Posted by Flightline UK on 18/04/2009 under Red Bull Air Race | 
Britain’s Paul Bonhomme was pipped to the post today in the first race in this year’s Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Abu Dhabi. Hannes Arch of Austria came from behind to win the race with Nicolas Ivanoff of France taking third place. Britain’s Nigel Lamb established himself as a force to be reckoned with this year, taking fourth in the sizzling heat of the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Australia’s Matt Hall, one of four rookies in the championship this year, had an outstanding performance in his very first race, grabbing a sensational fifth place on the challenging 6.6-km course of Air Gates set up just above the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Arch, the defending world champion, saved his best for last, blazing to victory to the delight of the large crowd of spectators watching from the rim of the Corniche with a time of 1:24.60 – a full 0.89 seconds faster than Bonhomme’s outstanding effort just moments earlier. Arch had stumbled in the Super 8 session and only just qualified for the Final 4 in fourth place. Arch, who also collected one championship point with his victory in Friday’s Qualifying session, then opened up his throttle in the final on a day when temperatures hit 40 degrees Celsius to pick up the 12 points. He will take a three-point lead over Bonhomme (10 points) to the next race in San Diego.
Bonhomme, who had won here in Abu Dhabi last year and led the championship for most of the 2008 season before stumbling late in the year to finish second to Arch, was surprised that his fabulous Final 4 time of 1:25.49 was not enough for the victory. “It felt like a pretty good run,” Bonhomme said. “I was actually quite pleased with that.”
Ivanoff, who took delivery of his Edge 540 just four weeks ago, was elated to be back on the podium after spending most of last year in the lower half of the field. “It’s really a surprise because I only got the plane one month ago and you can’t really expect a result like that,” he said. “It’s a new plane. The technicians were working through the night for the last week to get it ready for the race. It’s a good plane. I need to avoid making so many mistakes. But if you want to go fast, you have to take risks.”
Another rookie, Matthias Dolderer of Germany, also had a bright start to his Red Bull Air Race World Championship career, taking 11th place and collecting his first championship point. Dolderer had started the week cautiously and seemed to improve with each training and racing session.
The 15 pilots in the largest field ever assembled in the history of the race fly the single-propeller planes weighing 540 kg with tremendous precision, reaching speeds of up to 370 kilometres per hour and enduring forces of up to 12G as they navigate through the turn-filled courses just metres above the surface. Last year, more than 3.5 million fans around the world attended the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, which were watched by a total of some 500 million television viewers in 115 countries on six continents.
Posted by Mark Broadbent on 16/04/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
In a major coup, the Abingdon Air & Country Show in Oxfordshire on Sunday May 3rd has, subject to operational requirements, secured an appearance from the RAF’s largest aircraft – the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.
No 99 Squadron at nearby RAF Brize Norton will be flying in one of its five C-17s to the show at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon Airfield, early on the morning of May 3rd.
It will take pride of place in the static aircraft park, before departing back to Brize Norton after the show.
“This is a huge attraction – quite literally!” enthused show organiser Neil Porter. “It will be the largest aircraft to ever land at Abingdon. It’s quite appropriate the C-17 should be visiting the show, because the Abingdon was a Transport Command station during its RAF days.”
He added: “Our show celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and it’s a fitting salute to this wholly volunteer-run, charity event that the RAF is providing this great aircraft for us.”
The RAF C-17 fleet is very busy supporting ongoing overseas operations with its vital strategic heavy-lift role, and so appearances by these aircraft at airshows are understandably rare events – making its appearance at Abingdon all the more special.
The C-17 will be just part of a great family day out, which raises funds for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance.
Air displays comprise the RAF Hawk, Tutor and Chinook, Jet Provost, Dukes of Cassutt, the Army’s Tigers Parachute Team, C-47 Dakota Drag ‘em-oot (a genuine D-Day veteran), P-40 Kittyhawk, P-51D Mustang, DH Vampire, Pembroke, Yak-52 and T-28 Fennec. All these aircraft can also be viewed on the ground.
Weather conditions depending, it is hoped that around 70 light, classic and vintage aircraft will fly in on the day. There will also be a modern day RAF Merlin helicopter and an overseas guest with the return of a US Army UH60 Blackhawk helicopter.
There will be an extensive range of ground attractions including family amusements, a craft marquee and farmers’ market stalls to a Williams Formula 1 show car, tank rides, a Heart Radio interactive studio and Doctor Who Tardis and Daleks. There will also be a nostalgic theme with a 1940s kitchen; WW2 memorabilia; live period music performed by Fiona Harrison and author Richard Holdsworth signing copies of his book “Six Spoons of Sugar”, his moving account of being an evacuee during the war.
