Posted by Flightline UK on 09/01/2012 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Shoreham | 
The organisers of the RAFA Battle of Britain Shoreham Airshow are delighted to confirm the dates forthe 2012 event as September 1st and 2nd. The theme will be ‘CELEBRATING THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAF CENTRAL FLYING SCHOOL.’The dates have been moved back due to the 2012 Olympics and the limitations of airspace over theSouthern part of the UK. Derek Harber Acting Airshow Organiser said, “These things at times cannot be avoided and we havebeen in lengthy discussions with the CAA and display pilots to select a suitable date that will fit in withthe busy Airshow schedules planned for 2012.” He added, “The theme will be a deserving tribute to the‘RAF Central Flying School’ which has been responsible for flight training for the RAF and we hope toget maximum support both in the air and on the ground from the RAF.”
Changes in general for the show will be announced during 2012. This will include more ground attractions linked to airside ground activity. The Flying Programme will be re-vamped and a specific Flying Display Committee under Display Director Peter Eager has been set up to evaluate new displaysfor the Airshow.
The 2011 show was a great success both weather and attendance wise but the overheads in running anevent this size with the increased costs of fuel has meant that the organising committee have had to look at their total spend to maximise costs to bring in a different yet more appealing show for those attending whilst keeping ticket prices low.
Tickets for this year’s show are already on sale from the Shoreham Airshow Website.
Posted by Flightline UK on 05/01/2012 under Abingdon, Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
The 13TH annual Abingdon Air & Country Show takes place on Sunday 6th May, at Abingdon Airfield, Oxfordshire, one of the regions larger charity events and helping to raise funding for the local Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.
Amongst the first confirmed participants so far are a World War Two P51 Mustang and World War Two Hurricane as part of the Flying Displays, the Hurricane hopping over from its base at North Moreton, Didcot, owned by Peter Vacher. Military participants are being allocated over the coming few months.
On the Ground, varied Arena Displays are being sought, Rock guitarist Rick Chase will be returning, and it is hoped once again one of the locally based Formula One teams will be providing a showcar statically amongst other attractions. There will be a small Static aircraft area also featuring around 40 types, including the United States Army Blackhawk helicopter based in Belgium,and hopefully RAF Benson based Merlin & Puma helicopters, frequent users of the airfield, subject to operations.
The 2011 event raised £8,075.00 for the Air Ambulance Trust after essential running costs were paid for, but the Organiser Neil Porter is hoping this total can be matched in 2012.
The show has raised £23,075.63 for the Air Ambulance since 2007, and a further £14,000 from 2001 – 2006 for the Oxford based Helen & Douglas House Respite Centres.
Advance Tickets will be on sale from 1st Febuary at selected local Tourist Information Centres and online from our website via paypal – www.abingdonfayre.com
On the day prices are Adults £15, Senior Citizens £10, Child 5-15yrs £5, Under 5s Free
Posted by Flightline UK on 01/01/2012 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Display Team News and Dates |
From Clacton and Frinton Gazette:
ONE of the world’s top aerobatics teams has pledged to perform for free at Clacton Air Show next year – if people dig deep for charity.
The Blades, who are all former Red Arrows pilots, will take to the skies over the town if 20 people can each raise £2,000 for the RAF Association’s Wings Appeal.
In return fundraisers will get the chance of a lifetime to fly in formation with The Blades at their home base in Northamptonshire.
Tendring Council leisure boss Stephen Mayzes said it was a groundbreaking proposal.
“The Blades appear regularly at the event and are one of our top attractions,” he said.
“To get them appearing for free would be a major boost, while also raising money for the Wings Appeal and it seemed well worth pursuing with them.”
Anyone can take part, but the minimum age to fly with the Blades is 12 and under-18s will need their parents’ consent.
Anyone interested in joining the Blades in the air should email Blades@rafa.org.uk or call 0116 268 8763.
Posted by Flightline UK on 28/12/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
From EDP24
Officials at the Old Buckenham Airfield revealed this year that they would not be staging a day of aviation displays after 11 years of organising a charity airshow at the former second world war base.
