Posted by Flightline UK on 31/01/2012 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows | 
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The Swiss Air Force (Schweizer Luftwaffe) have released their calendar of display commitments for the 2012 season. UK shows included in the calendar are the RAF Waddington International Airshow which is slated to see the F/A-18C Hornet and Super Puma demos while RIAT will see the national display team, Patrouille Suisse.
Posted by Flightline UK on 01/01/2012 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Display Team News and Dates | Be the First to Comment
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 03/05/2011 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
RNAS Yeovilton Air Day’s organisers regret to announce the Dutch F-16 Demo Team’s withdrawal from this year’s show, due to a combination of extensive defence cuts announced recently and the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s ongoing commitment to NATO’s Operation Unified Protector missions in Libya.
While disappointing, this is an understandable decision, given the current circumstances and serves as a reminder that all participating military aircraft are subject to operational commitments. The F-16′s withdrawal does not affect the participation of the Dutch Apache Demo Team in Air Day’s Flying Display which is not often seen in the UK.
The Dutch F16 will still feature in the Air Day branding as the artwork was commissioned back in March and most of the promotional material is already printed and distributed.
There will still be an F16 in the air at Air Day courtesy of the Belgian Air Component with its striking vortex schemed Fighting Falcon.
Details of additional foreign military participation will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event, which takes place on 9 July and besides the Dutch and Belgian contingent, also includes a possible last German Air Force F-4F Phantom II appearance and a first-time showing by a German Navy Orion.
The Air Day organising team extends its very best wishes to the Dutch F-16 Demo Team crew and hopes that its 2011 season is a successful and safe one. We hope to welcome them back to Air Day in the future.
Posted by Flightline UK on 28/04/2011 under Display Team News and Dates | Be the First to Comment
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has withdrawn it’s F-16 from a number of events including Yeovilton, Sunderland and Bournemouth according to their display calendar - http://www.f16demoteam.nl/pages/calendar.php
Posted by Flightline UK on 22/04/2011 under Display Team News and Dates | Be the First to Comment
fly2help is proud to announce an exciting new partnership for 2011 with the fast-moving RV8tors display team.
The RV8tors - Pic by Paul Johnson/Flightline UK
A new partnership between the Gloucestershire based aviation charity fly2help and the breathtaking RV8tors Display Team will be spreading the word of fly2help ‘air smiles’ days at air shows across the country. With fly2help logos emblazoned upon these high performance aircraft, the RV8tors support for the charity’s work will be hard to miss. To celebrate this new relationship, the teams are also running an inspiring new competition that is certain to get any aviation-heart racing.
The RV8tors team of two Vans RV8s were a highly popular addition to the UK air show circuit in their initial display year of 2010, thrilling the crowds with a combination of close formation aerobatics with speeds up to 230 mph. The display includes fast and white-knuckle formations, along with large and graceful manoeuvres that fill the sky, leaving smoke trails with brilliant effect.
Pilots Alister Kay (also famous for thrilling the crowds with P-51 Mustang ‘Ferocious Frankie’) and Andy Hill are both looking forward to this new partnership. “This new venture with fly2help is an exciting progression for the RV8tors and we are delighted to know that our display goes some way to helping those in need. To use the sky for our work is a privilege and this is our way of sharing it with others.” says Alister.
fly2help are delighted with this new scheme and see this as a great way to let people know the charity is there to support them if needed. A fly2help ‘air smiles’ event, which allows precious respite and escapism for families dealing with a life-tragedy, can be the catalyst for producing positive changes for those who really need a life-boost.
The TEXT Competition
Mandy of fly2help explains, “fly2help relies on public support to continue sharing ‘air smiles’ with those who need them most. As part of this new initiative with the RV8tors we are running a unique text-competition to help raise essential funds.”
The RV8tors - Pic by Paul Johnson/Flightline UK
TEXT FLY to 70099 for the opportunity for two winners to fly in formation alongside a Spitfire and savour the chance to view the world famous elliptical wing from a privileged and rare position. (You will be charged £1 plus one message at your standard network message rate. fly2help will receive up to 96p from each text message with a minimum of 76p from each message sent depending on your network operator)
The winners will fly in a high-performance aerobatic aircraft from Kemble on the weekend of 24/25 September 2011 and after the formation part of the trip the two guest aircraft will split off for a simulated WWII type dogfight. The winners will also enjoy a private display by the RV8tors and have to the opportunity to meet the pilots too.
