Posted by Flightline UK on 08/12/2011 under Royal Air Force | 
From Red Arrows website.
The Service Inquiry investigating the circumstances of the death of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham, Red 5, at RAF Scampton on Tuesday 8 November 2011 is still ongoing. However, sufficient technical and safety advice has been provided to allow the MoD to release all Hawk MkT1A aircraft, including those of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, back into service.
The Red Arrows will, weather permitting and following a short period of staff continuation training, resume display training for the 2012 display season at the earliest opportunity.
OC RAFAT, Squadron Leader Jim Turner, would like to thank everyone who has contacted the Team and Sean’s family with messages of sympathy, support and encouragement. Once again, the Service and public support has been overwhelming. With the express consent of Jim, Monika and Nicky Cunningham, he is pleased to announce that Squadron Leader Martin Higgins, currently Red 10, will take Sean’s place as Red 5 for the 2012 display season. Squadron Leader Mike Ling will re-join the Team as Red 10
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 09/11/2011 under Royal Air Force |
Flt Lt Sean Cunningham
It is with sadness that the MOD must confirm the death of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (the Red Arrows). Flight Lieutenant Cunningham was killed when he was ejected from his Hawk T1 aircraft on the morning of Tuesday 8 November 2011. A full Service Inquiry will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Red 5 – Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham, 34, was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to the UK in 1986 at the age of nine. Although a profession in football was a possibility, Sean followed his dream to become fast jet pilot in the Royal Air Force. Sean attended Ernesford Grange School in Coventry during which time he qualified for his Private Pilot Licence at the age of 17. He went on to read Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Nottingham Trent University and completed his Elementary Flying Training as a member of East Midlands University Air Squadron.
Joining the Royal Air Force in 2000 Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham was selected for Fast Jet Training. On completion of his flying training, Sean was posted to the Tornado GR4 aircraft serving on 617 ‘The Dambusters’ Squadron at Royal Air Force Lossiemouth. During his three years on the Squadron, Sean completed several operational tours of Iraq as part of Operation TELIC, flying close air support missions for Coalition ground forces. After completing exercises in America, Canada, Romania and France, Sean joined XV (R) Squadron as a Qualified Pilot and Tactics Instructor. Sean continued his instructional role when posted to the Weapon System Officer (WSO) Training Unit at 100 Squadron, Royal Air Force Leeming before being selected to fly for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (the Red Arrows) 2010.
Flight Lieutenant Cunningham’s family, Father Jim, Mother Monika & Sister Nicolette said: “Sean was first and foremost a much-loved son and brother who will be dearly missed by all of his family, and his many good friends. Since his childhood Sean had dreamed of flying fast jets in the Royal Air Force; through his hard work and dedication he achieved that dream, and the pinnacle of his career was to fly in the Red Arrows. Sean loved his flying and we hope that his life will be an inspiration to all those who share his dreams. His fun-loving nature has never failed to put a smile on the faces of those who knew and loved him; this is how he will be remembered. We ask that the media please allow us the time and space required to come to terms with what has happened”
The Rt Hon Phillip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Defence said: “It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham. He was clearly a gifted pilot who served his country with honour and distinction throughout his career in the Royal Air Force. As a Red Arrow, Flt Lt Cunningham was regarded as among the most talented aviators in the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this terrible time.”
Air Officer Commanding Number 22(Training) Group, Air Vice-Marshal Mike Lloyd said: “The Red Arrows personify the teamwork, professionalism and excellence that is common-place throughout the Royal Air Force and Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham demonstrated each of these values on a daily basis. His contribution to the Service as an aviator in the Tornado GR4 Force, as a Red Arrows Pilot and as an officer has been outstanding. Sean will be missed by all and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Group Captain Simon Blake, the Commandant of the RAF’s Central Flying School, said: “Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham joined the team in October 2010 and flew for his first year as Red 3. This year, Sean had commenced training as Red 5 and was the senior member of the ‘front 5’ affectionately known as ‘Enid’, and thus had the unofficial mantle of ‘Uncle Enid’– a key position in mentoring and helping to train the new pilots to the team. His constant smile, energy, and joie de vivre was infectious and he will be sorely missed by his fellow pilots, the entire Red Arrows team and his many colleagues and friends in the wider Royal Air Force. Our heartfelt sorrow and sympathy go out to his family and all those whose lives he touched”.
