Posted by Flightline UK on 21/04/2011 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows | 
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 |
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 |
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 |
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:-
- 2nd-3rd July – Waddington
- 9th July – Yeovilton
- 16th-17th July – RIAT, RAF Fairford
- 11th-14th August – Eastbourne
- 8th September – Jersey
- 10th September – RAF Leuchars
Agusta A109BA
- 12th June – RAF Cosford (Flying Display)
- 16th-17th July – RIAT, RAF Fairford (Static Display)
Posted by Flightline UK on 06/12/2010 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows |
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
- 4-5 – Cigli AB, Izmir, Turkey
- 11-12 – Jesolo AB, Italy
- 15 – Karup AB, Denmark
- 18-19 – Turku AB, Finland
- 25 – Graf Ignatievo AB, Bulgaria
July
- 2-3 – RAF Waddington, UK
- 6-7 – Koksijde AB, Belgium
A full preview of the 2011 Waddington International Airshow is now available on the main Flightline UK Website
Posted by Flightline UK on 10/11/2010 under Display Team News and Dates |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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 08/06/2010 under Display Team News and Dates, Royal Air Force |
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, has been granted its Public Display Authority (PDA) and will be allowed to perform at events starting from this weekend.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic’s Team first UK appearance for the 2010 season will be The Queen’s Birthday Flypast in London this Saturday (12 June), followed by a display at the Cosford Air Show in Shropshire on Sunday (13 June).
Red 1, Squadron Leader Ben Murphy, says: “We are delighted that we are able to start our display programme a week earlier than we previously planned. Our revised training schedule went well and we are all looking forward to starting the 2010 season.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 29/04/2010 under Display Team News and Dates |
The Breitling Wingwalkers have released their calendar for the 2010 season. It is available HERE.
Posted by Flightline UK on under Display Team News and Dates |
The French Air Force Cartouche Dore display team will make their UK display debut at Lowestoft Air Festival this year. Full listings for each of the French Air Forces displays can be found on the following links:-
Rafale
Patrouille de France
Cartouche Doré
Alpha Jet
Equippe de Voltige
Posted by Flightline UK on 21/04/2010 under Display Team News and Dates |
Yesterday (April 20th), the Breitling Wingwalkers were formally launched at their base at RFC Rendcomb. Planes TV were their to capture the event on film and we are very grateful to them for allowing us to use this clip on Flightline UK.
[video filename=http://www.airshows.org.uk/videos/wingwalkers2010.mp4 /]
