The Biggin Hill International Air Fair is arguably one of the largest and most important airshows of year, and it’s one of my personal favourites. The 2009 event was blessed with some of the best weather of the summer which helps Planes TV’s coverage enormously. Narration is provided by Brendan O’Brien, one of Biggin’s large commentary team who opens the footage with a piece to camera.
The display footage starts with the opening act, the Grace Spitfire and an extended interview with Carolyn Grace and some stunning on board footage. With a runtime of just 60 mins though, some of the other display coverage is just short with so many different acts to pack in. As well as the Grace Spitfire, Planes TV had cameras on board for the Spitfire and Messerschmitt dogfight, The Swift Aerobatic Display Team and the Sea Vixen. There’s plenty of very pleasing behind the scenes footage too with clips of the start up procedures of Team Guinot and Red Arrows amongst others. Both the appearance by the Vulcan and the superb Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 with Red Arrows formation are captured well.
One aspect of this production that’s sets this production apart from previously reviewed DVDs are the number of crew interviews covering a wide range of the displays at the show. This kind of coverage adds another dimension to the production giving a real insight into the different displays. A rousing sequence from Nigel Lamb’s finale in Spitfire MH434 set to Jerusalem closes the main feature -- real airshow magic!
As ever there are “interactive in-cockpit sequences” which are far more extensive than in previous reviews with footage from the Grace Spitfire, Sea Vixen, P-40, ARCo Spitfire and the Swift Aerobatic Display Team.
Together with some superb footage, this is without doubt the best Planes TV airshow DVD I’ve reviewed so far as it gives the viewer a taste of all the action they saw as well as that they may have missed from their spot on the crowd-line.
Here in the UK, we still have February, March and April to get through until our airshow season gets underway. However, in other parts of the world, the 2010 season is already getting going. One of the first big shows of the year is the Al Ain Aerobatics Show in the United Arab Emirates. Al Ain in January is a superb venue for an airshow with warm blue skies and the dramatic desert backdrop.
For 2009 and 2010 Al Ain has hosted the AERO GP, an “air-racing” style event organised by Flying Aces who also has an internet broadcasting arm, airsports.tv. For the last two days of the Al Ain Aerobatics Show, airsports.tv has broadcast live footage from the flying displays and AERO GP on it’s website. The Al Ain Aerobatics Show is very much a global airshow bringing the very best acts together from around the world. This year acts came from Croatia, France, Italy, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK, the USA as well as the UAE. While the show does bring in a healthy number of tourists, the live internet coverage gives the show a true global audience.
The footage coming out of Al Ain has been spectucular, though was regular interrupted by adverts for show sponsors and even clips from the 2009 event (infact, I even saw myself in the footage! – Ed) as the footage was also being shown on big screens at the event. However, Airsports.tv’s footage gave a really good feel to this unique event. But why doesn’t such footage appear from UK shows? After all, internet streaming has started to become a popular feature of american airshows and major sporting events.
The cost of setting up the broadcast are perhaps prohibitive; as well as all the camera crews, live production suites and associated facilities are also required. Video footage is professionally captured at many airshows by the likes of Planes TV, but is rarely broadcast live as it’s taken back to their offices to be edited. However, live internet streaming could have some major benefits for some of the UK shows.
The Al Ain show is an important part of Abu Dhabi’s tourist strategy which cites major events such an airshows and Formula 1 motor-racing as vital attractions. In the UK, we also have airshows which are held in support of tourism, namely the big seaside events such as Sunderland, Eastbourne and Bournemouth. Could internet streaming help them? Well yes! Event’s like Bournemouth see themselves growing into international attractions bringing in visitors from Europe for their shows and internet broadcasting would be an ideal platform to promote the event and the town/resort. However, if internet broadcasting is to take off at UK shows, it’s possibly only ever going to happen with some large sponsorship which is unlikely in the current economic climate.
In the meantime, enjoy some of the higlights from Airsports.tv’s coverage of Al Ain 2010:-
The organisers of the Cotswold Air Show (formally known as Kemble Air Show) has released a number of updates this week. The RAF will be sending The Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane), Typhoon, Hawk and Tucano. Also attending as part of a Battle of Britain theme will be Peter Vacher’s Hurricane Mk.1. Specific details of which days the various aircraft are attending are yet to be confirmed.
A complete list of confirmed participants is online in our PREVIEW.
Following his popular talks in 2009, Colonel Richard Graham (USAF Retired), former SR-71 Blackbird pilot, will be returning to Imperial War Museum Duxford on Sunday 28 February 2010.
Colonel Graham will give a talk entitled “Flying the SR-71 Blackbird from RAF Mildenhall” at 11.00am in the Marshall Auditorium in AirSpace.
