Posted by Flightline UK on 28/09/2010 under Any other business | 
The team behind Europe’s largest airshow is offering to share some of the magic that has made the Royal International Air Tattoo such a success over the years.
Next month (October) sees the launch of Fairford-based Air Tattoo Event Services (ATES), a new initiative by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, which is offering to spice up events around the UK by providing an aerial spectacle that is guaranteed to create a memorable ‘wow’ factor. The team plans to use its knowledge and experience of staging the world-famous Air Tattoo each year at RAF Fairford to help others incorporate the excitement and thrills of an air display at their events.
The aviation spectacle provided by ATES could include arranging displays by legendary warbirds such as Spitfires or Hurricanes, classic jets such as Hunters, Jet Provosts or Gnats, daring wing-walkers, synchronised aerobatic display teams, single aerobatic display aircraft, helicopters, modern military aircraft, large model displays, gliders, hot air balloons as well as static aircraft. ATES would book the aircraft, ensure all the regulatory requirements are met and choreograph the display to meet the needs of occasions such as private or corporate functions and large public events including outdoor concerts, conferences, gala dinners or staff family days.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Air displays are now really popular in the UK which means the benefit of including aircraft at an event is immense – they can help generate pre-event publicity and a buzz, and then wow guests or visitors on the day, giving them something to remember and talk about for months to come.”
Rob Windsor, from ATES, said: “In the past we organised aerial displays at events including the opening of Eurotunnel, celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Heathrow Airport, plus various F1 grand prix and seaside airshows. With our experience and with a wide range of aircraft and displays to choose from, event planners will discover just how simple it can be to turn an occasion into something extra-special.”
For further information, contact Rob Windsor at eventservices@rafcte.com
Posted by Flightline UK on 25/03/2010 under Any other business |
From the Red Arrows Website:-
We can confirm that at 1150 GMT on Tuesday 23 March two Hawk aircraft from the Royal Air Force Red Arrows Aerobatic Team collided whilst undertaking pre-season training at Hellenic Air Force Base Kastelli in Crete.
· The aircraft were being flown by Flt Lt Mike Ling (known as Red 6) and Flt Lt David Montenegro (known as Red 7). Flt Lt Ling ejected from his aircraft sustaining a dislocated shoulder and minor injuries associated with an ejection. His aircraft was severely damaged on impact with the runway. Flt Lt Montenegro managed to land his aircraft safely with no injuries.
· A Service Inquiry has been launched and an air crash investigation team is now in Crete.
· The Red Arrows team will transit their Hawk aircraft as soon as possible, from Heraklion Airport where they diverted, back to Hellenic Air Force base Kastelli on the island of Crete where they were on a training detachment as part of their spring work-up, prior to the display season.
· Safety is paramount. The team will recommence training for the forthcoming season once preliminary inquiries into the accident have been completed to the satisfaction of the chain of command. It is too early to speculate on the format and composition of the likely display routine.
· The investigation will determine the facts and further information will be provided in due course.
· It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the crash.
Posted by Flightline UK on 15/05/2009 under Any other business |
Local newspapers have reported an accident involving the Pitts XII aircraft based at White Waltham on Thursday afternoon.
From Maidenhead Advertiser:-
A plane has flat-landed at White Waltham airfield in Maidenhead this afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 1pm where a yellow plane is thought to have made a heavy landing.
A male pilot in his thirties was been airlifted to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with injuries.
Posted by Flightline UK on 29/12/2008 under Any other business |
The first dates for the Swiss Air Force display team, Patrouille Suisse, have been released on Flugzeugforum.
January
- 17th – Lauberhornrennen, Wengen (Switzerland)
March
- 26th-3rd April – Emmen (Switzerland)
May
- 8th-11th – Hafengeburtstag, Hamburg (Germany)
June
- 12th-15th – Tours (France)
- 26th-29th – Zeltweg (Austria)
July
- 4th – Mollis (Switzerland)
August
- 15th – Thun (Switzerland)
- 21st-24th – Rygge (Norway)
- 29th - Dittingen (Switzerland)
October
- 3rd – Foire du Valais, Martigny (Switzerland)
- 7th-8th – AXALP (Switzerland)
Posted by Flightline UK on 26/11/2008 under Any other business |
Spitfire fans will have the chance to see this magnificent aircraft display in a unique setting right on the edge of Northwich, Cheshire, on Sunday May 10.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire will perform at Thundersprint 2009 – an incredible mix of classic motorcycle racing, street entertainment and fine food which takes over this pretty market town during the second weekend in May.
