Posted by Flightline UK on 31/03/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Royal Air Force | 
A new major sponsor will be involved with this year’s RAFA Shoreham 20th Anniversary Airshow being held on the 22nd and 23rd August.
The Herald Group of Newspapers is linked to all it’s sister publications including the Portsmouth Group Papers through to the Herald in Hastings are now associated to this major UK event. “It will give access to media outlets right across East and West Sussex into Hampshire whilst at the same time giving us the opportunity to sell tickets direct to the public from many of their listed newsagents,” said Don Bean MBE Airshow Organiser.
The Free County Magazine ‘eTc’ will also be involved in promoting the event through West Sussex and Hampshire alongside The West Sussex Gazette and Observer Series of Newspapers. ‘We are delighted to have ‘eTc’ on board as this glossy styled publication has a real market potential to get to it’s readers across Sussex and Hampshire with its many free outlets including major Supermarkets.”
Sponsors for this year’s event are now – Southern Trains – Splash FM – Shell Aviation – Pooley’s Flight Equipment – Winner Plant Hire – Southern Water – The Portsmouth News – eTc Magazine – Bunn Leisure – The Herald Group – Spitfire Ales and Talk Sport Radio.
John Periam Airshow Press Officer said “Plans are well ahead to make this year’s major event different from other years with some spectacular new displays plus some new major support from The Royal Air Force. Now considered by many to be one of the ‘Best Shows in the UK’ we have also looked at the current economic climate when planning the event and its pricing structure – keeping the prices the same as last year.”
Posted by Flightline UK on under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Royal Air Force |
This years RAFA Shoreham Airshow reaches its 20th Anniversary and plans are now well under way for some ‘HIGH IMPACT DISPLAYS’. “Little did we know when Peter Eager our Display Director and my-self decided to hold a small fete at the airfield that some twenty years later the show would now be considered one of the best display venues in the UK having raised over one and a half million pounds for RAFA funds,” said Don Bean MBE Airshow Organiser.
To celebrate this important milestone there are going to be some stunning displays – some old and some very new to the show. “Twenty years is a long time and we want to make 2009 something special. The Royal Air Force is supporting us in a big way this year with the return of the Eurofighter (Typhoon) – Hawk – Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Grob Tutor and The Falcons Parachute Team. We are also awaiting confirmation of a couple of major surprises from them to add to the show,” said John Periam Press Officer.
Displays already booked include the return of the ‘Spitfire and Hurricane Scramble’ plus ‘The World War One Team’ not seen at Shoreham for several years. These two contrasting roles of air combat will offer a comparison of aviation skills used in both fields of conflict. To support these scenarios our ever increasing team of look alkies will be in attendance acting with true professionalism alongside the many aircraft on the ground and in the air.
Aerobatic displays will be well catered for with one of the biggest gatherings of civilian aerobatic teams including – The Blades (all flown by former Red Arrow pilots) – the Guinot Wing Walkers – The Yakolevs and the welcome return of The Matadors. Paul Bonhomme and Steve Jones of The Matadors have been very much involved in The Red Bull Air Racing circuit and are returning to Shoreham to celebrate our milestone.
Peter Teichman of Hanger 11 hopes to have the restored Hurri Bomber ready to display alongside The Mustang. Watch this space also for some more surprises to be announced. If its fast jets you want we have the return of the Typhoon – Gnats – Vampire and plans are under way to get the Hunter. It also looks like a big welcome back also for Sally-B following her major engine problems in 2008.
With the current economic situation and the cutbacks – the organisers have worked hard to monitor costs whilst still retaining the ‘charisma’ of the event which is now considered to be one of the UK’s major aviation venues.
“As a result we have made sure you will not have to dig deep into your pockets to have a true family day out catering for both the young and the old,” said Don Bean.
“We are at the early stages of planning our display schedules and our ground attractions. There will be some special invited guests and celebrities which you will have the opportunity to meet at The Royal Air Forces Association Stand during both days. Once again we have the support of twelve major sponsors who assist us in many ways. A big thank-you goes to them,” said Don Bean.
Tickets are now available from the Airshow Office at Shoreham Airport (01273 441545) and will be available from many selected outlets and order hotlines from May (these will be announced in the press).
