Posted by Flightline UK on March 4, 2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets | 
Drag Em-Oot at Abingdon 2009
An aircraft that actually fought on D-Day in 1944 will be returning to Oxfordshire in May as part of this year’s Abingdon Air & Country Show on Sunday May 2nd.
The C-47 Dakota named “Drag-em-oot” flew missions with the US Army Air Force on D-Day, June 6th 1944 – and still has bullet hole patches in its fuselage showing its war service.
The Dakota was a star of last year’s Abingdon Air & Country Show and is back again for 2010 as one of a number of priceless historic aircraft at the show. Other veteran aircraft on show will be the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster bomber of the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a Vampire jet, Harvard trainer and a rare bomber version of the Hurricane.
There will be other flying attractions including an RAF Hawk and the Swift Glider Aerobatic Team. There will also be a wide range of aircraft on the ground, including a US Army Blackhawk helicopter.
The show, raising funds for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance, will be held at Abingdon Airfield, Dalton Barracks, just off the A34. It is now in its 11th year, and is organised by an all-volunteer team.
The show will include a wide range of attractions on the ground besides the aircraft.
Highlights include Dr Who Daleks, over 80 trade stalls and displays, the return of Fiona Harrison singing 1940s music and an Abingdon MG Car Works meet.
There will also be sheepdog demonstrations, a parade of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, RBS Williams F1 showcar, various World War Two re-enactment displays, a mobile farm, a craft marquee, tank rides, childrens’ amusements, a display of Army exhibits from Dalton Barracks and more.
Advance tickets are on sale now from a variety of outlets. For more information about the show, ticket prices and details of how to buy tickets, visit www.abingdonfayre.com
Posted by Flightline UK on February 13, 2010 under Display Team News and Dates, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Hurricane R4118
The display dates for Peter Vacher’s Hurricane I have been published on http://www.hurricanedisplay.com. With 49 combat sorties, five enemy aircraft destroyed, and being itself shot down in the Battle of Britain, Hurricane R4118 is regarded as the most historic British aircraft to survive in flying condition from the Second World War.
- Sat/Sun 5/6 June – Perth Airshow
- Sun/Mon 6/7 June – Punchestown Airshow, Dublin
- Sunday 13 June – Cosford Airshow
- Sat/Sun 19/20 June – Cotswold Airshow
- Sat/Sun 26/27 June – Biggin Hill Airshow
- Sat/Sun 3/4 July – Waddington Airshow
- Sat/Sun 17/18 – Royal International Air Tattoo
- Saturday 7 August – East Kirkby Airshow
- Saturday 14 August – Shuttleworth Evening Display
- Sat/Sun 21/22 August – Shoreham Airshow
- Sat/Sun 4/5 September -Duxford Battle of Britiain Airshow
- Sat/Sun 11/12 September – Victory Airshow, Cosby, Leics
Posted by Flightline UK on December 7, 2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
From The Advertiser24
The organisers of Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival are backing an appeal to keep flying an iconic aircraft that has brought “the wow factor” to their past two displays.
The world’s only airworthy Vulcan bomber, based at Bruntingthorpe, near Leicester, is in danger of being grounded forever unless £800,000 can be raised before March 31.
Lowestoft airshow chairman Paul Bayfield hopes the money can be found so the giant, delta-winged aircraft can again add “wow” next summer’s show on August 12 and 13.
He said: “It is such a crowd puller. It has what we call the Harrier effect. The whole world stops and watches it. Part of the fascination is wondering how an aircraft with such a unique shape can stay up in the sky.”
Vulcan XH558 starred in 33 events this year – including Lowestoft on July 23 – and altogether appeared in front of 2.5m people throughout the UK and Europe.
Supporters need to raise the first £200,000 by Christmas in order to keep the aircraft in airworthy condition through to its 50th anniversary year in 2010.
Dr Robert Pleming , chief executive of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, said: “We recognise these are difficult times but we firmly believe we are doing the right thing, so we are asking for a mixture of pledges and donations towards the £200,000 we need by Christmas.
“It is hoped our proven reliability and known crowd pulling power, known as the Vulcan Effect, will be an attraction to corporate sponsors and add to our growing commercial activities making us self-financing.
“This has always been our aim, but in the meantime we can only survive on the goodwill of the public who continue to see our project as a worthy cause.”
Funding the Vulcan project has been a constant struggle, having taking the dedicated team 15 years to restore the Cold War bomber to flight in 2007.
Now a total of £2.4m is required to cover operations next year, including hangar and office rental, a large allowance for fuel and servicing with components overhauled or replaced. Revenue and donations should cover most of the bill but leave the £800,000 to find.
Donations and pledges to the appeal can be made by calling 01455 637 864 or visiting the website: www.vulcantothesky.org
Posted by Flightline UK on November 21, 2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Gary Parsons interviews the Head of Airworthiness at the CAA about such topics as the Vulcan, the Grounding of the TFC fleet and that Victor Flight.