The Thundersprint festival has completely free admission, and free parking, and provides a packed day’s entertainment for the whole family. Turn one corner and there’s a 1960s Grand Prix star munching on a home made wild boar pie – walk around the next and find thoroughbred classic race bikes mingling with Morris Dancers and Jazz bands: there’s nowhere like the Thundersprint!
Star attractions on two-wheels this year are double World Champion and MotoGP star James Toseland and six times World Champion Jim Redman.
As the tension builds for the start of four hours of non-stop racing, the BBMF Spitfire roars across the sky in salute and the thunder of the mighty Merlin engine echoes from Marks and Spencer’s store wall! Truly, an unmissable experience for any fan of classic aircraft – and one which is absolutely unique to the Thundersprint.
Spectator entry to the Thundersprint is free, as is parking, but arriving early is recommended because Northwich gets very busy. The Thundersprint is very family friendly and welcomes well-behaved pets – and children. Facilties for the disabled are excellent with free parking right in the centre of the show.
For more information visit www.thundersprint.com or ‘phone 01928 740 498.
Posted by Flightline UK on 17/09/2008 under Any other business |
This is to confirm that the 2009 SHOREHAM ROYAL AIRFORCES ASSOCIATION BATTLE OF BRITAIN AIRSHOW will take place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of August 2009.
It will be our ‘20th ANNIVERSARY EVENT’ and it is intended to make it a fitting tribute to those that have organised it over the past twenty years with some displays that will make it different from past years.
It will also be our way of saying a big thank you to those that have supported us over the years by helping or attending the airshows. It is not easy to run an event this size, considering all involved are volunteers and the organisers under Don Bean MBE are well aware of this. “Our aim is to support the Royal Air forces Association and to raise the record funds we have done over the past 19 years is an outstanding achievement that we should all be very proud off,” he added.
“There were some traffic related problems on the Saturday of this year’s event and it is our intention to make sure that this will not happen again in 2009. There is no doubt that this year’s two day show was a great success with Saturday breaking all attendance records making up for the inclement start to the Sunday. The feedback we have had from the aviation media and aircrews is that once again Shoreham was one of the highlights of the air display calendar,” said John Periam.
Not only do we need your support for 2009 but if there are any who have a genuine interest to help us do please contact the Airshow Office on 01273 441545. “The work is not easy but it is fun and aviation can become very addictive as many of us have already found out,” said Don Bean.
Look forward to seeing you in 2009.
Posted by Flightline UK on 05/09/2008 under Any other business |
Cancellation – The Victory Show, Cosby nr Leicester
Due to the sudden and unusually persistent heavy rainfall, a decision was made by the organisers of the The Victory Show to cancel the event on both Saturday September 6th and Sunday September 7th.
As with any cancellation of any event the very difficult decision was taken following discussions between the organisers, exhibitors, police and other safety services. It was based on concerns for the visitors and the disappointing conclusion was that we could not fully safeguard them or provide an event in these conditions deemed worthwhile for them to visit.
Despite a huge effort by everyone involved to improve the conditions of the waterlogged public car parks and ground display sites, it became clear that significant areas of the fields and of the battleground were unusable. For further information please visit www.victoryshow.co.uk where further updates will be published in due course.
Posted by Flightline UK on 26/08/2008 under Any other business |
The countdown is on for this year’s 19th Royal Air Forces Association Shoreham Airshow which takes place at Shoreham Airport this weekend Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st.
Don Bean MBE airshow organiser said “Advanced ticket sales have exceeded expectations and broken all records and to add to that the long term weather forecast looks very good indeed for the weekend with plenty of sunshine and warm weather – what more can we ask for except a safe show and some first class flying.”
Gates will open at 0830 am both days and Christian Moullec from France will start the flying display at 1115 am (which lasts well over five hours) with his micro light and geese flying in harmony – Christian was last hear three years ago and is returning by popular request.
“The Vulcan” is scheduled to appear one day over the weekend but this will be subject to serviceability and as we go to press there are currently concerns regarding its undercarriage following a rather heavy landing at RAF Brize Norton last Friday. “We have been assured they are doing everything possible to make an appearance at Shoreham – but it is airworthiness takes priority when it comes to display flying” said John Periam Airshow Press Officer.
With over 50 aircraft flying from the latest RAF Eurofighter Typhoon through to a full scale airfield attack resulting in a mass Spitfire and Hurricane scramble there will be plenty to entertain the crowds.
Add to that – lots to keep the children entertained from clowns to meeting members of the armed forces through to a fun fair – static aircraft park – craft tent – trade stands and autograph enclosure where one can meet the pilots and celebrities attending the show – the day should be action packed.
