Silverstone to host 2009 World Aerobatics Championship

Posted by Flightline UK on 31/10/2007 under Aerobatics and Competitions | Be the First to Comment

Silverstone Circuit will host the next official FAI World Aerobatic Championship in 2009. This is the first time since 1986 that this most prestigious competition in the world of air sports has been held in the United Kingdom.

Flying Aces, the air sports rights management company, in partnership with the British Aerobatic Association, was awarded the rights to the event by the FAI, the world’s official air sports federation, by voting ballot on Sunday, beating bids from the United States and Germany.

The World Championship, which is held every two years, will take place in August 2009 (dates to be confirmed) at Silverstone, which is known for hosting world-class motorsport events, including the FORMULA 1™ Santander British Grand Prix. The event will be televised internationally.

The World Aerobatic Championship includes two independent championship events: a classic unlimited aerobatic competition and a freestyle competition. The best pilots from around the world will be competing over British soil for the top title in air sports.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said “Silverstone began its life as an airfield and we are proud to be building upon the venue’s heritage by developing another dimension to our portfolio of top international motorsport competition. The World Aerobatic Championships is another example of an elite event that demonstrates Silverstone’s leadership in the world of sport and entertainment.”

Jeff Zaltman, Head of the Organising Committee and Managing Director of Flying Aces, said, “’We are thrilled with the FAI’s decision. This is another great example of the recent emergence of air sports as a new untapped property in the sporting world. The air sports segment is undergoing a revolution that will change the face of sport; and Silverstone’s recognition of this potential – and the FAI’s adoption of new venues – is evidence that air sports such as aerobatics are entering the mainstream. Fans at Silverstone are going to be treated to something very special.”

Alan Cassidy, Chairman of the British Aerobatics Association, said, “Aerobatics is one of the most challenging forms of sport requiring both physical and mental determination in the most demanding conditions possible. Aerobatic pilots endure G-forces that would knock a normal person unconscious. We are excited about the opportunity to showcase our sport at a premier venue and to bring the World Championships home to Britain.”

Sponsorship and hospitality packages for this unique event will become available soon. Please contact the organiser, Flying Aces, for more details.

Flying Aces Ltd, based in London UK owns, manages and exploits global media rights connected to top level aviation sport. Most of the Flying Aces property rights are fully developed in-house while others are managed on behalf of other rights holders. Flying Aces is also the organiser of the internationally-televised Aero GP air racing series and the new TV series “Air Sports World” which covers the range of official FAI Championships (broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK).

Contact: Jeff Zaltman, jzaltman@flyingaces.co.uk, +44 7932 726 990, www.flyingaces.co.uk

Red Arrows unveil new colour scheme

Posted by Flightline UK on under Royal Air Force | Read the First Comment

From Ministry of Defence News Site

The Red Arrows aerobatic display team has today, Wednesday 31 October 2007, unveiled a new paint scheme for its Hawk aircraft, the first change to the world-famous design since the Red Arrows took delivery of the aircraft in 1979.

One of the new look Red Arrows’ Hawk aircraft in flight over Lincoln Cathedral
[Picture: SAC Alex Scott]

The Red Arrows leave the UK on Sunday 4 November 2007 for a six-week good will tour of the Middle and Far East, returning to the UK on 18 December 2007. They are set to visit 13 countries, including Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, India and Pakistan.

During their 15,000 mile trip they will perform their famous air display a total of 18 times: ‘The Red Arrows’ Hawk aircraft are known and loved by millions of people around the world,” said Wing Commander Jas Hawker, ‘Red 1′. “We needed to keep a careful balance between making our famous aircraft unrecognisable and reminding people that we are proud to represent the Royal Air Force.

“This is especially important when many Royal Air Force personnel are away from home, serving overseas in front line operations such as Afghanistan and Iraq. We are a visible way of reminding people of our colleagues’ hard work and professionalism in the line of duty. The change to our aircraft paint scheme will help us to do this more effectively.”

The new paint scheme in close-up
[Picture: SAC Alex Scott]

Wing Commander Hawker continued:

“We are proud to represent the UK overseas. We hope to demonstrate the very best of British to millions of people in the countries we will visit, both in terms of the skill of our people and of the quality of the Hawk aircraft that we fly.”

Flying the BAE Systems Hawk, all nine display pilots are operational fast jet pilots from front line Royal Air Force squadrons. They will be supported during the six-week tour by a support team of 30 Royal Air Force personnel. The aircraft play a key role within the Royal Air Force and other air forces worldwide.

With a top speed exceeding Mach 1.2, the Hawk is powered by a Rolls Royce Adour engine producing 5,200lbs of thrust. During the Red Arrows’ 23-minute displays, pilots pull up to eight times the force of gravity showing off the aircraft’s power and manoeuvrability.

2007 is the Red Arrows’ 43rd display season. Since the team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have performed over 4,000 displays in 53 countries.

Vulcan XH558 returns to the Sky! (18/10/2007)

Posted by Flightline UK on 19/10/2007 under Any other business | Be the First to Comment

Vulcan XH558 returned to the skies today after a long and painstaking restoration for flight. Often dogged by financial problems, the Vulcan to the Sky team have fought long and hard and today their efforts paid off with a succesful first flight.

XH558 was retired to Bruntingthorpe 14 years ago after 33 years on charge with the RAF for what was thought to be a permanent grounding. VttS have faced a number of hurdles, not least changing the policy of the Heritage Lottery Fund to fund a flying restoration.

The first flight was crewed by Dave Thomas and Al McDicken who reported that the aircraft was a jot to fly. The Vulcan is expected to put through a comprehensive flight test program before being displayed on the circuit at air shows and charitable events in 2008.

Flightline UK would like to congratuate VttS on their stunning achievement and look forward to seeing XH558 on the display circuit next year

Shoreham Airshow Accident – 15th September

Posted by Flightline UK on under Any other business | Be the First to Comment

(from Shoreham Airshow Press Release)

Pilot Brian Brown was well know to the organisers of the RAFA Shoreham Airshow and had displayed at this airfield several times. Well known and respected on the aviation circuit his expertise and flying skills will be missed by both fellow pilots and aviation enthusiasts world wide.

Many comments have been received by those attending the display from pilots and aviation publications on how right we were in continuing the flying after this accident. The decision to do this was made by the organisers and safety team at the show after discussions with the other pilots involved.

This is the first major incident in 18 years of running this event.

Display flying has it’s risks and all those involved are well aware of this.
The aircraft and skills of the pilots are paramount in selecting displays
and planning them for the Shoreham Airshow.

There will be another show in 2008.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Brian’s family and his many close friends associated within the aviation world.