Posted by Flightline UK on 27/03/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
The organisers of the “Heart of Scotland Airshow” are delighted to announce that The World Famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team “The Red Arrows” have today confirmed that they will fly their ‘HEART’ in the skies over Perth (Scone) Airfield on the 6th June, 2009.
The HEART will not be the only manoeuvre on show at this event as The Team will also be flying their 2009 Display lasting some 25 minutes. The Pride of the Royal Air Force will show their support to this event of which a donation from the profits will go to the RAF Benevolent Fund which celebrates it’s 90th year this year and who’s logo incorporates a Red Heart in the middle of the RAF Roundel! Shortly after the announcement was made ‘The Team’ left the UK for their Spring training in Greece and Cyprus returning to the UK less than 2 weeks before the Perth Air Show.
Posted by Flightline UK on under Seaside Shows |
Eastbourne are challenging Bournemouth to a head to head airshow challenge with Eastbourne adamant that Airbourne will remain the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow as the Red Arrows return for all FOUR days.
Eastbourne Airshow has taken place every August for the past 17 years and become established as a major international airshow, attracting thousands of visitors to the resort every summer. With Bournemouth announcing their line-up last week, Eastbourne are already beating them hands down as the sunniest resort in the UK has secured crowd favourite, the Red Arrows, for all FOUR days.
An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesperson said “Airbourne has a long running history in Eastbourne building up a reputation as a spectacular international airshow and a major show to be reckoned with. Bournemouth are only just entering their second year, while we have an unrivalled background regularly attracting top flying displays year in year out. It’s going to take a lot for Bournemouth to steal our crown.”
The organisers of Eastbourne Airshow, Eastbourne Borough Council, are preparing for a busy year in 2009 with preparations for Airbourne well underway.
The Red Arrows have already confirmed they will zoom over the town on all four days with their red, white and blue smoke trails forming stunning formations in the sky. Plus the Reds will also make a special ground appearance on Saturday, greeting visitors around the arena.
With the Council appealing to people around the World to help spread the Airbourne word by downloading the airshow logo from the official website and attaching it to any online communication, organisers are using the power of e-marketing to raise awareness of this year’s event.
Airbourne returns to the Sussex coast from 13-16 August and while the Bournemouth event takes place just a week later, visitors that opt for the Eastbourne airshow can enjoy two free events in the town in just one week.
Airshow enthusiasts, residents, and Eastbourne visitors can enjoy the spectacular flying displays from 13-16 August and the following weekend cheer on the gravity racers in the World Downhill Skateboarding Championships at Beachy Head.
Posted by Flightline UK on 26/03/2009 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows, Seaside Shows |
Waddington and Lowestoft will see displays by the French Air Force Alpha Jet solo display. The full calendar is below:-
09 May : Bordeaux Socats
17 May : Châteauroux
23/24 May: Plovdiv (Bulgarie)
30 May: Millau
06/07 June : Cazaux (MNA)
11 June : Cognac (20ans CD)
14 June : Tours (MNA)
19/20 June : Volkel (Hollande)
27/28 June : Reims (MNA)
04/05 July : Waddington (UK)
14 July : Valencienne
19 July : Vigo (Espagne)
23/24 July : Lowestoft (UK)
26 July : Vannes
01 August : Palavas les flots
02 August : Mainfonds
15 August: Saint Tropez
16 August : Toulon
23 August: Berk sur mer
29/30 August : Radom (Pologne)
05 September : Montichiari (Italie)
06 September : Saint Quentin
13 September : Belgrade (Serbie)
19 September : Clermont
20 September : Sanicole (Belgique)
26 September : Moulins
27 September : Lille Merville
04 October : Barcelone (Espagne)
10/11 October : Gergovie
Posted by Flightline UK on 24/03/2009 under European Airshow Council |
EAC Convention 2009
From Thursday March 5th to Saturday March 7th the European Airshow Council organized its 14th Annual Convention in Hasselt (Belgium). With around 50 new delegates out of a total of 150 delegates from a large variety of countries the airshow industries once more showed that the EAC Convention is the first big rendezvous of the year in the European Airshow circuit.