“EARLY ARRIVAL WOULD BE APPRECIATED AS THIS HELPS THE TRAFFIC FLOW – SO DO MAKE THE MOST OF THE EARLY OPENING TIME AT 0830” said Sussex Police.
For more info go to www.shorehamairshow.com
Posted by Flightline UK on 12/07/2008 under Any other business |
The organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire announce that the airshow on Sunday, July 13 will not go ahead.
The decision was taken following lengthy discussions between the organisers, police and other safety services. It was based on concerns for our visitors and the disappointing conclusion was that we could not fully safeguard them.
The public is asked not to travel to RAF Fairford tomorrow.
Despite a huge effort by everyone involved to improve the conditions of the waterlogged public car parks, it became clear by mid-afternoon today (July 12) that significant areas of the fields and of the showground remain unusable.
Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said: “We have been working around the clock to improve the conditions on the airfield and in the car parks but unfortunately we have run out of time.
“Many people will be desperately disappointed but I would like to assure them that we have tried everything possible within the time available.
“Having worked towards this airshow for the past 12 months, my team at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and our band of 3,000 enthusiastic and loyal volunteers share the huge sense of frustration.”
The senior Police commander for the Air Tattoo, Supt Tony Godwin, said; “It is with deep regret that the decision has been made to cancel the Royal International Air Tattoo on both days. This decision was not made lightly. It was made in the interest of those visiting or working at the event.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who had been planning to attend the airshow, for their cooperation and understanding.”
The Air Tattoo has set up a helpline advising customers how to claim ticket refunds as this cannot be done from the base itself. Details of ticket refunds are available from the website at www.airtattoo.com or call the Air Tattoo Helpline on 01285 713300.
Posted by Flightline UK on under Any other business |
Due to the unusually heavy rainfall during the past 72 hours, a decision has been made by the organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to cancel the airshow on Saturday, July 12.
The cancellation of the airshow on Saturday follows a sustained period of heavy rainfall that has resulted in waterlogged conditions not only in the public car parks but also on the airfield itself. The decision was taken following consultation with the police and other safety services.
Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said it was the first time the Air Tattoo had ever had to cancel one of its days in its 38-year history.
“It is with great regret that we had to take the decision to cancel the airshow on the Saturday but the safety of the public is paramount.
“When it became clear that we could not guarantee the safety of the many thousands of people who had bought tickets for Saturday, the decision to cancel was straightforward.
“We are aware of the inconvenience our decision will have on the many thousands of people who have bought tickets for the Saturday but the potential risk of there being significant difficulties on the roads, in our car parks on the airbase itself were too high.”
It is anticipated that the show will be held on Sunday but it will be only for holders of tickets valid for Sunday. A decision in respect of this will be announced by 4pm on Saturday.
Please note that Saturday tickets will not be valid for Sunday.
Refund details for tickets bought for Saturday, July 12, can be found on the Royal International Air Tattoo website at www.airtattoo.com . For further enquiries contact refunds@rafcte.com
Posted by Flightline UK on 26/04/2008 under Any other business |
BERLIN, April 26 (Reuters) – A small propeller airplane crashed into a group of people at an air show near the eastern German town of Eisenach on Saturday, killing a 45-year-old woman and injuring 10 others, police said.
“A small airplane taking off came off the runway and rolled into a group of people,” a police spokeswoman said. The accident happened at the Kindel air field near Eisenach, south of Berlin.
She said three people were seriously injured and seven others, including two children aged nine and 14, suffered less serious injuries. The spokeswoman said it was not known what caused the crash.
German television network ZDF reported the plane had come to a halt in a children’s carousel near the end of the runway. It said the pilot was injured in the crash and had been pinned in the cockpit.
The network said the bright yellow plane was formerly used for crop dusting.
German media said it was a Z-37, a Czech-made single seat plane. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold; writing by Erik Kirschbaum; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Posted by Flightline UK on 16/03/2008 under Any other business |
Speaking at the recent DASC Pre-season Flying Display Symposium, the Farnborough Flying Display Director and former Typhoon Display pilot, John Turner, ran through some of the regulations for flying displays for the forthcoming Farnborough International.
The headline annoucement is that the standard display minima for displays has been reduced from 600ft to 500ft. This will without doubt please a lot of photographers! However, the restrictions for flying outside of the airfield, nicknames the “Farnborough Bowl” remain in place. This ensures that display aircraft do not fly over the built up areas of Farnborough, North Camp and Aldershot too low.
However, the organisers will be open to flexibility so if a pilots authorisations allows him to fly lower, the organisers may grant exemptions.
Restrictions are also placed on the length of display routines so as to keep all of the companies displaying their wares at the airshow equal exposure.