From 2.00pm Colonel Graham will be hosting walk-around tours of the SR-71 Blackbird that he previously flew at RAF Mildenhall, which now sits in pride of place on display in the American Air Museum. Following the tours, there will also be an opportunity for book signing and for Colonel Graham to answer your questions.
The SR-71 Blackbird is regarded as one of the United States Air Force’s most important Cold War-era aircraft. It was classified as top secret for most of its operational life, flying covert reconnaissance missions from RAF Mildenhall from the mid-1970s onwards. The aircraft played an important role in military conflicts for nearly thirty years, being superceded only when spy satellites came into operation.
Richard Graham’s involvement with the Blackbird continued until his retirement from the USAF, in 1989, as a ighly-decorated pilot with more than 4000 hours of military flying experience.
Colonel Graham’s talks are always incredibly popular. Colonel Graham said “I always enjoy my time speaking to aviation fans at Duxford and answering their questions about the Blackbird.”
Both events on Sunday 28 February are included in the standard admission price to IWM Duxford and all are welcome.
Imperial War Museum Duxford is just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11. Ample free parking is available. For a full list of Duxford’s air shows and other exciting events in 2010, including half term activities for families, visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or telephone 01223 835 000.
Imperial War Museum Duxford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a fascinating range of events in 2010. The Museum celebrates the prominent role played by RAF Duxford in the aerial combat that changed the course of Second World War history.
Duxford and the Battle of Britain
From mid-April to December 2010
AirSpace
Following the popularity of the Duxford Goes to War exhibition in 2009, IWM Duxford presents a new photographic exhibition which portrays life at RAF Duxford during the Battle of Britain. These evocative photographs have captured the men and women who served at RAF Duxford at work and play, giving a unique insight into life at a fighter station during the Second World War. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the summer of 1940.
The exhibition brings visitors face-to-face with some of the heroic characters who flew from Duxford to win the battle in the skies. There is no need to book in advance and admission to this exhibition is included in the standard admission price to the Museum.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF today
Meet the past, celebrate the present
Saturday 15 May
IWM Duxford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a special event to celebrate the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and to launch the Flight’s 2010 season. Visitors will be able to see the legendary aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on ground display alongside contemporary Royal Air Force aircraft. RAF pilots and personnel will meet and mingle with visitors, who will also have the opportunity to chat with Battle of Britain veterans.
The event will also showcase the diverse roles of the contemporary RAF with a range of ground activities, including performances by the renowned Royal Air Force Musicians, and will culminate with a Sunset Ceremony in honour of all RAF personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
This exciting event demonstrates how the camaraderie and bravery of the Battle of Britain pilots continues to inspire the RAF’s contemporary mission. Please note that this event is not an air show. There will be no flying display as part of this event. Tickets for this event will be on sale shortly.
Spring Air Show
Featuring the very best of the RAF, past and present
Sunday 16 May
Following on from the special event on Saturday 15 May, where visitors can mingle with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Royal Air Force on the ground, today we take to the skies for some breath-taking aerial action. See the RAF’s glorious past in flight alongside its sophisticated contemporary aircraft at the Spring Air Show. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight forms the centre-piece of a thrilling air show, where it shares the skies with historic Second World War aircraft and modern RAF assets.
The celebration of the Royal Air Force’s past and present continues on the ground with a range of activities and displays. There will be the opportunity to meet contemporary RAF personnel alongside the ghostly figures of Battle of Britain re-enactors bringing Duxford’s wartime atmosphere vividly to life.
Experience past and present in perfect harmony at this spectacular launch to IWM Duxford’s 2010 flying season.
All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments. Tickets for this event can be purchased by telephone or online.
Summer holiday family activities
Friday 23 July to Tuesday 31 August
IWM Duxford’s summer holiday activities bring the Battle of Britain to life with a range of daily sessions for all the family. Activities include creating ‘make-do-and-mend’ peg aircraft, creating notice holders and Spitfire-related items. Families can learn about the aircraft involved in the Battle of Britain, discover what life was like for a fighter pilot and meet a costumed interpreter recreating the role of a Battle of Britain pilot.
Visitors can drop in and out of sessions – there is no need to book in advance and all activities are included in the standard admission price.
The Battle of Britain Air Show
Duxford’s role in the supreme aerial conflict
Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September
IWM Duxford presents an evocative commemoration of the aerial battle that proved the strategic turning point in the Second World War. The Battle of Britain Air Show remembers the pilots and aircraft synonymous with this renowned aerial conflict, with a particular focus on the pilots stationed at RAF Duxford who came from across the globe to fight for world freedom. Expect to see squadrons of Battle of Britain aircraft at Europe’s best-preserved Second World War airfield.