Tickets are available now from the show’s website www.abingdonfayre.com and from the following outlets:
- Abingdon Information Office, Abingdon Town Council offices;
- Old Abbey House (opposite Guildhall);
- The Warehouse, Coxeters’ Yard, Abingdon;
- Clothes 4 Work, 138 The Broadway, Didcot;
- Wallingford Information Office;
- Nationwide Building Society branches in Abingdon, Bicester, Didcot, Oxford, Wallingford and Wantage.
For more information visit www.abingdonfayre.com.
Posted by Flightline UK on 15/04/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Military Airshows |
Two of the UK’s most prestigious airshows have worked together to reschedule their previously published show dates for 2012 in order to operate harmoniously alongside the Olympic Games in London.
The airshows in question, the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) and Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) have a history of supporting one another and working together. In 2008, FIA organisers Farnborough International Ltd (FIL) extended the hand of friendship to RIAT customers when its show was unavoidably called off due to extreme weather conditions, by opening the doors of Farnborough’s public airshow to members of Friends of RIAT who had been disappointed by the cancellation of the event which is held yearly at RAF Fairford.
This time, it is RIAT who are helping to accommodate Farnborough ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. FIL had originally planned to hold its biennial airshow in the week of 16-22 July 2012, however as the Olympic Games will take place between 27 July and 12 August in London, organisers were aware that this could potentially cause difficulty for exhibitors and visitors in sourcing accommodation and other vital services for the show.
Traditionally RIAT is held on the weekend prior to FIA in order to enable military chiefs and senior aerospace figures to attend both. A joint decision was therefore made between FIL and RIAT, to move forward the dates of both shows by one week, thus keeping with tradition and ensuring that Farnborough’s exhibitors and visitors can benefit from fully available resources. Farnborough International Airshow 2012 will now take place 9-15 July 2012, preceded by the Royal International Air Tattoo on 7-8 July 2012.
Speaking of the new arrangements, FIL Chief Executive Shaun Ormrod said: “It is vital that the services we require to produce the airshow are readily available and by moving the dates forward by a week we can be sure that they will be. We are also aware that many of our visitors will want to take in all three of these fantastic summer events and we hope that this will make it easier to do that. We are extremely grateful to RIAT for accommodating us to achieve this conclusion.”
Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince added: “We were of course aware that the date changes could have an effect on some of the UK’s other airshows however we explored all options and consulted other organisers who recognised the need for us to change our traditional dates because of the exceptional circumstances and the importance 2012 carries as a year for the UK’s events industry.
“We all feel it is important in a summer when the world’s eyes are focused in our direction that the UK’s aviation events continue to work together and support each other wherever they can. This, the true spirit of British aviation shows UK PLC at its very best and we want to ensure it stays that way.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 12/04/2009 under Military Airshows |
The display calendar for the Dassault Rafale has been releases. There will be two chances to see the Rafale in the UK during the 2009 season. It will debut at RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day.
May
- 25th-26th – Al Dhafra, UAE
- 30th-31st – La Ferte Alais, France
June
- 6th-7th – Cazeaux, France
- 13th-14th – Tours, France
- 15th-21st – Paris, France
- 27th-28th – Reims, France
July
- 4th-5th – Koksidje, Belgium
- 11th – RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day
- 14th – Valenciennes, France
- 18th-19th – RIAT, RAF Fairford
- 26th – Vannes, France
August
- 2nd – Mulhouse-Habsheim, France (TBC)
- 16th – St Tropez, France (TBC)
- 20th-23rd – Moscow, Russia
- 29th-30th – Radom, Poland
Posted by Flightline UK on 07/04/2009 under Military Airshows, Royal Navy |
One of the biggest displays of Royal Navy airpower will be staged at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to mark 100 years of naval aviation.
More than 40 fixed wing and rotary aircraft, from training squadrons and the front line as well as from the Royal Navy Historic Flight, will combine in unique formations in a dramatic demonstration of Fleet Air Arm aviation during the past century.
The Fleet Air Arm is the Royal Navy’s air force, operating around 200 combat aircraft and more than 50 support/training aircraft. They provide the Royal Navy with a multi-role airborne combat capability in all environments, day and night, over the sea and land.
At the Air Tattoo, rare naval aircraft such as the Swordfish, Sea Hawk and Sea Fury will share the skies with their modern counterparts such as the iconic Harrier and the Jetstream. Also taking part will be Lynx and Sea King squadrons, a variety of training aircraft plus the Royal Navy helicopter display team The Black Cats.