However, the new management at the airfield said the Old Buckenham Airshow would be returning in 2012 with an event on Sunday, June 24. As in previous years, the show is being held to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), which has a base at nearby Quidenham.
Officials from the Touchdown Aero Centre, which operates the airfield, said the airshow would offer displays from perennially popular vintage aircraft to the latest in modern aerobatic machines. The event will also feature a fairground, military static and vintage agricultural displays.
Claire LeLievre, EACH Norfolk fundraiser, said: “We’re delighted to hear that the popular Old Buckenham Airshow will return again next year. Here at EACH we rely upon voluntary donations for the majority of our income, which is why support from events such as the Old Buckenham Airshow are so important to us. All funds raised will allow us to provide care and support to local life-threatened children and their families.”
Organisers are also eager to hear from steam, military and classic vehicle owners who can display their cars with a parade on the runway. All exhibitors will be given free tickets to the event.
Tickets, which will be £12 per person, and £6 for 16s and under, will go on sale online from January 15.
For further information, call 01953 860 806, email airfield@oldbuck.com or visit the website at www.oldbuckenhamairshow.co.uk
Posted by Flightline UK on 24/11/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Seaside Shows |
From The News (Portsmouth)
A FREE air festival which organisers say will rival the best aviation shows in the world is being planned to take place in Portsmouth next summer.
The world’s only aerobatic wingwalking team, the Breitling Wingwalkers, Second World War Spitfire planes and an old Royal Navy Sea Vixen fighter jet are just some of the star attractions being lined up for a seven-hour extravaganza of soaring displays over Southsea Common on Saturday, August 18, 2012.
Organisers of the first-ever Portsmouth Air Festival have pledged the event will be free to the public and expect more than 50,000 people to attend.
The festival will be funded by sponsorship deals and it is hoped it can raise more than £250,000 for charitable causes including the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
The festival’s chief executive, Chichester-based businessman Steve Lawrence, told The News: ‘This will be one of the biggest things to happen in Portsmouth for quite some time.
‘The whole idea behind the air festival is to do something for Portsmouth. The company is not-for-profit – all the money we make will be put back in the business for the next year’s show and we want to make a lot of money for charity. It’s commercially driven. We’ve not asked the council for any money because we aim to cover our own costs.
‘We decided as an event it should be free and of benefit to the community. It’s about putting Portsmouth on the map.’
The full programme is being drawn up in the coming months and the organisers are meeting officials from the Civil Aviation Authority on Tuesday to confirm air space clearance on the day.
Organisers say the festival will also see Southsea Common packed with things for people to do while the aircraft zoom overhead.
There will be static aircraft displays, craft activity tents, and a festival village with food and bars. It will all end with fireworks at 11pm.
Businesses have already begun pledging financial support for the festival, including the global aircraft giant Vector Aerospace which has its UK base in Gosport.
Ken Doig, business development manager for Vector, said: ‘This will be a fantastic event for Portsmouth.
‘As a company we work with the military on a daily basis so we are always looking at ways of supporting military charities. It will also raise awareness of the aerospace industry in Portsmouth.’
Portsmouth City Council is expected to give approval soon for the common to be used. The Lord Mayor, Cllr Cheryl Buggy, said: ‘I was very pleased to learn of the plans for the air festival for August 2012 and I am pleased to add my support to those plans.’
Posted by Flightline UK on 07/10/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Museums, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
The IWM Duxford Autumn Air Show (Sunday 16 October) celebrates the 80th anniversary of the first flightof the iconic Tiger Moth with a superb display by the Tiger Nine Team, which will see nine Tiger Moths inclose formation in the skies above Duxford.
The Tiger Nine formation team was created in the summer of 2005 in response to a request for a flypastof nine Tiger Moths at the 25th de Havilland Moth Club Rally at Woburn Abbey.
Having risen to the challenge, the newly-formed teamwent on to performits full display routine for thenext season.A challenging aircraft to fly in a formation display, the Tiger Moth requires a mature discipline and expert flying skill, particularly when operating a large group of Tiger Moths simultaneously.
There is something quintessentially British about a group ofmen froma diverse range of backgrounds,including airline pilots, ex-RAF pilots, a farmer, a sales executive, a company director, an anaesthetist andan RAF Wing Commander, coming together for the camaraderie and fun of flying such a special aircraft.