100 YEARS OF AIRSHOWS
During this years’ EAC Convention all interested in the Airshow Industry, including Military and Civil Aviation Authorities, Performers, Organisers and Aerobatic Team representatives as well as Commentators and Journalists gathered in order to discuss standards of safety and excellence in the Airshow Industry. Participants from around the globe took advantage of the excellent networking opportunities offered by the EAC Convention. With delegates from across Europe and countries such as Argentina, Jordan and the West Coast of the USA, as well as a representative from the European Commission and the President of the International Council of Airshows (ICAS) the international scope of the EAC Convention was once more reaffirmed.
During this years’ Convention the airshow industry celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first airshow which took place in Reims (France) in 2009. Pierre-Alain Antoine (FR) remembered the early years of the airshow industry in the beginning of 20th century. Back in 1909 over a million spectators saw an air display in which only 18 planes participated. Mr Diego Canga-Fano (Spain – Deputy Head of the Cabinet of Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission Responsible for Transport) looked into the pan-European challenges for the civil aviation in the near future.
In the key-note speech General Buyse (Chief of Operations and Training of the Belgian Armed Forces) elaborated upon the continued importance of airshows for recruitment purposes. “ In order to be able to fulfil this task airshow organisers need to be creative and need to be able to build bridges between civil and military participants and authorities”, General Buyse said. Today armed forces are deployed in various missions abroad. Therefore, an airshow not only offers an excellent opportunity to show the capabilities of the armed forces but also to show the tactics involved in operational missions.
AWARDS
With the Role Display the RAF created a new and dramatic kind of display showing in a superb way how to integrate operational tactics in an air display in combination with ground troops and pyrotechnics while ensuring that the flight safety was not compromised. Sqn Ldr Andy Pawsey who is considered to be the architect of the RAF Role Display was awarded the Paul Bowen Trophy by a unanimous vote from the multinational Board members of the EAC. Riyad Ayyoub (Chief of maintenance and engineering of the Royal Jordanian Falcons) on the other hand was awarded the prestigious Chairman’s award for his continuous contributions to the airshow industry during the past 25 years.
EAC Convention 2009
SAFETY AND VARIETY
Safety always has been one of the key missions of the EAC. In that respect the tone was set by an excellent presentation by John Cudahy (USA – Chairman of ICAS) who elaborated upon ICAS’ efforts to change the culture of air safety in the USA. James Black (UK) updated the participants on pan-European regulations and standardisations related to the aviation industry, which also includes airshows. On the same topic but from a somewhat different angle Dr Steve Jarvis (UK – Cranfield University) provided some psychological insights into how the mental workload of display pilots can rise to a level that it interferes with situation awareness.
Other new opportunities were discussed by Nigel Lamb (UK) and Chris Norton (UK). In their presentations the former drew on his extensive personal experience to describe the challenges of air racing and the latter outlined innovative marketing and sponsorship strategies behind the Blades Aerobatic Team. In their presentation Hans Rahmann (Germany) and Gerhard Fahnenbruck (Germany) of Stiftung Mayday (Mayday Foundation) discussed their efforts to provide post-incident stress management for pilots.
The range of subjects discussed was fascinating; delegates were challenged by other speakers who spoke of the challenges of designing and performing safe displays in the F-16, and the emerging requirements to combat noise limitations as well as carbon emissions at airshows. There was much to discuss and many ideas to take home to the 23 countries represented at the Convention.
This year’s EAC Convention attracted skilled speakers and excellent presentations and has been very successful. The large number of new delegates from across the airshow Industry has underlined the need for an international body that, together with ICAS, can take the lead in further improving the Airshow Industry.
Posted by Flightline UK on 20/03/2009 under Royal Air Force |
From the Royal Air Force Coningsby website.
Flight Lieutenant Scott Loughran has been announced as the new Typhoon Display Pilot.
The pilot, from 29 (Reserve) Squadron, RAF Coningsby, is due to carry out his first public display at Duxford on 17 May.