Head of Aircraft Operations Rob Windsor said it was a great honour for the Air Tattoo to be chosen as one of only three events in the UK where the mass flypast would take place. The other two are at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
He said: “It’s not every day you have the chance to see the history of Royal Navy aviation before your eyes. It’s going to be quite a spectacle. We hope we’ll also have the opportunity to demonstrate the diverse roles carried out by the Fleet Air Arm including Search and Rescue, anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol. With the Royal Navy’s participation, the Air Tattoo has become a valuable tri-Service event for the British Armed Forces.”
The Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 18-19. is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Advanced tickets only, priced £34.95, are available from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. Under-16s go free.
Posted by Flightline UK on 03/04/2009 under Army Air Corps, Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Seaside Shows |
SWANSEA’S skies will be sizzling with activity this summer thanks to the return of the Wales National Airshow to the city.
Swansea Council is teaming up with the Royal Air Force, the Army and the Navy to organise two days of jaw-dropping entertainment on Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12.
The event will be held along the promenade and across Swansea Bay with ground displays, trade stands and funfairs starting at the Civic Centre and running along the coast towards Mumbles.
And it will tie in with celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of an announcement on July 3 back in 1969 that Swansea was to receive city status.
The Prince of Wales made the announcement from the steps of the Guildhall just two days after his investiture at Caernarvon Castle.
Some of the other plans to mark the occasion include the opportunity for the 1st the Queen’s Dragoon Guards (The Welsh Cavalry) to march with bayonets fixed and colours flying through the city centre to a formal freedom ceremony at The Guildhall on July 11.
And this event will be a double celebration for the Afghanistan veterans because it also marks the 50th anniversary of their formation.
The Wales National Airshow was last held in Swansea two years ago when over 50,000 people from across the UK attended and this year’s event is expected to be bigger and better than ever before.
The Royal Air Force has already confirmed the Red Arrows, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Hawks and Tutors will all be making appearances and the Royal Navy says the Black Cats Helicopter Display Team will also be taking part.
Further participants will be announced over coming weeks with displays set for the ground as well as the air.
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The event two years ago is probably still very much alive in people’s memories and I’m delighted that we have been able to secure the Wales National Airshow as a highlight in this year’s Swansea Bay Summer Festival programme.
“This is a real coup for Swansea as the only Welsh city to be hosting such a prestigious national airshow and it will give local residents and visitors the chance to see some spectacular state-of-the-art technology both in the air and on the ground.
“I’m sure the atmosphere will be terrific and the local economy is sure to benefit from the inevitable influx of visitors over the two days.”
Arfon Davies, of Ammanford, attended the event in 2007.
He said: “It’s great to see major events like this coming to the area.
“I really enjoyed the event two years back and will definitely be coming to the airshow in July. The Typhoon Eurofighter was absolutely amazing.”
Opening times will be approximately 10am to 6pm with flight times to be confirmed closer to the event.
Have a look at www.swanseabayfestival.com for more information.
An appeal is also being made to people celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary from July to December this year and to people celebrating their 40th birthday on July 3 this year to attend a series of garden parties being hosted by the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House.
And any people marking these milestones in 2009 are being asked to contact Swansea Council’s corporate marketing department by emailing corporate.marketing@swansea.gov.uk or by writing to the team at the Civic Centre.
Other plans to celebrate the occasion include the distribution of commemorative coins commissioned from The Royal Mint to babies born on July 3 this year.
Posted by Flightline UK on 02/04/2009 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows, Royal Navy, Seaside Shows |
There are a number of UK airshows included in the display calendar for the Dutch F-16 which is wearing a striking new scheme for 2009.
- 16th-17th April – Vliegerinfodagen GZR, Netherlands
- 13th May – LWD Attachédag, Netherlands
- 24th May – Volkel in de Wolken, Netherlands
- 30th May – Rome, Italy
- 6th-7th June – Cazeaux, France,
- 19th-20th June – Volkel, Netherlands
- 26th-27th June – Zeltweg, Austra
- 27th-28th June – Reims, France
- 4th-5th July – Koksijde, Belgium
- 11th July – RNAS Yeovilton
- 18th-28th July – RIAT, RAF Fairford
- 23rd-24th July – Lowestoft
- 25th-26th July – Sunderland
- 8th-9th August – Dala Jama, Sweden
- 13th-16th August – Eastbourne
- 22ns-23rd August – Roskilde, Denmark
- 29th-30th August – Radom, Poland
- 6th September – Malaga, Spain
- 13th September – RAF Leuchars
- 20th September – Sanicole, Belgium
- 26th-27th September – Malta
- 14th-15th October – Vliegerinfodagen LWD, Netherlands
- 14th-15th November – Nellis AFB, USA