The Tiger Nine team is the only team in the world to have nine Tiger Moths in close formation. Its crowdpleasing,spectacularly entertaining display will be a significant highlight of the Autumn Air Show 2011.
The de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth, designed by Geoffrey de Havilland, was first flown on 26 October1931 by de Havilland Chief Test Pilot Hubert Broad.The RAF ordered 35 dual-control Tiger Moth Is which had the company designation DH-82. Asubsequent order was placed for 50 aircraft powered by the de Havilland Gipsy Major I engine which wasthe DH-82A or, to the RAF, Tiger Moth II.The Tiger Moth entered service at the RAF Central Flying School in February 1932.
From the outset, it proved to be an ideal trainer, simple and cheap to own and maintain. The Tiger Moth required a sure andsteady hand to fly it well, enabling instructors to easily weed out inept student pilots. Whilst generally docile and forgiving in the normal flight phases encountered during initial training, when used foraerobatic and formation training, the Tiger Moth required definite skill and concentration to performwell.A botched manoeuvre could easily cause the aircraft to stall or spin.
Percival Leggett trained on Tiger Moths during the Second World War in Cambridgeshire:“The Tiger Moth is easy to fly. No vicious tendencies at all. It’s very responsive to the controls.Most people, I think, found landing rather tricky, because…it is quite a small aeroplane, with a very smallundercarriage. It is very close to the ground. And coming in to land one finds it difficult to decide just atwhat point you should draw back the stick to land the aircraft. Most people tend to start easing off toohigh, with the result that either the aircraft stalls or theymiss the airfield altogether.But that apart it’s a good aeroplane – very reliable. We did have one engine failure fromone of the pupils but hemanaged to force land it in a field. It’s a good aeroplane, and still flying today!”
By the start of the SecondWorld War, the RAF had 500 Tiger Moths in service. During a British productionrun of over 7000 Tiger Moths, a total of 4005 Tiger Moth IIs were built during the war specifically for theRAF.The Tiger Moth became the foremost primary trainer throughout the Commonwealth and elsewhere andremained in service with the RAF until it was replaced by the de Havilland Chipmunk in 1952.
Post-war, large numbers of surplus Tiger Moths weremade available for sale to flying clubs and privateindividuals. Inexpensive to operate, the aircraft took on new civilian roles including aerial advertising, airambulance, aerobatic performer, crop duster and glider tug.
Posted by Flightline UK on 02/09/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
Wings & Wheels firmly cemented its reputation as one of the best family airshows in the UK over the August bank holiday. More than 30,000 visitors were treated to action-packed five-hour flying displays, thrilling all day motoring demonstrations and an Arena packed with exciting new Zones and shopping experiences.
The RAF Hawk Display Team’s first female pilot, Flt Lt Juliette ‘Jules’ Fleming put on a thrilling solo display in a Hawk T1, a fitting tribute to ‘Women in the Air’ day, held to mark the 100th anniversary of the first British woman to get a pilot’s licence, Hilda Hewlitt who made history at Brooklands on August 29 in 1911.
The 60th anniversary of the Hawker Hunter fighter jet was also marked by a unique formation display from the Royal Navy Hawker Sea Fury and the colourful ‘Miss Demeanour’ Hunter, as well as Team Viper – the only Hunter formation team in the world – demonstrating their power to the crowds.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster, provided a fabulous flypast whilst a Second World War P-51 Mustang performed a stunning finale to the weekend. Favourites the Brietling Wingwalkers, Glider FX and Brendan O’ Brien’s Flying Circus with Mr Booglaloo and The Blades, Matadors and Sabre F-86 didn’t disappoint as they helped make-up the Wings of the Show.
New additions to the Arena, The Stunt Zone sponsored by Ford and featuring world record holder Paul Swift was an instant hit with the crowds as he demonstrated fast action parallel parking, j-turns, pirouettes and two wheel driving. Visitors also found themselves dancing through the new 1940s and Military Zones as Nick Kirby and Alison Nott from Everythins’ Jumpin’ gave jive dance master classes.