Posted by Flightline UK on 08/11/2011 under Royal Air Force |
It is with regret that the Ministry of Defence must announce that a member of the RAF Aerobatic Team was killed in a ground incident at RAF Scampton earlier today.
Group Captain Simon Blake, the Commandant of the RAF’s Central Flying School, has issued the following statement:
“It is with great regret that I can confirm there has been a ground incident involving one of the RAF Aerobatic Team’s Hawk aircraft at RAF Scampton that has resulted in the death of the pilot. The pilot was ejected from the aircraft whilst the aircraft was on the ground.
“The Military Aviation Authority is in the process of initiating a full and independent Service Inquiry to determine the cause of this tragic incident. That investigation will determine the facts. It would be most inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident.
“The pilot’s next of kin have been informed and they have asked for a period of grace before his name is released. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
“At this stage, it is important that we allow the family some time to come to terms with this dreadful and terrible news.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 13/09/2011 under Royal Air Force |
The 2012 Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team has been announced.
The positions for next year are:
Red 1 – Squadron Leader Jim Turner (OC RAFAT)
Red 2 – Flight Lieutenant Martin Pert
Red 3 – Flight Lieutenant Mike Child
Red 4 – Flight Lieutenant Jim McMillan
Red 5 – Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham
Red 6 – Flight Lieutenant Ben Plank (Synchro Leader)
Red 7 – Flight Lieutenant Chris Lyndon-Smith
Red 8 – Flight Lieutenant Dave Davies
Red 9 – Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Stewart (Executive Officer)
Red 10 – Squadron Leader Martin Higgins
Team Manager – Squadron Leader Liz Parker
Senior Engineering Officer – Squadron Leader Ross Priday
Junior Engineering Officer – Flight Lieutenant Adam Littler
Posted by Flightline UK on 21/08/2011 under Royal Air Force |
It is with sadness that the MOD must confirm the death of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging of the Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team (The Red Arrows).
Flight Lieutenant Egging was killed when his Hawk T1 aircraft – Red 4 – crashed around 1km South East of Bournemouth Airport at 1350 on Saturday 20 August 2011.
A full Service Inquiry into the details of the crash has been initiated. It would be inappropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident at this time.
Dr Emma Egging, the wife of Flt Lt Jon Egging, said:
“Jon was everything to those that knew him, and he was the best friend and husband I could ever have wished for. I know that he would have wanted me to say something from the heart at this time. There was nothing bad about Jon. He loved his job and was an exemplary pilot. Watching him today, I was the proudest I’ve ever been. I loved everything about him, and he will be missed.”
Group Captain Simon Blake, the Commandant of the RAF’s Central Flying School, said:
“Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, known as ‘Eggman’, joined the Team as Red 4 in the Autumn of 2010. A gifted aviator, he was chosen to fly in the Red 4 slot, on the right hand outside of the famous Diamond Nine formation – an accolade in itself being the most demanding position allocated to a first year pilot. Throughout his winter training and the display season to date, his professionalism, skill and humility have shone through.
“A true team player, his good nature and constant smile will be sorely missed by all. In such a close knit team, this tragedy will be keenly felt by his fellow team members, the Reds and all of the engineering and support staff, the Blues.”
Air Vice Marshal Mark Green, Air Officer Commanding 22 (Training) Group, said:
“I first met Flt Lt Jon Egging in 2003 when I became his Station Commander. Even at that early stage in his career, Jon’s professionalism, competence and ever present smile made him stand out from the crowd. Hence, his eventual selection for duties with the Red Arrows came as no surprise. His time with the Team was typified by the characteristics that were Jon’s trademark: professionalism, enthusiasm for life and a willingness to help others that transcended all boundaries. Jon will be sorely missed by all those that had the privilege to know him; our thoughts and prayers are with Jon’s family and friends at this tragic time.”
Flight Lieutenant Egging, aged 33 from Rutland, flew the Harrier GR9 before joining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. Jon became interested in flying at an early age, inspired by his airline pilot father who used to take him ‘down route’, allowing him into the cockpit for take off and landing. Jon is survived by his wife, Emma.
