FASTSIGNS Manchester, a signage specialist, has recently completed a project for UK military charity, Wings for Warriors, which recognises the vital support given to the charity by the armed forces community.

Wings for Warriors gives wounded, injured or sick veterans across the UK an opportunity to re-train and move past life-changing injuries or illnesses, gaining access to new careers as commercial pilots.

The plane is used for pilot training, allowing users to undertake a Private Pilot License (PPL), a Commercial Pilot License, before completing the Instrument Rating (IFR). 

Although based in Gloucestershire, the plane – which is flown by wounded, injured and sick service leavers – lands at Manchester’s Barton Airfield, just a stones’ throw from FASTSIGNS Manchester.

As a thanks to charitable donations from both the Veterans’ Foundation and the Douglas Bader Foundation, Wings for Warriors wanted to cement the charities’ support by adding a vinyl graphic of their two emblems – calling in FASTSIGNS Manchester to help.

The plane, coined the ‘Spirit of Bader’, is named after double-amputee flying ace, Sir Douglas Bader, who - across his illustrious career – devoted his time to other pilots who had also lost limbs, making him a worthy role model for the charity’s own work.

FASTSIGNS was tasked with printing and applying a number of decorative vinyl graphics on the plane that showcase the number of local businesses that have generously sponsored the charity.

As part of its work for the charity, FASTSIGNS needed to ensure that the vinyl installed could withstand the conditions in the air.  

Commenting on the project, Richard Wedgwood, director at FASTSIGNS Manchester, said:

“As an aviation enthusiast myself, with my own private pilot’s license, this project was a real delight to be a part of – and it was made even more fulfilling because of the fantastic work that the Wings for Warriors team undertakes day-in-day-out.

“This is the first plane we’ve ever had the chance to vinyl, and to be able to carry it out on a plane of such significance was a true honour. Our vinyls will acknowledge the ongoing support from businesses who continue to back the charity’s ambitious work to help those in the armed forces community.”

Wings for Warriors encourages its graduates to be ‘commercially employable’ and, as such, it trains them to the highest standards as well as seeking to connect veterans to suitable employers.

Director at Wings for Warriors, Mark Radcliffe, added:

“Without support from organisations like the Veterans’ Foundation and the Douglas Bader Foundation, we’d not be able to help servicemen and women in the way we do. 

“It’s important to us that we show our gratitude in any way we can, and we thank FASTSIGNS Manchester for its assistance in helping us to show our appreciation.”