The Hot Rod Zone got everyone’s toes tapping to some rockabilly music courtesy of The Radio Ramblers featuring The Blackwater Valley Boys and Lynette Morgan. The Hot Rod cars, courtesy of the Detonators Car Club, powered up and down the runway with special guests from Help for Heroes Tedworth House co-piloting as they joined Brooklands Museum’s spectacular motoring demonstrations of modern and classic cars and motorcycles.
On a more poignant note the Show held a moving tribute to Red Arrows pilot, Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, as the poem ‘High Flight’ was read before the whole event came to a standstill observing a one minute silence. Over 2,000 visitors on both days paid their personal respects by signing books of condolence that will be passed on to Flt Lt Egging’s family.
Jamie McAllister, Events Director, Wings & Wheels said: “Over the last seven years, Wings & Wheels has helped Dunsfold Aerodrome raise more than £250,000 for charitable causes. Each year a small team of staff and a dedicated group of volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the Airshow happens and is a huge success. I would like to thank all of these individuals and all those who have supported the show through sponsorship, donations and by purchasing tickets. This year’s Show was our best yet!”
Posted by Flightline UK on 05/08/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Vulcan, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm the Avro Vulcan XH558 will now also participate at Dunsfold Wings & Wheels on Sunday 28th, as well as Monday 29th August. The world’s only Avro Vulcan capable of flying will form one of the key attractions in the Airshow’s five hour flying displays thanks to the support of key sponsor, Aerobytes Ltd.
Airworthy again after more than 10 years of campaigning and comprehensive restoration work by the ‘Vulcan to the Sky Trust’, the striking delta-wing bomber was the last of its kind to serve in the Royal Air Force. The aircraft was de-commissioned in 1993 & returned to the skies at Bruntingthorpe in October 2007. Last year, the iconic aircraft celebrated the 50th anniversary of its very first flight.
Eddie Forrester, Managing Director, Aerobytes Ltd says: “Aerobytes is passionate about keeping the Vulcan where it belongs, in the sky! We are delighted to be able to support both the bomber and Wings & Wheels by sponsoring the display and bringing this breathtaking aircraft to Dunsfold Aerodrome.”
Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Vulcan drew a huge crowd to last year’s Wings & Wheels. We are all really excited to confirm she will be displaying on both days this year and would like to thank Aerobytes for helping to make this possible. The Vulcan is another iconic addition to an already incredible line-up of aviation favourites. Tickets are now on sale from £18 and can be purchased from www.wingsandwheels.net.”
It costs around £2M each year to maintain & operate the Vulcan. This is funded by a small army of several thousand individuals and companies like Aerobytes Ltd. As ever, the finances of the Vulcan are precariously balanced on the edge so your help would be gratefully received. For more information visit http://www.vulcantothesky.org/
Also included in the Wings line-up are the:
• de Havilland Vampire T11
• Team Viper (5 Hunter formation team)
• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane)
• RAF Hawk T1
• RAF Tucano T1
• RAF Tutor T1
• Royal Navy Lynx Helicopter
• Royal Navy Historic Flight (Sea Hawk & Sea Fury)
• Tigers Parachute Team
• Hawker Hunter – Miss Demeanour
• Hangar 11 (Curtiss Kittyhawk, Hawker Hurricane)
• Old Flying Machine Company (Supermarine Spitfire, Mustang P51D)
• The Blades
• Breitling Wingwalkers
• Red Bull Matadors
• Avro Vulcan XH558
The 7th annual Wings and Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Sunday 28th & Monday 29th August 2011, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 18:30.
Tickets start from £18 for adults, £40 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £5 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £125 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book tickets call 08712 305572.
Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust, Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust, Help for Heroes and Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.
Posted by Flightline UK on 11/07/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Museums, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Imperial War Museum Duxford can confirm that the flying incident at yesterday’s air show was a mid-air collision between North American P-51D Mustang (D-FBBD) and Douglas AD-4NA Skyraider (F-AZDP).
The incident took place over agricultural land to the south west of the airfield just after 5.00pm, at the end of the flying display.