Flt Lt Loughran said, “I was delighted to be selected as the Typhoon Display pilot for 2009. I consider myself very lucky to be doing a job which is so challenging and rewarding and I do it with the support of a large number of very committed and skilled personnel. It is a privilege to fly such a formidable, cutting edge multi role aircraft and I hope that everyone will enjoy watching the display as much as I enjoy performing it.”
Flt Lt Loughran was born in Paisley, Scotland. He grew up in Skelmorlie before moving to Largs and attended Largs Academy. He graduated from Glasgow University in 1995 having been a member of the University of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron (UGSAS) and joined the Royal Air Force in the same year as a Navigator. Having completed his Navigator training he joined 43(F) Squadron at RAF Leuchars and contributed to the F3’s presence on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) in the UK and Falkland Islands.
He was subsequently successful in his pursuit of a pilot cross-over and after basic flying training on the Tucano, converted to the Hawk at RAF Valley and completed the tactical phase in Cold Lake, Canada as part of the NATO Flying Training Course. At the end of Fast Jet Training Scott was selected to join the Jaguar Force at RAF Coltishall. Having completed the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) Scott was posted to 54(F) Squadron and immediately deployed with the Squadron to Turkey as part of Operation Northern Watch and the build up to Op Telic. He left 54 (F) Sqn shortly before they disbanded in 2005 but not before taking part in a number of overseas exercises in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Scott’s first role within the Typhoon Force was as an instructor within the Typhoon Training Facility. In July 2006 Scott joined 29(R) Squadron and on completion of the OCU remained on the Sqn and trained as a Typhoon Qualified Pilot Instructor (QPI), since then he has helped to train a number of the current Typhoon Force. At the end of the Display season Scott will take up an executive position on 6 Squadron, which will be re-formed to be the third Front Line Typhoon squadron and the first to operate from RAF Leuchars.
Posted by Flightline UK on under Military Airshows |
The Algerian Air Force will make its Royal International Air Tattoo debut this summer – bringing to 51 the number of countries that have taken part in the Cotswold airshow since it was first held in 1971.
Securing a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from Algeria is a coup for the Air Tattoo as it is rare for aircraft from Africa to take part in UK airshows. From the continent, only South Africa and Morocco have sent aircraft in the past.
Rob Windsor, the Air Tattoo’s Head of Aircraft Operations, said Algeria’s participation reflected the excellent reputation the airshow has built up over the years around the world. He said: “For more than three decades, international air arms have seen the Air Tattoo as a valuable place to meet, build relationships and exchange ideas. It’s particularly pleasing when we have nations joining us for the very first time and it will definitely be something the aircraft enthusiasts will be looking forward to.”
The Air Tattoo will also be welcoming a number of aircraft that are returning following last summer’s cancellation due to flooding. Among them are Portugal’s aerobatic display team the Asas de Portugal, the RAF Red Arrows plus US Air Force aircraft including the B-1B and B-52 bombers.
Mr Windsor said: “Despite their obvious disappointment, aircraft operators who took part last year appreciated our reasons for having to cancel. During the winter, we have introduced a number of initiatives that we believe will minimise the risk of us having to cancel again and we now look forward to opening our gates once again in July.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 19/03/2009 under Royal Air Force |
Posted by Sqn Ldr Andy Pawsey (Light Blue Spy) on UKAR:-
“Regret to announce that the 2009 RAF Tucano display season has been cancelled.
Not a decision taken lightly. All possibilities have been explored but none are viable. Looking forward to seeing Mike back as the 2010 RAF Tucano display pilot.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 18/03/2009 under Military Airshows, Royal Air Force |
From the RAF Tucano Display Team’s website.
“I am sorry to announce that this year’s display pilot, Flt Lt Mike Rutland, was involved in an incident last Thursday whilst practicing his display sequence. As a result of this, Mike will be unable to fly for a number of weeks. Despite rumours circulating on other websites, no official decision has yet been made as to the future of the 2009 Tucano display. As soon as further information is available it will be posted here.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 15/03/2009 under Royal Air Force |
From York Press
THE RAF stunt pilot who ejected from his plane after a problem while performing aerobatics remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Flt Lt Mike Rutland, who lives in York, was flown to hospital in Nottingham with a broken wrist, suspected broken ankle and injuries to his back caused by the G-forces associated with ejecting from a Tucano plane at RAF Linton-on-Ouse on Thursday.