Tickets for this event can be purchased online or by telephone.
Duxford, Spitfires and the Battle of Britain
Special Interest Lecture Day
Saturday 11 September
10.30am to 4.30pm
Marshall Auditorium, AirSpace
IWM Duxford’s Department for Learning presents a range of Special Interest Days enabling visitors to dig deeper into specific aspects of military history.
As part of the 2010 series of Special Interest Days, Duxford, Spitfires and the Battle of Britain explores, in greater depth, the momentous events of Britain’s ultimate air campaign and considers RAF Duxford’s role within the Battle of Britain.
Carl Warner, Research and Information Manager, Imperial War Museum Duxford, provides an overview of the Battle of Britain. Stephen Woolford MBE, Head of Interpretation and Collections and IWM Duxford, discusses RAF Duxford’s specific role within the aerial conflict.
Howard Cook, pilot for Historic Aircraft Collection, waxes lyrical about the thrill of restoring and flying a vintage Spitfire. A stalwart feature at IWM Duxford’s air shows, Howard has
piloted all Historic Aircraft Collection aircraft, is an Honorary Commander of the 493rd Fighter Squadron, US Air Force, and also flies for Vintage Wings of Canada.
To conclude this fascinating day, James Nicolson tells the amazing story of his uncle Eric James Brindley Nicolson VC. Flight Lieutenant Nicolson was the only Battle of Britain pilot, and indeed the only RAF fighter pilot, to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. His inspirational story is truly incredible and marks him as a revered member of ‘the Few’.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the Battle of Britain – its historical context, heroic
pilots and iconic aircraft.
The Twister Duo will be making their UK display debut at the Abingdon Air and Country Show in May. The team formed late last year with team pilots Peter Wells, Andy Precce and Guy Westgate. The team will perform thier first display at AERO 200 in Germany, but Abingdon will mark the first public display in the UK. A full listing for Abingdon can be found in our preview.
Meanwhile, the Swiss based team “P3 Flyers” have listed RIAT as one of their shows for 2010 marking their UK display debut if confirmed. The latest listings for RIAT can be found in our preview.
We have just posted the review for last year’s Goodwood Revival – you can read it here. Simon Fenwick reports for Flightline UK on this stunning event that encompasses aviation and motorsport in a totally unique atmosphere.
Planning is now under way for the 2010 Abingdon Air & Country Charity Show on Sunday May 2nd at Abingdon airfield,Dalton Barracks,Abingdon,Oxon.This year’s show will be the 11th event organised by the all-volunteer committee and will once again support the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.The show opens at 10.00 am and runs until 5.00pm,although it is hoped that some performers will provide musical entertainment beyond this time to allow people to stay a little longer and avoid the exit queues.
In this the 70th Anniversary year of thew Battle of Britain,we are hoping for a full display from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight including Spitfire,Hurricane and Lancaster.Two of last year’s highlights will,subject to serviceability, be making a welcome return..the Swift glider display and the classic de Havilland Vampire jet.Dominating the static aircraft park will,hopefully, be another of last year’s highlights…the RAF’s gigantic C-17 Globemaster III transport from Brize Norton.Overseas aircraft participation is also being sought,to give us a little international flavour and pleasure flights will be available in a 1940s vintage de Havilland Dove airliner.
Among the non-aviation attractions will be over 400 MG cars(a marque synonymous with the Abingdon area) taking part in an all-points run in to the airfield,together with other historic vehicles,commercial and ex-military,tractors, and at the opposite end of the spectrum a Williams F1 Grand Prix show car.Live music will once again be providied by Fiona Harrison performing her popular medley of 1940s numbers,while further nostalgia will be served-up by several re-enactment groups.
Younger members of the family will also find plenty to keep them amused with a Mobile Farmyard,Dr WHO’s DALEKS,Bouncey Castle,paint-balling etc while arena events lined up include a parade of Harley Davidson motor-cycles and an excellent sheep-dog demonstration with a difference…as well as sheep,the dogs will be working with geese.
Advance tickets will be available to order from our web-site (www.abingdonfayre.com) from February 1st and from selected local outlets soon after.Prices in advance are;-
Adult £10
OAP £6
Chld(5-15yrs) £5
Family £27
Car-parking is FREE and there will be plenty of catering outlets and toilet facilities.