The Skyraider suffered damage to its starboard wing, though was able to land safely. The pilot was unharmed.
The pilot of the Mustang baled out of the damaged aircraft and parachuted to safety, suffering minor injuries. The aircraft came down in a field away from buildings or property.
There was an immediate response by the onsite emergency services in accordance with Imperial War Museum Duxford’s event safety plan, co-ordinated by Cambridgeshire Constabulary, who were already present at the air show as is normal practice.
Members of the public were not involved in the incident.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has today begun its formal enquiry into the incident and the Imperial War Museum is complying fully with the requirements of the AAIB’s investigation team.
Imperial War Museum Duxford is aware that the AAIB’s investigation can take some time and there will therefore be an immediate internal review to determine if any changes to flying procedures are required.
Posted by Flightline UK on 16/05/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Museums |
Imperial War Museum Duxford has today launched an innovative and exciting Smartphone Application for the 2011 air show season. The Duxford Air Shows 2011 App is now available for download from the Apple store and Android marketplace.
The App provides a dynamic on-the-day flying schedule for each of the Museum’s famous air shows, which automatically updates the phone screen with details of each aircraft taking part in the show as its display commences. It also provides an extensive library of photography, statistics and information about over 150 classic aircraft, some of which can be seen flying in the Duxford air shows, and where in the Museum’s exhibitions you can find out more about them.
App users can keep a log of their favourite aircraft, add them to a schedule and receive a live countdown to inform them when that aircraft will take to the skies. With a map highlighting useful amenities at the Museum, the App is an indispensible tool for ensuring maximum enjoyment of Duxford’s celebrated air shows. Duxford’s first air show of 2011 is the Spring Air Show on Sunday 22 May.
Whether you are in the audience at Duxford eagerly awaiting the first aircraft display or are virtually engaging with the air show from elsewhere in the world, the Air Show App will keep you informed of all aircraft displays as they happen. As a special introduction, the App is FREE for a limited time. It can be downloaded at any time in the run up to the Spring Air Show and on the day itself. IWM Duxford is providing wifi access at the Museum to help people download on the day.
This dynamic guide to the Spring Air Show, and our other air shows in 2011, is a first for Duxford and demonstrates the Imperial War Museum’s commitment to innovation in new technologies and to improving our visitor experience. It aims to be the most innovative air show app around. For further information go to http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows
Posted by Flightline UK on 21/04/2011 under Army Air Corps, Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Display Team News and Dates, European Airshow Council, Military Airshows, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Seaside Shows, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Leading figures from the UK aviation and airshow industries met in Gloucestershire this month to launch the British Air Display Association (BADA).
The association, which announced an initial membership of 82, aims to be the focal point for developing and encouraging safe practices as well as promoting the industry to those involved in staging airshows, including display pilots, organisers, and authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority and the Military Aviation Authority.
Held at the headquarters of the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, the inaugural meeting saw the election of a committee to run the association. It comprises: Acting Chairman Ian Sheeley; Acting Vice Chairman George Bacon; Secretary Robert Windsor; Treasurer Colin Hitchins and committee members Geoff Brindle, Rod Dean, Dave Walton, John Davies, Rick Peacock-Edwards and Glen Moreman.
Ian Sheeley said: “the inaugural meeting was a great way to launch this new national association with an encouraging number of members present. The new committee provides a wealth of experience that will help BADA get off to a flying start”.
He added: “The key thing now is to maintain the momentum, and the first issue we’ll be looking at relates to airspace restrictions associated with the London Olympics next year and their effect on the airshow business – that’ll be receiving a great deal of our attention. The launch of BADA is an exciting development for the UK airshow industry and I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the committee and our members to build for the future.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 31/03/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
The forthcoming 12th annual Abingdon Air & Country Show, taking place on Abingdon Airfield, Dalton Barracks on Sunday 8th May will feature a true british icon of the skies.
The mighty Avro Vulcan bomber is planned to kick start its 2011 display season by appearing at Abingdon, the first time in 21 years since its last appearance at the then annual Battle of Britain At Home Days when Abingdon was a full time Royal Air Force Station.