This really is a chance not to be missed!
Competition Terms and Conditions can be found on www.fly2help.org
Don’t forget to keep your eyes to the skies for the RV8tors at air shows in 2011. Already confirmed are:
Posted by Flightline UK on 21/04/2011 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
AN aerobatic display team that attended the second International Air Tattoo in 1972 is set to return to the UK this summer to mark the 40th anniversary of what has since become the world’s largest military airshow.
Les Diables Rouges (The Red Devils) aerobatic display team, part of the Belgian Air Force, will be taking part in the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on July 16 & 17.
In 1972, the two-ship team took part in the airshow when it was staged at North Weald airfield. The pilots flew Fouga Magisters. Five years later, the team disbanded.
However, the Red Devils have now reformed, flying SF-260 aircraft, and they plan to return to the Air Tattoo in the summer to celebrate their historic links with the airshow.
Belgian Red Devils SF260
A spokesman for the Red Devils said he was delighted the new team would be taking part in the Air Tattoo. He said: “I hope our participation will serve to emphasise not only our historical links but also the enduring relationship that exists between the Belgian Air Force at the Air Tattoo.”
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince, who helped found the airshow in 1971, said the Red Devils would help conjure up a wonderful sense of nostalgia at this summer’s event. He said: “We had some good times at those early shows and I recall the Diables Rouges, with their Fouga Magisters, performed beautifully. It is a great honour to see them return for this special occasion.”
In addition to celebrating its 40th anniversary, this summer’s Air Tattoo will host a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.
Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.
Belgian Air Force Red Devils at IAT'72
Posted by Flightline UK on 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 | Be the First to Comment
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 15/04/2011 under Display Team News and Dates, Royal Air Force | Be the First to Comment
At the inaugural “British Air Displays Association” meeting on 13th April, there was an update on the proposed RAF displays for 2011.
At the moment, the possibility of the RAF Tornado GR4 demonstration is looking more promising and was awaiting a final sign-off from No 1 Group. Reports on local television news channels to RAF Lossiemouth suggest that may have happened and rehersals will start next week.
Sadly however, The Typhoon currently remains suspended. The team are looking at restarted rehearsals as soon as all the required assets are back in place but they have some three weeks of practice remaining to reach the right level for their Public Display Authority. The Display Team have been in contact with organisers regarding the attendance of their ground units at many of the events they may miss. Watch this space.
Posted by Flightline UK on 02/03/2011 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
The Belgian Air Component has release the first details of it’s airshow participation for the 2011. The UK features well in the listings:-
Belgian F-16:-
Agusta A109BA
Posted by Flightline UK on 06/12/2010 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will be visiting Europe in 2011 for a short tour. Their only UK stop on the tour will be at the RAF Waddington International Airshow on the 2nd -3rd July. The visit will not be the Thunderbirds first visit to the show, they previously visited in 2000 but only displayed on one day. This time, they are expected to display over both days of the show.
Their European display dates, as announced at the ICAS convention today include:-
June
July
Posted by Flightline UK on 10/11/2010 under Display Team News and Dates | Be the First to Comment
The world’s most popular aerobatics team, Gloucestershire-based AeroSuperBatics Ltd, has today announced a deal to extend and expand its backing from Breitling, the prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer, which will now last until the end of the 2013 season.
The new sponsorship package, announced by AeroSuperBatics’ founder and chief pilot, Vic Norman, means the popular Breitling Wingwalkers, until now a two-aircraft team, will in future be able to perform as a four-aircraft line-up at leading events like The Goodwood Festival of Speed and the British Grand Prix.
“Interest in wingwalking has never been higher,” says Mr Norman, “so we’re happy to have this chance to expand. We’re also delighted to have an even closer relationship with Breitling. Everyone knows how relevant their fine products are to good pilots and great aircraft. This deal means we can perform as a bigger team, but also do more shows in a season when we run as two teams. It’s the perfect situation.”
Mr Norman says the Breitling Wingwalkers will now be able to meet more requests for displays in fast-expanding areas in Southern Europe, India and Asia. “We’ll be able to perform for audiences we haven’t met before,” he says, “and that will help deliver extra value to our sponsor. It’s an exciting time.”
