Posted by Flightline UK on 29/07/2010 under Red Bull Air Race | 
Red Bull Air Race GmbH confirmed that for the future success and development of the sport, the World Championship will take a one-year break in 2011.
The organization will use this opportunity to fast track the technological advancements currently in the making which would further improve the already high levels of safety.
There is a need to revise the main organization and commercial areas to realize the full potential of the sport including the development and reinforcement of strong host city partnerships which would secure a long term race calendar.
Posted by Flightline UK on under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
On July 5th 2010 Biggin Hill Airport Ltd. gave notice to Air Displays International Ltd. to summarily terminate the licence under which the Biggin Hill International Air Fair is run. The 25-year licence was originally granted in 1988 and had 3 years to run.
The Air Fair was founded and run throughout its 48-year history by Jock Maitland, a respected figure in the aviation community. Given that the event was universally praised as a model of good management, it was with shock that the notice of termination was received, on the somewhat technical grounds that the Maitland family shareholding in Air Displays International no longer conformed with the terms of the licence.
The reports in the Press attributed to Biggin Hill Airport Ltd Chairman, Mr. Andrew Walters imply a degree of both urgency and legal requirement to assume “a high degree of control” over the Air Fair. The reality is that since 2005, Colin Hitchins, CEO of ADI, has been the CAA approved Display Director, and since Jock Maitland’s retirement in 2006, Colin has been running the Air Fair. With five years of successfully organising the Air Fair, there are neither “new circumstances” nor indeed a legal requirement for the Airport Company to take over the Air Fair at this time, especially since there are only three more years to run under the Air Fair Licence.
The taking over of the Air Fair represents a sad end to the remarkable achievements of Jock Maitland, a man known for his distinguished career in the RAF and USAF, and for services to aviation for which he received an MBE in 2008.
Air Displays International would like to ensure that the record and the history of the Air Fair are fully known and appreciated for the future.
Jock Maitland took a lease of Biggin Hill Airport in 1958, when the Royal Air Force no longer required it as an operational airfield. Both the airfield and Air Fair were run on a series of short-term leases and licenses negotiated with the various local authorities, which in turn were responsible for the airfield. Until 1974 there was no real security of tenure and it is very likely that had it not been for Jock Maitland’s tenacity this historic airfield would have closed and been built over. From 1974 to 1988 the airfield was run sucessfully in cooperation with the London Borough of Bromley and the Air Fair continued its unbroken run with a series of longer-term licenses granted by Bromley.
In 1988 Bromley were obliged by government legislation to privatise the airport and were approached by Airports UK, a subsidiary of the BAA. As part of the buy out, Air Displays International Ltd. were granted a 25-year licence to run the Air Fair. In 1994 Regional Airports Ltd. (owner of Biggin Hill Airport Ltd.) took over the airport from Airports UK along with the obligation to allow Air Displays International to continue to run the Air Fair until July 2013.
In 2002 Jock Maitland’s son Jim, who had been the Managing Director of Air Displays International, resigned after 20 years in order to pursue his other interests and businesses, and as a result, the company structure was altered, giving rise to the breach of the licence which has been used in order to terminate it.
As mentioned above, Colin Hitchins, was appointed CEO in 2004. Under his management, the Air Fair has gone from strength to strength, with the prestige of the event now as high as it has ever been. Jock Maitland, for his part, gradually passed over the running of the event to his management team, and now, aged 85, has been reluctantly retired since 2006. Despite the continued success and safety record of the Air Fair, Biggin Hill Airport Ltd has used its entitlement to serve the notice of termination without further discussion with the management.
The most immediate consequence of which is likely to be the loss of employment for the dedicated and experienced team of 6 full and part time employees of Air Displays International.
Squadron Leader Jock Maitland DFC, MBE
Jock Maitland joined the RAF during the Second World War. He saw active service on Spitfires in Palestine and commanded a squadron of Venoms in the Suez crisis. He served in the USAF as a fighter pilot, during a temporary transfer from the RAF, during the Korean War when he won the Distinguished Flying Cross (US) and was credited with destroying two MiG fighter aircraft. After leaving the RAF in 1958 he became involved in civil aviation with the lease of Biggin Hill Airport followed by the start of the Air Fair in 1963.
Additional comment from Jim Maitland
‘’I regret the Airports decision to terminate the licence 3 years early. There was no legal necessity to do so. My father had retired leaving the management of the show in the hands of a very competent team which had proved itself by delivering a series of highly acclaimed, successful and extremely well organised events .My fathers, and the Maitland family interest would have come to a natural conclusion in 3 years time and I feel that the premature termination of the licence is a completely unjustified and inappropriate way to end a remarkable legacy.’’
Posted by Flightline UK on 27/07/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
Park Cameras and photographic workshop co-ordinator Ian Pack are delighted to introduce an exclusive photographic workshop incorporating one of the U.K’s premier airshow events, The Shoreham ‘Battle of Britain’ Airshow 2010.
Taking place at the historic Shoreham Airport in West Sussex, this years event marks both the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and also the centenary of Shoreham Airport itself, making a special day even more memorable.