He attended Southam School in Warwickshire gaining A-Levels in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. He was a member of 2028 (Southam) Sqn Air Training Corps from age 13. During the sixth form he was awarded a Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship and had his first solo flight in a Cessna 152 flying from Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome. Following a gap year spent working in the UK and travelling around Australia, Jon went on to read a BSc in Environmental Science at Southampton University. He joined Southampton University Air Squadron and was awarded a Royal Air Force Bursary in his second year.
Whilst at University Jon completed Elementary Flying Training with the University Air Squadron, flying the Bulldog; he went on to join the Royal Air Force in 2000. Selected for fast jet training Jon flew the Tucano and Hawk before becoming a ‘Creamie’ Qualified Flying Instructor on the Hawk at Royal Air Force Valley, teaching both students and instructors. Jon went on to serve with IV(AC) Squadron – ‘Happy IV’ – based at Royal Air Force Cottesmore, flying the Harrier GR9.
During his time on the front line Jon was proud to support coalition ground forces when flying operational missions in Afghanistan. He has also taken part in exercises in the United Kingdom and America. As part of Joint Force Harrier, Jon served with IV(AC) Squadron on HMS Illustrious, flying training missions off the UK coastline. He became the Squadron Qualified Flying Instructor during his last year on ‘Happy IV’, making the transition to teach on the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit, based at Royal Air Force Wittering, in April 2010.
Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said:
“It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging whilst performing with the Red Arrows today. He was a gifted aviator who was selected for one of the most demanding flying jobs in the RAF. Joining the Red Arrows was his lifetime ambition and he performed with great skill whilst on the team. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Emma and his family and friends at this terrible time.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 24/06/2011 under Military Airshows, Royal Air Force |
THE first public appearance of the Royal Air Force’s largest and newest aircraft will take place at the Royal International Air Tattoo next month.
The much-anticipated A330 tanker will feature on static display at the airshow at RAF Fairford on July 16-17 and will take part in an official naming ceremony to confirm its prestigious title, Voyager.
RAF A330 Voyager
It will be the longest and widest aircraft in the RAF’s fleet with a wing span of 60 metres.
Voyager has been designed to carry a payload of up to 45 tonnes, which can include up to 291 passengers or 111 tonnes of fuel for its air-to-air refuelling or air transport missions.
Dave Mitchard, Managing Director for AirTanker Services Ltd – the company delivering the fleet to the RAF at Brize Norton – said: “We are delighted to have the Voyager aircraft on public display for the first time this year.
“The Air Tattoo provides the perfect showcase for the RAF’s future tanker and transport aircraft and we’re thoroughly looking forward to bringing it into service towards the end of this year.”
AirTanker’s contract with the Ministry of Defence will see them provide 14 purpose-built A330 tanker and transport aircraft, as well as the associated support services, including training, maintenance, infrastructure, flight operations and ground services.
Dave continued: “We’re going to provide a step change in capability for the RAF.
RAF A330 Voyager
“We are using a new, modern aircraft, where traditionally the RAF has used existing aircraft and converted them for specific usage. Voyager will therefore have all the benefits associated with a new aircraft such as better fuel efficiency, greater reliability and quieter engines, which is particularly good news for those living in the local area.”
The first two aircraft within the Voyager fleet, which will replace the VC-10 and Tristar, have been converted by Airbus Military in their purpose-built facility near Madrid, Spain. Once the aircraft have been certified and qualified, they will be owned by AirTanker and leased to the Royal Air Force.
AirTanker has five shareholders – all well-known names within the defence and aviation sectors – who are also subcontractors for the programme. They are Babcock, Cobham, EADS, Rolls-Royce and Thales.
The A330 will also have an aeromedical capability, which will enable it to carry up to 40 NATO stretchers and three critical care patients.
The name Voyager follows the heritage of a number of RAF tanker aircraft, with the names beginning with V, specifically the Victor and the VC-10 Tanker aircraft.
Squadron Leader Kevin Latchman, 30, who will be one of the first pilots to operate Voyager when the first of 14 A330s come in to service in the autumn, said: “This is a completely different way of doing business for the Royal Air Force and it has the potential to revolutionise an existing capability. The aircraft is brand new and being one of the first pilots to fly it is a very exciting prospect.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Voyager at RIAT, especially because it will start to focus the mind on the fact that the aircraft will soon be entering service.”
This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40th anniversary and hosting 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.