His injuries are not believed to be serious but he was taken by Sea King helicopter to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, which has a specialist spinal unit, as a precaution.
Yesterday, investigators from the RAF’s crash investigation board arrived at the airbase to find out how the crash occurred.
The crash site was cordoned off to allow the investigators to search for evidence. Flights at the base, which trains the next generation of RAF pilots, were suspended. They are due to resume on Monday. A spokesman for RAF Linton-on-Ouse said: “The first concern is to make sure the pilot is okay and the investigators will be looking to interview him when he returns to base.”
The crash happened at 12.25pm on Thursday as Flt Lt Rutland performed manoeuvres above the air base. At the time, the station commander, Group Captain Mike Longstaff, said he could not speculate on how the accident had happened. But he said that Flt Lt Rutland was one of his “finest pilots”.
The pilot, who is married and is thought to have one child, flew a Tornado GR7 during the last Gulf War and was the first to fire the Maverick missile in combat.
He is a specialist aerobatics pilot and trainer and usually performs two flights a day at the base.
He was only recently named as the 2009 Tucano display pilot and was expected to perform at around 50 air shows this summer.
Posted by Flightline UK on 14/03/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Royal Air Force |
Plans are underway for the annual Perth Airport Open Day to be a BIG HEARTED event!
The “Heart of Scotland Airshow” is to be held on 6th June, 2009 at Perth/Scone Airfield and organised by members of the Scottish Aero Club, airport owner Morris Leslie, airport resident Air Charter Scotland along with Angus-based business Squadron Prints Ltd.
The event is still at the planning stage but there will certainly be some major attractions to enthral the public. Aircraft from all over Scotland have been invited to take part including that of the Royal Air Force. Profits from the event will be donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund, celebrating its 90th year, and local Scone Charities.
A fun day out for all the family is planned and a website will be up and running within the next two weeks where advanced tickets will be available to purchase on line. Traders/exhibitors and interested parties wishing details of this event are asked to e-mail perthairshow@yahoo.co.uk or call Gill on 01241 437555.
Further details will be released as acts are confirmed
Posted by Flightline UK on 12/03/2009 under Royal Air Force |
From BBC News
A military aircraft that was performing aerobatics has crashed at an RAF training base in North Yorkshire.
The single-engine Tucano training plane crashed into the perimeter of the airfield at RAF Linton-on-Ouse near York at about 1230 GMT.
Flt Lt Mike Rutland ejected and was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham but was not thought to have been seriously injured.
The Air Accident Investigation branch has begun an investigation.
Linton-on-Ouse is one of the RAF’s busiest airfields, providing training with the Tucano T1.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said: “We can confirm that a two-seater Tucano training aircraft has crashed at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
“The pilot, who was the only person on board, ejected successfully.
“It would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage as an investigation is under way.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 09/03/2009 under Royal Air Force |
From UKAR – Posted by Sqn Ldr Andy Pawsey:-
Here is the full story of the RAF Harrier Season 2009 – minus any conjecture, misinformation and wishful thinking. Plans have been fairly solid for a few weeks but a couple of fairly significant issues needed to squared away. I have held back posting on this subject because I wanted to publish the full picture. However, rumour is everywhere so will give the current position.
No 20(R) Sqn will be providing a Harrier role demonstration this season at a restricted number of venues. The definition of a “display” as opposed to a “role demonstration” is largely an internal one that no one needs to be concerned about. Do not expect bangs! The Harrier will be doing those things the Harrier does best.
The display commitment by No 20(R) Sqn has to be worked around other normal sqn business. This has influenced the choice of venues, which are as follows:
24-25 May 09 – Southend
27-28 Jun 09 – Biggin Hill
4-5 Jul 09 – Waddington
11 Jul 09 – Yeovilton
18-19 Jul 09 – RIAT
29 Jul 09 – Culdrose
12 Sep 09 – Leuchars
In addition to the normal caveats, we do anticipate a change or two.
Posted by Flightline UK on 07/03/2009 under Warbirds and Classic Jets |
BBC Look North Report
