The Dakota flight from Belfast yesterday was smelly, bumpy and magnificent — but for some people it did not take place at all.

Due to technical problems the DC-3 aircraft, a famed RAF workhorse during the Second World War, left Coventry several hours late.

The first two flights were cancelled, though the operating company Omega Holidays are attempting to put on extra flights today for those who were disappointed.

They included John Hume from Belfast and his son Graham who had bought his Dad a "surprise" present for Father's Day.

The lucky ones — including my wife Hilary and I who had been given the flight as a 40th anniversary wedding present — waited expectantly for the late aircraft to arrive. Councillor William Ward and his wife Ruth from Lisburn told me: " I wanted to fly since I was 9, so this is going to be a great thrill. I would even fly to the back of my garden if I could!"

Film buff Mo Wilson, from East Belfast, said "I watched John Wayne " win" the Second World War flying the Dakota aircraft in movies, so I want to see what it is really like. I want to find out if the seats are made from canvas, or covered in leather!"

After a long frustrating delay we took off, and our full complement included passengers from a history group who were in replica war uniform. The aircraft was noisy, and basically furnished, but surprisingly smooth once it was airborne.

Captain Andrew Dickson piloted his craft in an impressive arc of the stunning scenery over Belfast, Strangford and the North Down coast, before landing again at the Belfast City Airport, where-sadly- we had to wait on the tarmac in the cold, before the airside door to the airport was unlocked.

The organisation and public relations were poor all afternoon but the flight itself was more than a compensation. Mo Wilson said: "It was terrific — but I wanted it to be even rougher!"

It really was memorable, and a fitting farewell to this breed of US aircraft which revolutionised transport in its day. Let's hope, however, there is smoother organisation for the rest of the flights today.