This particular Vulcan, XH558, is the last and only surviving airworthy example in the world, now under private ownership. Her final flight in Royal Air Force service was on 23rd March 1993 to Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome in Leicestershire, having been sold off by the Ministry of Defence to C Walton Ltd. The Vulcan to the Sky Trust was formed, headed by Dr Robert Pleming to return the aircraft to flight,with funding helped by the Heritage Lottery Funds in December 2003 and restoration work starting in 2005.
This remarkable achievement came to an end on 18th October 2007 when
XH558 flew again, the first time in 14 years with over £7 million pounds being spent on the project. Since then, it has been kept flying at airshows around the UK by donations from the huge fanbase of followers but is in constant need for financial support to help keeping her flying. More information on the Vulcan can be found at www.vulcantothesky.org
The Air & Country Show organiser Neil Porter said ‘ We are absolutely thrilled to have the Vulcan appear with us, on its first 2011 appearance. Last year our star was the Dutch F16 fighter for example, this year its this magnificent example of British aviation. We all hope the weather behaves, aircraft serviceability is 100% & funding to allow
XH558 to fly down to us, display and return home which is Robin Hood Airport, Yorks’
‘ The aircraft has such a large following and is just as popular as the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight!’
The Vulcan heads up a four hour flying display featuring both old and new including from the Royal Air Force, with the show featuring Static aircraft, Crafts, Tank rides, Live Music and many other attractions for all the family to enjoy. Advance tickets are on sale at local Tourist Information Centres, aswell as on the website: www.abingdonfayre.com
The show starts around 10am but people are advised to arrive earlier to avoid traffic queueing because the Vulcan certainly attracts large crowds!!!
Posted by Flightline UK on 25/03/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Museums |
Launching the 2011 air show season, Imperial War Museum Duxford’s Spring Air Show, on Sunday 22 May, celebrates the integral role played by women in the development of aviation. From technological advancement to daring aerial aptitude, in military and civil aviation; aerial adventure and aerobatics; engineering and mechanical endeavour, the achievements of women have informed air travel from its earliest incarnations to its contemporary technological advancement. The Spring Air Show presents stunning aerial displays by a formidable line-up of superbly talented female aviators.
Anna Walker (flying a Supermarine Seafire and Bucker Jungmann aircraft) has been flying for over 30 years. At the age of 13, she started gliding and moved on to power-flying as a tug pilot. After undertaking formation and aerobatic training, Anna took part in aerobatic competitions, in her Bucker Jungmann, winning three out of every four competitions entered. Anna now regularly displays at air shows, flying a Bucker Jungmann, a Beech Staggerwing and a Harvard IV. She is the first woman to fly a Hawker Hurricane since the female ferry pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary.
Angie Soper (flying a Yak 11) learnt to fly in 1983 at Biggin Hill, becoming a qualified flying instructor at Stapleford in 1987. Gaining a commercial flying licence, she flew Dart Heralds on night freight runs for British Air Ferries between 1989 and 1990. In the 1990s, she became joint owner of a Harvard and began display flying, before acquiring a Yak 11 in 1998. She also operates a Yak 50 and Yak 52, which are both based on her farm strip.
Diana Britten (flying a CAP 232) embarked on a career in competition aerobatics with only 60 hours flying to her credit. From 1981 to 1986, Diana progressed through the levels from Standard to Unlimited, making her World Aerobatic Championship debut in 1986. Diana has flown in six World Championships, five European Championships and became the British Aerobatic Champion in 1995, the first-ever non-commercial pilot, and the first woman, to take the title. She followed that with the title of British Freestyle Champion.
Carolyn Grace (flying the Grace Spitfire and a Stampe) is one of only two female Spitfire pilots in the world. She successfully completed her training in the Grace Spitfire in 1990, and hasn’t looked back since, gaining her Display Authorisation in 1991 and adding Aerobatic and Formation qualifications to that in the following years. Carolyn has perfected a graceful aerobatic display that is immensely popular with air show crowds and Spitfire devotees alike.