Large transports/airliners and V/STOL aircraft will be granted a 7 minute slot.
Fast Jets, military trainers, smaller transport and large helicopters will be granted a 6 minute slot
5 minute slots will be granted to all light aircraft and small helicopters
Posted by Flightline UK on 18/02/2008 under Any other business |
Two UK dates have been included in the Mirage 2000C schedule: BigginHill and Waddington
| May |
| 18th |
Orange (France) |
| June |
| 1st |
Cognac (France) |
| 7th-8th |
Biggin Hill |
| 20th |
Leeuwarden (Netherlands) (TBC) |
| 28th |
Dijon (France) |
| July |
| 5th-6th |
RAF Waddington |
| 13th |
Avord (France) |
| 21st |
Sanicole (Belgium) |
|
August
|
| 2nd-3rd |
Albert (France) |
| 15th |
Lorient (France) |
| 20th |
Kalamata (Greece) |
| 30th |
Angers (France) |
| September |
| 13th |
Pontoise (France) |
| 20th-21st |
Epinal |
Posted by Flightline UK on 13/02/2008 under Any other business |
A cuddly bear has clocked up more flying hours with the RAF than most people would see in their lifetime.
And when the toy’s adventures finally come to an end it will be auctioned off to raise funds for the RAF Association (RAFA).
“Boss Bear” began his travels at the 2006 RAFA Shoreham Airshow. Since then the House of Lords teddy bear has gradually wound its way around the world.
John Periam, the Shoreham Air Show Press Officer, said: “His pilot’s log book has more flying hours than most would see in their life time plus some interesting stories, photographs and autographs with celebrities and crew members. His jumper has more squadron badges on than it can now take so we have had to start putting them on his rucksack.”
The patron of the 2006 RAFA Shoreham Airshow, HRH Princess Alexandra, signed the cover of his log book and the bear was last seen flying off with the Merlin Display Team back to their base. Since then he has flown with the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, accompanied squadrons at most RAF Bases in the UK and even participated in Operation Red Flag.
He was the first bear to qualify on the Nimrod R1 in an electronic surveillance role – flight deck and rear crew – and the Commanding Officer of 51 Squadron even commented: “Boss Bear is an outstanding aviator, it has been a pleasure to fly with him.”
Not one to be confined to the British Isles, the bear has also flown with the US Air Force on F16s, F18s, B52s and the B1B – although it was reported that he suffered a little motion sickness while over the Grand Canyon.
Other flying roles have taken him up with most civilian display teams including “The Blades” led by Andy Offer and his team of ex-Red Arrow pilots, also Vic Norman’s Guinot Wingwalkers. Not to miss any opportunity he was even winched up by the Royal Navy and displayed with the Navy Black Cats helicopter team as well as the Sussex Police Helicopter.
To date his highlights have been two fly-bys over Buckingham Palace and the Lord Mayor’s Show in London.
Tony Hirons, the RAFA Corporate Communications Manager, said: “He was enjoying life so much that, after he re-appeared at last year’s Shoreham Airshow, we felt it would be nice for him to continue his travels. He was then seen flying off to RAF Cranwell in the Display Tucano and we gather he is currently making his way to RAF Leuchars. He has contacts in high places and could even be flying on Air Force One before too long!”
Boss Bear was donated by Bob Franklin who has been a supporter of the Shoreham Airshow for many years. Following this year’s RAFA Shoreham Airshow on August 30 and 31, the bear will be putting up his flying boots and looking for a suitable home with all his memorabilia.
John Periam added: “I know he is very keen to raise a lot of money for RAFA when this happens and we will be deciding nearer the time how we can do this, plus there has even been some interest in a book being published about his adventures!
“With seven months flying still left, his aim is to meet as many people as possible as he wants to make sure he beats as many records as he can!”
Posted by Flightline UK on under Any other business |
A press release from the G-VFWE website has announced the sad cancellation of this popular event:-
“It is with the greatest regret that I must announce the CANCELLATION of this year’s G-VFWE. The event, planned for Hullavington Airfield from 16th-18th May, will NOT now take place.
All pilots and trade participants who have already booked in will shortly receive an official notification together with a refund of their monies – less a nominal amount for processing. Bookings received after 01/02/08 will receive their cheques back ‘uncashed’.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OTHER EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE AS SCHEDULED SUBJECT TO ANY CHANGES BY THEIR RESPECTIVE ORGANISERS. PILOTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO REGISTER FOR THESE VENUES IN THE NORMAL WAY.
Every effort was made to keep G-VFWE ‘flying’ for another year but it was all, sadly, to be without any tangible success.Thank you for your support and interest.
Terry A. Booker, Ops Manager.”