Members of the public can get further information by continually checking the web-site or by telephoning 01235 529142
Spitfire fans will have the chance to see this magnificent aircraft display in a unique setting right on the edge of Northwich, Cheshire, on Sunday May 9.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire will perform in one of the most evocative settings in the world. Displaying right on the edge of this pretty market town, the Spitfire gives a true feeling of what it must have been like to see these iconic aircraft in action 70 years ago. The Thundersprint’s arena setting captures, and amplifies, the growl of the mighty Merlin in all its glory, rather than have it dissipated in the wide open spaces where Spits normally display, and there is not a dry eye amongst the thousands of cheering spectators.
As the tension builds for the start of four hours of non-stop racing, the BBMF Spitfire roars across the sky in salute and the thunder of the mighty Merlin engine echoes from Marks and Spencer’s store wall! Truly, an experience not to be missed for any fan of classic aircraft – and one which is absolutely unique to the Thundersprint.
The Thundersprint is an incredible mix of classic motorcycle racing, street entertainment and fine food which takes over Northwich during the second weekend in May.
The Thundersprint festival has free admission, free parking and free grandstand seating. There is a full programme of entertainment for everyone from hard core petrol heads to Mums and babies looking for a relaxing day out. In fact, there is something for the whole family.
Spectator entry to the Thundersprint is free, as is parking, but arriving early is recommended because Northwich gets very busy.
Imperial War Museum Duxford is delighted to announce that one of its most significant exhibits has been chosen by the BBC and Cambridgeshire museums to tell the story of Cambridgeshire and its place in world history.
The list of 10 objects chosen for Cambridgeshire is part of the wider A History of the World project, formed of a unique partnership between the BBC, the British Museum and 350 museums and institutions across the country. The IWM Duxford exhibit, an unremarkable-looking piece of fabric, is taken from the Flyer, the aircraft in which theWright Brothers made their inaugural flight on 17 December 1903.
This powered, sustained and controlled flight, the first ever, marked the birth of modern aviation. This fascinating artefact gives visitors to Duxford the opportunity to understand how the Wright Brothers succeeded where previous pioneers had not. It is possible to trace the development of aviation technology from that very first flight to the contemporary aircraft of today.
Wright Flyer Fabric
This inaugural flight contributed to the course of history in the 20th century, enabling technological advancement, world exploration, socio-demographic change, economic developments and strategic aerial warfare. Without this piece of fabric, and the flight of this aeroplane, none of the iconic aircraft, that are so admired today, would exist. And there would be no hopping on a plane to those favourite holiday destinations!
Richard Ashton, Director, Imperial War Museum Duxford said, “I am thrilled that the importance of the Wright Flyer has been recognised in terms of its regional significance and its impact on global history. It is fantastic to be collaborating with such illustrious company on a truly exciting project.”
Visitors to this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford can make a saving of up to £9 per ticket if they buy before the end of February.
Special Earlybird tickets, priced £32.50, are available, representing a saving of £5 off the price of the day-specific advance ticket. Until February 28, the booking fee of £4 has also been waived. All tickets for the Air Tattoo must be bought in advance.
This summer’s Air Tattoo takes place on July 17&18 and will feature special tributes marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. It will also focus on the vital role ‘training’ plays in equipping the Armed Forces for operations in the 21st century. Among the aircraft already confirmed for the airshow in July are two Romanian Air Force (Russian-designed) MiG-21s, rarely seen in the UK.
Air Tattoo Deputy Director of Marketing Helen Webb said the specially-priced Earlybird ticket, combined with free entry for all under-16s, meant the airshow offered unrivalled value-for-money for families looking for an exciting day out this summer.
She said: “As was the case last year, no Air Tattoo tickets will be available on the gate in 2010 so people will have to buy in advance if they want to enjoy the world’s greatest military airshow. Buying tickets before February 28, 2010 will not only ensure they’ll be with us next year but they’ll also save money.”
In addition to the day-specific Earlybird tickets, there is also an opportunity to buy tickets valid for either Saturday (July 17) or Sunday (July 18), priced £42.50 as well as tickets for all the various grandstands and enclosures. To see the full range of ticket options, visit airtattoo.com or call the Air Tattoo box office on 0800 107 1940.
The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Since 2005, it has helped raise about £1.3 million for its parent charity.
Rumours on the Scramble forum suggest the Saudi Hawks may be visiting the UK this summer. Representatives from the team recently visited the UK MoD Post-Season display symposium at RAF Northolt and the team announced they were planning to visit the UK at some point during last years Al Ain Aerobatics Show. The shows identified include the Waddington Airshow and RIAT. Neither show has yet confirmed the tour.
Be the First to Comment 
Following his popular talks in 2009, Colonel Richard Graham (USAF Retired), former SR-71 Blackbird pilot, will be returning to Imperial War Museum Duxford on Sunday 28 February 2010.
According to the 