Judy Leden MBE (flying a hang glider with microlight tug pilot Shelley Smith) is a World Champion hang glider and para glider. Current holder of four world records, Judy has also successfully completed a long list of daredevil stunts, including flying across the English Channel in a hang glider in 1989, after being released from a hot air balloon 12,000 feet up; and jumping off the edge of Cotopaxi, which at nearly 20,000 feet, is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Competitive successes include winning the Women’s World Hang Gliding Championships in 1987 and again in 1991. She has been British Women’s Champion six times and in 1995, she won the Women’s Para Gliding Championship. Judy broke the tandem altitude record for hang glider balloon drops in 1998 and also recently broke the Tandem World Aerotowing Altitude Record, with TV presenter Matt Baker. They were towed aloft by a microlight, reaching 11,020 feet. Judy was awarded the MBE in 1989 for services to hang gliding.
Tricia Neville (displaying the Thruxton Jackaroo G-ANTZ) comes from an RAF family. She began by flying gliders at Booker and in 1990 she learnt to fly on Tiger Moths at Cambridge, where she completed her Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL). In 2002, Tricia gained her Display Authorisation. Although Tricia never originally thought that she would learn to fly herself, she had been an active part of the ground crew for the Barnstormers Flying Circus for over a decade. She has now become an active flying member of Captain Neville’s Flying Circus and takes part in the majority of routines, organising the boys en route. At the Spring Air Show, Tricia will be leading three aircraft in one of the Flying Circus’ most popular extravaganza displays.
Leah Hammond (flying the Auster) started flying at the age of 16. Once qualified, she did a tailwheel conversion on the Auster, before going on to fly a 450hp Stearman and then flew some 90 hours on the Harvard. At the Spring Air Show, she will be displaying the Auster, which she has been displaying since 2009.
Clare Tector (flying the Chilton monoplane) has been flying since 1999, having initially caught the flying bug as an air cadet in the early 1990s. She achieved her PPL just in time to celebrate the Centenary of Powered Flight in late 2003. Since this time, Clare has taken part in basic aerobatic competition and, in the last few years, has displayed various aircraft in shows at Old Warden. In 2010, she was a recipient of the Fiona McKay Flying Bursary through the de Havilland Educational Trust, giving her a chance to learn how to fly the Tiger Moth. Earlier this year, she was invited to become an Apprentice Display Pilot with the Shuttleworth Collection.
Royal Air Force 208 Squadron will be displaying the BAE Systems Hawk, flown by Flight Lieutenant Juliette Fleming.
The flying programme wouldn’t be complete without a display by Jeanne Frazer, IWM Duxford’s Flying Display Director, who will be flying a Piper L4 Cub.
See some of the world’s premier female pilots perform breathtaking flying displays at the Spring Air Show, in a celebration of the women who have courageously led the way in aerial adventure.
Announcing the IWM Duxford Air Show App 2011
Imperial War Museum Duxford is launching an innovative and exciting Smartphone application for the 2011 air show season. Available from mid -May 2011, the App will give real time, up-to-the-minute information about what is flying at our air shows, as the aircraft display.
Available for both Android and iPhone platforms, the App will also include an extensive library of photography, statistics and information about classic aircraft you can see flying in the air shows and where in the Duxford exhibitions you can find out more about them.
As a special introduction, the App will be FREE for a limited time at launch. It will be available for download prior to the Spring Air Show and on the day itself – IWM Duxford will be providing wifi access at the museum for live downloading. This dynamic guide to the Spring Air Show, and our other air shows throughout 2011, is a first for Duxford and demonstrates the Imperial War Museum’s commitment to innovation in new technologies. It aims to be the most innovative air show app around.
For further information go to http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows
Posted by Flightline UK on 21/03/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events |
Spitfire Ale has today announced it will continue its support of Wings & Wheels in 2011. Affectionately known as the ‘Bottle of Britain’ the premium Kentish Ale, brewed by Shepherd Neame – Britain’s oldest brewers – is set to sponsor the 2011 Show held at Dunsfold Park, near Guildford, Surrey, on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August.
An aviation and motoring extravaganza, whose total charitable donations have helped raise £250,000 since 2004, Wings & Wheels is staged to raise money for charities including Brooklands Museum, Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust, Help for Heroes and Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.