The “exclusives” the course offer are:-
- Allocated permit parking
- Exclusive airside photo walk
- Entry into the Executive Lounge
- Central viewpoint from which to view the whole Airshow
- Complementary buffet lunch
- An opportunity to submit your best Airshow image (post show) for the chance for it to be displayed in the 2011 Airshow Brochure
- VIP access to the wider Shoreham Airshow
- Advice and support from experts from the Park Cameras and Ian Pack’s photographic team
- The opportunity to purchase, pre-Airshow, discounted associated ‘Air Event’ products from Park Cameras
- Park Cameras ‘Goody’ Bag
- At the current time we are also working hard with the event organisers to arrange a couple of ‘extra special’ photo opportunities – watch this space for more details!
This course is available at the very special price of £124.99 when ordered by telephone on 01444 237070. Full details of the course are available on the Park Cameras website.
Park Cameras, based in West Sussex, is recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent photographic retailers, offering a comprehensive photographic experience, both instore and online at www.parkcameras.com. With over 7,000 products instock we are able to provide a broad range of photographic solutions, supported by over 450 years of combined photographic knowledge, award-winning customer service and competitive pricing.
The Park Cameras School of Photography offers year-round photographic, software and lighting courses across both day-long workshops and tailored 1-2-1 seminars. Utilising both state-of-the-art inhouse and on location facilities, along with the presence of some of the photo industries most renowned names, our School of Photography is aimed at photographers of all abilities and interests with the sole objective of unlocking their photographic potential.
Posted by Flightline UK on 21/07/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Display Team News and Dates, Royal Air Force |
This years RAFA Shoreham Airshow has been chosen by the Royal Air Forces Association to launch their 2010 Wings Appeal. Director of Fund Raising Rachel Huxford said, “Shoreham has now raised over £1,500,000 for our organisation from its airshow’s with a record sum last year of over £160,000 and we felt it is time the organising team under Don Bean MBE received the thank you they fully deserved from RAFA. Shoreham 21st airshow is an ideal venue to launch our Wings Appeal for this year which provides friendship, help and support to all those who have served or are serving in today’s Royal Air Force and their dependants.”
“Over 30 displays will be taking place this year at Shoreham with more than 60 aircraft in attendance. We are pleased to announce (subject to operational commitments) that the RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic Team will be doing a dedicated fly though each day with other aircraft (to be confirmed). Several of the Red Arrow pilots in the past have flown at Shoreham as display pilots and some will be flying over the display weekend so we felt it would be a nice way to show how much we appreciate Shoreham’s efforts,” Rachel added.
The Blades Aerobatic Team will also be displaying both days in their new RAFA colour scheme under the team leadership of Myles Garland. All the current pilots are ex Red Arrows. There will also be three RAF Harriers at the show with one displaying and the others on static. It is interesting to know that many of the current Red’s and past display pilots have flow the Harrier on operational duties. Andy Offer OBE who founded the Blades Team and was a past team leader for the Reds also displayed the Harrier at Shoreham.
“An ideal way of forging the links of aircraft and display pilots that have attended the show over the years and we are really looking forward to it,” said Don Bean MBE Airshow Organiser.
BBC South Today will also be broadcasting their Friday evening programme on 20th August live from the airport with Sally Taylor at the helm. For more information go to www.shorehamairshow.com
Posted by Flightline UK on 14/07/2010 under Flightline UK Websites, Military Airshows, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Vulcan |
Flightline UK will be tweeting live from the Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford (RIAT.) The tweets can be accessed at the following web address: http://www.airshows.org.uk/2010/airshows/royal-international-air-tattoo-fairford-riat-twitter.html
Posted by Flightline UK on 13/07/2010 under Red Bull Air Race |
The Red Bull Air Race in Budapest has been cancelled this year due to lengthy delays in the permissions process, the organization announced with regret today. Interrupting a six-year tradition of racing in the Hungarian capital, the Red Bull Air Race World Champion will now be crowned after the final race of the 2010 season at EuroSpeedway in Lausitz, Germany on 7th & 8th August.
Budapest has been an annual fixture on the Red Bull Air Race World Championship calendar since 2004 with enormous crowds of more than 600,000 spectators watching the racing from the banks of the Danube River. This year’s race, which would have been the seventh annual race in Budapest, was set for 19th & 20th August.
Red Bull Air Race GmbH CEO Bernd Loidl expressed his disappointment over the Budapest cancellation, which comes just a week after a race cancellation in Portugal due to unexpected delays in reaching a revised host city agreement. But he said he hoped Budapest would be back on the calendar in 2011. Loidl also said the 2011 calendar will be announced after the final round in Germany next month – which will include a return to New York after the historic first race there in June.
“Having safely and successfully executed the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest for the past six years, it was a tough decision to make,” Loidl said. “Following so close to the cancellation of the Portugal race last week, we are obviously disappointed and every effort will be made to see a return to Budapest in 2011. Securing the future of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship is paramount and making tough decisions is part of that process. We look forward to announcing the 2011 calendar after the final round in Germany including a much anticipated return to New York in the United States.”
