Apache helicopter pilot thrills young boy with a wave

Available for over a year

Sometimes it's the little things in life that mean the most. Maybe a smile, or perhaps a pat on the back, or how about a friendly wave? A three-year-old helicopter fanatic was thrilled when an Apache pilot waved to him while the aircraft was taking off from the airfield at HeliOps on Portland. Wilfred Poole from Litton Cheney had been playing with his toy Apache helicopter in the public viewing area when the British Army Major made the little boy's day. Senior helicopter instructor Mark, nicknamed 'Tally', made the friendly gesture. The attack helicopter pilot has served in the British Army for 33 years and is currently on flying duties with 3 Regiment Army Air Corps. BBC Radio Solent's Dorset Breakfast Show managed to track down Major Mark for a surprise on air re-union with young Wilf and mum Claire. Claire told presenter Steve Harris: "Wilf was thrilled, it brought his toy to life!". The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter designed as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform. It is designed to fight and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world. Wilf celebrates his 4th birthday next month, but as much as he loves helicopters, he also enjoys farming and knows as much about combine harvesters as Apache helicopters.