Memorable moments from 2010 included Flt Lt Steve Kenworthy’s masterfully handled GR-9 Harrier role demonstration whose precision performance left crowds of 32,000 speechless. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Hunter F 58A “Miss Demeanour” also delighted visitors as they took part in the four hour air displays led by the world famous Red Arrows.
Static vehicle exhibitions in the ‘Wheels’ element of the Show included car clubs from across the UK who displayed their classic and modern vehicles in the main arena, from TVRs, Ford GTs to Jaguars, Ferrari’s and Formula One cars. A select few also showcased their vehicles, courtesy of Brooklands Museum, on the main runway in front of jam packed crowds.
Sales and Marketing Director Greame Craig comments: “Shepherd Neame has been lucky enough to have been involved with Wings and Wheels since its inception. It is a well organised and truly engaging event, mixing something for everyone from a great family day out, to the petrol head and airshow aficionados! We are delighted to be continuing in the support of this fantastic event.”
Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels said: “It’s fitting that such an iconic brand as Spitfire, synonymous with the world’s most famous aircraft, is once again supporting Wings & Wheels. Their help and expertise is invaluable and we are delighted to be working with the Shepherd Neame team again to make the event even bigger and more successful then before.”
Spitfire was originally brewed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, its characteristically Kentish, hoppy flavour and risqué advertising campaign has made it a firm favourite with beer lovers. Winner of a gold medal and Best Strong Cask-Conditional Beer of the World at the Brewing Industry International Awards 2010, Spitfire Ale is now Shepherd Neame’s biggest-selling cask conditioned ale.
Tickets for Wings & Wheels are available online through www.wingsandwheels.net and start from £18 for adults, £5 for children (5 – 15 years) and £40 for a family (2 adults and 3 children). VIP Hospitality is available from £125 per person. For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities at Wings & Wheels, please call Lucy Parsons on 01483 542226.
Posted by Flightline UK on 13/03/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Museums, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Stow Maries World War One Aerodrome is pleased to announce that it will hold its first vintage fly in day on Sunday 8th May 2011. Gates open at 9am and the event ends at 6pm the same day.
This is the historic aerodromes first event of this type and it is hoped it will draw attendance from wide and far as it has already seen great success at Maldon District Heritage events where it has been a sell out for the past two years.
Aircraft will arrive prior to 12 o’clock that day and will be parked on the aerodrome for the public to view. There will be commercial stalls present as well as refreshments plus a launch of ‘Turners Defence’, an aviation Great War adventure, by its author Chris Davey who will be present to sign copies of his book. There will be a display of military vehicles as well as Great War reneactors demonstrating life in WW1. Visitors will also be able to view a collection of vintage tractors to illustrate the sites farming heritage since it was closed by the RAF in 1919.
Tour guides will be available to escort visitors around the 1918 vintage buildings and members of the sites latest addition, the Hawk Walk team, will be present to introduce the public to a Harris Hawk and Kestrel as well as empart information on the wildlife conservation side of the aerodrome.
It is hoped that a park and ride system from Maldon will be in operation on the day as well as parking on the aerodrome itself. Details will be announced prior to the event. Entry is by cash only at the aerodrome entrance on the day. The entrance fee is £8 per person.
Aircraft that have been invited are mostly those belonging to the Great War period. These include the Great War display team plus a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2, a De Havilland DH2 fighter, a Sopwith Pup fighter and representing the German Air Service, a Fokker Triplane and a Fokker Eindekker. Later dated aeroplanes include Tiger Moths and a WW2 dated Auster observation aircraft.
The sites owner Russell Savory said. ‘We are really looking forward to hosting people on our first fly in day. We have already had enquiries regarding attendqance so it looks promising. Its something that we hope will promote not only what we are doing here at Stow Maries Aerodrome but will also Maldon District and that visitors will come back to both. We are now keeping our fingers crossed for the weather on the day and because of some of the aircrafts ages, that they will be serviceable for us. With events involving such types there is always the variables involved.
Stow Maries Aerodrome lies off of Hackmans Lane, Cold Norton CM3 6RN. Telephone number 01245808744. It is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays 10am to 4pm.
Stow Maries Aerodrome