Breitling Wingwalkers
Breitling Wingwalkers
Breitling Wingwalkers - Pic by Darren Harbar
Posted by Flightline UK on 04/10/2010 under Aerobatics and Competitions, Display Team News and Dates | Be the First to Comment
Translated from AFP
Local officials have confirmed that the 2009 world aerobatic champion, Renaud Ecalle, was killed on Sunday in Southern France following a plane crash along with his wife and their two children.
Renauld and his family were flying a Jodel DR-1050. Aircraft wreckage was found on Monday to the northwest of the city of Lodève after the aircraft went missing at 1730 GMT on Sunday evening when air traffic controllers at Montpellier lost contact with it.
Renaud Ecalle was returning from an airshow in Jonzac to his base at Salon-de-Provence, where he had conducted an aerobatic demonstration,
The causes of the accident is not known, but the Herault area where the plane crashed was on a weather alert during Sunday due to forecast heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Renauld was a pilot with ”L’equipe Voltiage” of the French Air Force and former fighter pilot on Mirage F1. Renaud Ecalle was crowned world champion aerobatic champion in 2009 at Silverstone and was also European champion in 2010.
Posted by Flightline UK on 13/09/2010 under Display Team News and Dates, Royal Air Force | Be the First to Comment
The 2011 Team line-up for the Red Arrows has been announced on their website:-
Red 1 – Squadron Leader Ben Murphy
Red 2 – Flight Lieutenant Chris Lyndon-Smith
Red 3 – Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham
Red 4 – Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging
Red 5 – Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore
Red 6 & Synchro Leader – Flight Lieutenant David Montenegro
Red 7 & Synchro 2 – Flight Lieutenant Ben Plank
Red 8 & Executive Officer – Flight Lieutenant Dave Davies
Red 9 – Flight Lieutenant Zane Sennett
Red 10 & Road Manager – Squadron Leader Graeme Bagnall
Senior Engineering Officer – Squadron Leader Ross Priday
Junior Engineering Officer – Flight Lieutenant Adam Littler
Team Manager – Squadron Leader Liz Parker
Adjutant – Warrant Officer Alan Murray BEM
Public Relations Manager – Miss Emma Thomas
Posted by Flightline UK on 25/08/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Display Team News and Dates | Be the First to Comment
The Swift Aerobatic Display Team were honoured to be asked to display at the 21st Battle of Britain Airshow at Shoreham this year. The south coast was plagued by bad weather for the entire weekend, including the displays at Bournemouth and Shoreham. The glider closed the display at Shoreham on Saturday, and opened the show on Sunday morning.
Team Member Mike Newman flew the Swift glider for the Sunday display and had an accident on landing.
The glider has been badly damaged, but Mike freed himself from the wreckage. He was treated by paramedics at the scene and then taken to hospital for detailed checks.
Mike is in good spirits and the whole team wish him a speedy recovery.
Posted by Flightline UK on 08/08/2010 under Display Team News and Dates | Be the First to Comment
From the RAF Hawk Display Facebook pages and official website:-
It is with considerable regret that Flt Lt Tom Saunders has been withdrawn from his role as the Hawk solo Display Pilot for the remainder of the Summer display season. This follows an incident which took place recently involving the Hawk Display aircraft.
The RAF is aware of how popular the Hawk solo display is and apologises for any disappointment caused. Unfortunately, it is not possible to find a replacement display pilot in time for the remainder of the current season but we are looking at whether it is possible to offer alternatives to the solo Hawk display at the scheduled events instead
Why has the RAF cancelled the solo Hawk Display?
� An incident has occurred involving the pilot of the RAF Hawk Display aircraft, who has since been withdrawn from his role. The incident is being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
How long is this cancellation going to be in effect ?
� Unfortunately, it will not be possible to restore the full Hawk display during the current season but alternatives are being considered.
Is this linked to the grounding of the Hawk fleet ?
� No, this is unrelated to the ongoing safety checks of the Hawk ejection seats.
Why not get another display pilot?
� It is not possible to substitute another pilot at this late stage in the season as it takes months of practice to learn the display and achieve the high quality performance.
What about the Hawk Display fundraising activities for the RAF Benevolent Fund?
� The Hawk Display team is involved in fundraising activities for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The RAF regrets any impact the cancellation of the solo Hawk Display may have on these fundraising activities and is looking at alternatives to mitigate any loss in fundraising.