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 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 29/03/2011 under Royal Air Force |
At the moment, plans for a Typhoon and Tornado GR4 demo for the 2011 have been suspended due to operations over Libya. At present, the usual amount of ground support for the teams is unavailable due to the need to support the aircraft operating in the Mediterranean and display practices have been halted. The Daily Telegraph has also written a story on the lack of available Typhoon pilots for operations over Libya.
Airshows have recently received the allocation letters detailing their RAF support for the coming season which will include the Red Arrows, RAF Falcons, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, 208(R) Sqn Hawk solo, 207(R)/72(R) Tucano, and the 1 EFTS Tutor T1 as well as the occasional display from the SAR Sea King. The latter will be part of celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of RAF Search and Rescue.
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 26/08/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Royal Air Force |
Unfortunately, due to operational reasons, the planned formation flypast involving the RAF Red Arrows and the RAF Harrier at Dunsfold has now been cancelled.
We would like to thank all of the teams who had worked hard to stage this special tribute flypast, but unfortunately due to revised positioning of aircraft on the day, the formation will not now be possible.
Whilst the formation flypast has been cancelled, this does not affect the Red Arrows Display nor the RAF Harrier Display which will proceed at Dunsfold on both days.
We apologise for any inconvience this may have caused.
Posted by Flightline UK on 25/08/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Royal Air Force |
Wings & Wheels are thrilled to announce that on Sunday 29th August the airshow will be paying tribute to the Harrier and celebrating 50 years since the first vertical take-off, which took place at the aerodrome in October 1960, with a very special flypast.
Having taken a break from the airshow circuit for four years, the Harrier is back and joining the Show on both days and in a unique twist organisers have teamed up with the RAF Red Arrows to bring the crowds something a little bit different.
Wings & Wheels are delighted to confirm that the Red Arrows and the Harrier will be marking the anniversary with a special tribute flypast formation.
Gerry Forristal, Air Display Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “The aerodrome at one time was not only home to the Hawk aircraft flown by the Reds but played a key role in the development of the iconic Harrier. With 2010 being such an exceptional year for both us and the Harrier, we are delighted that the Red Arrows and the Harrier have agreed to team up and help us celebrate this landmark with a special tribute flypast formation.”
Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are extremely proud and very excited to welcome the Harrier back which we know is a firm favourite with our Wings & Wheels visitors. The formation flypast tribute is something not seen before at our airshow and we hope our visitors on Sunday enjoy watching and joining us in our celebrations.”
Dunsfold Aerodrome has an illustrious aviation history and for many years was used as a flight test centre for Harriers and Hawks for the worldwide markets. The Hawk aircraft, flown by the Red Arrows, and most of its components are British made, built and, at one time, delivered from Dunsfold Aerodrome.
Attracting phenomenal crowds of over 25,000 in 2009 with some of the finest aircraft and motoring displays in the UK, Wings & Wheels is not just an Airshow, it’s an exciting weekend of family entertainment.
Tickets are still on sale for the advanced rate of £16 until 5pm on Saturday 28th and can be purchased from Dunsfold Park Estate Office, Guildford Tourist Office, Horsham Tourist Office, Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust and Brooklands Museum.
The Red Arrows will be headlining this year’s airshow and performing on both days, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th August. Also confirmed in the spectacular 4 hour flying displays are the RAF Typhoon, RAF Hawk (Solo Hawk Jet), RAF Tutor (Solo Training Aircraft), Lynx Helicopter, Blades Aerobatic Display Team, Breitling Wingwalkers, Hawker Hunter (Jet), Hawker Hurricane (WW2), Red Bull Matadors, Aerobatic Glider Display, Tigers Parachute Team and Vulcan Bomber.
The ‘Wheels’ of the show is masterminded by Brooklands Museum who have lined-up an assortment of motoring icons, including Aston Martins, Ferraris, Jaguars, AC Cobras, Lotuses, Porsches, TVRs and the McLaren Mercedes SLR, to entertain the crowds as they demonstrate their speed and power up and down the runway made famous by BBC’s Top Gear.
The two day show is being held over the August Bank Holiday, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th August, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey and is open to spectators from 9.00 to 18.00.
Tickets prices remain the same as 2009 and start from: £16 for adults, £5 for under 15’s and £36 for a family. Hospitality packages start at £120 per person. For more information or to book a ticket visit www.wingsandwheels.net.
Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited to help raise monies for nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust and Help for Heroes.
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