The battle for the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship will remain intense at Lausitzring in Germany, where defending champion Paul Bonhomme is holding a five-point lead over 2008 champion Hannes Arch of Austria. Arch has won three of the last five races and is confident he can overtake Bonhomme down the home stretch of the 2010 season to take his second title. Red Bull Air Race has been a FAI-recognised world championship since 2005.
Posted by Flightline UK on 07/07/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
The annual Biggin Hill International Air Fair is to revert to management by the airport company, as it was in earlier days when founder Sqdn Ldr Jock Maitland was Airport Manager and CAA licence-holder.
Following the retirement of Jock Maitland five years ago from active involvement in the organisation of the Air Fair through his company Air Displays International and the understandable non-executive status of his son Jim in the company, the family links as organisers have diminished as BHAP Chairman Andrew Walters explains.
“Now that the Maitland family involvement has subsided as principals, the new circumstances are that the airport management and staff are required by law to assume a high degree of control over the air show event. As effective owners and CAA licence-holders, this is now our obligation” he said.
Mr Walters paid tribute to Sqdn Ldr Maitland and his family for the phenomenal success of the Air Fair series that he founded in 1963.
“Millions of people have enjoyed your shows over nearly five decades, which is a personal legacy to you. Hundreds of people – possibly thousands – have been inspired to take up jobs or careers in aviation after experiencing the dynamic appeal of the show. They have much to thank you for, as I do” Mr Walters said.
Mr Walters confirms that ‘the show will go on’ and that a suitable date for 2011 will be agreed soon.
“We shall consult widely with airport stakeholders and tenants before any lasting decisions are made on future arrangements and this consultation will proceed without delay” Mr Walters confirmed.
Posted by Flightline UK on 06/07/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
It has been announced today that London Biggin Hill Airport Ltd have terminated their contract with Air Displays International (ADi) to run the the annual International Air Fair. ADi have organised the Air Fair for 48 years and it remains unclear how and if the Air Fair will continue.
It does appear to be a strange decision as the 2010 Air Fair was without doubt one of the best shows in the Air Fairs history. If it does prove to be the last run by the ADi team, they have at least gone out on a great high.
We sincerely hope that the Air Fair does continue, and with the experienced team that have time after time, produced one of the world’s great airshows.
Posted by Flightline UK on under Military Airshows, Vulcan |
The legendary Vulcan bomber has been added to the Royal International Air Tattoo’s flying display next weekend after its operators won a last-minute battle to have the aircraft airworthy in time for the world’s largest military airshow.
The Vulcan, one of the most iconic warbirds of the Cold War era, was restored to flying condition in 2008 following a massive £7 million public campaign.
In order to display each year, the aircraft has to pass a series of rigorous tests, and operators overcame both financial and technical challenges to ensure that once again, the world’s only airworthy Vulcan would take to the skies for another season.
Vulcan XH558, which was built in 1960, enjoyed a 33-year career in the RAF, including service during the Falklands War. Along with the Valiant and the Victor, the three aircraft comprised the Royal Air Force’s legendary V-bomber force, designed to protect the UK from nuclear threat from the 1950s to the 1980s.
The ambitious restoration of XH558 was supported by a £2.5 million grant from the Lottery Fund, a £500,000 donation from philanthropist Jack Hayward, commercial sponsors plus contributions from more than 20,000 members of the public. The campaign also received significant fundraising support from the Air Tattoo throughout the restoration project.
Last year, its appearance at the Air Tattoo was considered by many to have been the highlight during the airshow’s eight-hour flying display.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Mr Tim Prince said he was delighted to be welcoming back such a popular and unique aircraft. He said: “It’s been touch-and-go as to whether the aircraft would be ready in time but I am absolutely thrilled it is now able to join us. There are few aircraft flying today that can match its beauty and sheer thunderous power. In my mind, it is one of a handful of legendary aircraft, including the Spitfire and Concorde that has the ability to stir the emotions.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 01/07/2010 under Seaside Shows |
This year’s Air Festival is not only promising new aircraft, international teams and a better Night Air evening programme, but new and exclusive for Thursday evening is a superb dusk air display.
Set to take place from approximately 8pm, the display will be an incredible opening addition to this year’s much anticipated event. The confirmed line-up includes a host of ‘new for this year’ aircraft and teams – Royal Netherlands Air Force, displaying their fantastic F-16 Fighting Falcon, The Parachute Regiment Freefall Team – ‘The Red Devils’ and war bird Hunter Jet, ‘Miss Demeanour’. .
Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director commented: “We always said that this summer we wanted to give people more reason to stay longer and see more of the resort; the evening display certainly achieves this. As the UK’s leading aviation festival, we have worked hard to create something distinctive and dynamic.”
In addition to the dusk display, Thursday evening only, the ‘Night Air’ evening entertainment (Thursday – Saturday night) also includes street entertainers, performances by Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Collingwood, performing the Beat Retreat, Royal Marines Combat Display Team, hot air balloon glows, outdoor film screenings, al fresco food stalls in the town square and a firework display on Saturday night.
