, 56RAF_Springer is back in the air! Sporting an I9 12900KF 32GB of GSkill Z 6400 DDR5 RAM, on an ASUS Maximus Formula Z690 water-cooled MB. EKWB ABP waterblock cooled ASUS TUF RTX 4090 OC. When is everyone online?

[56RAF_Stickz]

hello Springer - we still have squad nights on Sunday and Wednesday 20:00 uk time (GMT at present). Usually for a couple of hours. Pretty much everything Talisman put above is still correct. We also occasionally fly our own co-ops, but that tends to be if servers are full/down whatever.

Some go up a bit earlier and finish earlier - depends on their real life situation (not all of us have passed retirement yet). We have our own teamspeak server, if you contacted Talisman by PM, either of us can send you its details by PM (its p/w protected - and I can never remember it).

Some will also fly afternoons but its pretty ad hoc but have our own email list so can arrange things as well although I thought you already had access to it, but maybe your name got removed during a clean up.

 

[GravelRash]

Hello Chaps

I have tried to send messages to talisman and Stikz but I keep getting you can send zero messages try later??

Anyhow I am interested in having a try out with you guys is you could send me details TS or discord etc I'd like to give it a go.

 

Live in UK

 

Regards GravelRash

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Some here!

 

Am based in the UK.

 

Bulldog

[Talisman]

Thanks for making contact chaps.  PM sent.

 

Happy landings,

 

Talisman

[Talisman]

Currently 2 new recruits have applied to join, so don't hesitate to contact me if anyone would like to join the new intake.

 

Happy landings,

 

Talisman

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Great to fly with you last night, Talisman, and thank you.

 

Flying Circus on Sunday!

 

BD

[Talisman]

Great to fly with you too Bulldog.  Very much looking forward to punching more holes in the virtual sky with you again soon. 

 

Happy landings,

 

Talisman

 

[Rummy63]

I just recently retired and am interested in flying with a group. I own all of IL2 Forgotten Battles and Flying Circus I and II. Have been enjoying flight sims for about 20 years but certainly do not claim to be an expert. Will msg you as well.

[Talisman]

UPDATE

 

Talisman has recently resigned from 56 Sqn.  Please contact current members of 56 Sqn if you are interested in joining up.

 

Happy landings,

 

Talisman