Right to reply: the CAA speaks: Key.Aero, Airshows.
Posted by Flightline UK on October 27, 2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
The first participant for the 2010 Biggin Hill International Air Fair has been announced at Peter Vacher’s Hurricane R4118. This Hurricane is the only airworthy Hurricane that took part in the Battle of Britain which is the key theme for the event. You can find out more about the Hurricane here. Also appearins is OFMC’s Spitfire IX MH434.
Posted by Flightline UK on October 20, 2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
The report on the accident that took place at ‘The Shoreham Airshow’ in 2007 has just been published by ‘The Air Accident Investigation Board’.
It has now been confirmed that it was due to pilot error. Brian Brown the pilot of The Hurricane who was sadly killed at the event did a roll that was not included in the plans for the scenario that were discussed prior to the display.
Don Bean MBE – Airshow Organiser said – “For us all at Shoreham it was a sad day as many of the team knew Brian very well having displayed over the years at our event. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. Brian was a highly qualified display pilot and sadly sometimes things do not go to plan – we at Shoreham know he will be missed on the air display circuit by fellow pilots and the many display organisers.”
We now look forward to planning the 2010 Airshow which is being held on August 21st and 22nd which is what Brian would have wanted.
From BBC News
A fatal crash at an airshow in West Sussex was probably caused by an unplanned manoeuvre by the World War II fighter plane’s pilot, a report found.
Brian Brown, an experienced pilot from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was flying the Hurricane when it crashed at Shoreham Airshow on 15 September 2007.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) report said Mr Brown had stated he would not be rolling the aircraft.
However, he did roll the privately-owned plane during a mock dogfight.
Although the aircraft’s airspeed was adequate, the AAIB report said, its pitch meant it had insufficient height for the stunt to be completed safely.
No evidence of any defect or malfunction that would have contributed to the accident was found in the Hurricane, the report added.
It concluded the crash “probably occurred as a result of the pilot attempting an unplanned rolling manoeuvre” which had not been practised as part of the sequence.
The report recommended the sequence of manoeuvres should be clearly specified in advance of flying displays.
After the accident, Mr Brown’s colleagues at the Real Aeroplane Company in Breighton, North Yorkshire, described him as “one of the most experienced Hurricane pilots in the country”.
He had been flying the plane for 10 years and had amassed 400 hours’ flying time.
Mr Brown had taken part in major air shows around Europe but was not originally due to fly at the event in Shoreham. He volunteered his services due to a shortage of available pilots.
His plane crashed into a field about one-mile north of the airshow.
Posted by Flightline UK on June 23, 2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
The organisers of this year’s 20th Anniversary RAFA Shoreham Airshow are delighted to announce that the Avro Vulcan Bomber XH558 will be displaying at this years airshow on both days.
Don Bean MBE Airshow Organiser said, “Thanks to some very generous support, sponsorship has been provided that will enable us to have the wonderful aircraft gracing the skies above Shoreham both days over the display weekend.”
With eight weeks to go prior to the airshow the aircraft display mine up is looking stunning and full of every type of aircraft to cater for all tastes from modern day fast jets through to some of the top civilian aerobatic teams.
The Guinot wing walking team will be displaying this year for the last time under the Guinot banner and have promised to provide a five ship display on the Sunday. They have supported us from year one and we are delighted they have decided to provide this rare five ship display at Shoreham – a fitting tribute to our 20th Show.
A total of approximately 50 aircraft will be displaying both days and the flying is set to last over five hours. The Spitfire and Hurricane scramble will be back as well as the World War 1 team – two contrasting wars and two contrasting displays.
“There are still some surprises to be announced and advance ticket sales are going well thanks to the fantastic support of our sponsors who have been putting a lot of effort into promoting the airshow on our behalf,” said John Periam Airshow Press Officer. “It is important that on show days you arrive early and listen to the local radio networks regarding traffic as the planned appearance of the Avro Vulcan is bound to attract a lot of interest,” he added.
For more information go to the airshow web site www.shorehamairshow.com – advance tickets can be purchased from the ticket hotline 01903 282354.
Posted by Flightline UK on March 7, 2009 under Warbirds and Classic Jets |
BBC Look North Report
Posted by Flightline UK on March 6, 2009 under Display Team News and Dates, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
One month ago, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST) had to announce that the prospects of seeing Vulcan XH558, the world’s only flying Vulcan, ever flying again were looking very poor as the result of the lack of cash, and that notices had had to be given to its employees that their jobs would end on Friday 6th March
With the launch of a Pledge Campaign to raise £1million, VTST based its future on the public’s affection for the Vulcan and their desire to see it fly.
As the deadline of the end of today approaches, the Pledge Campaign has this morning (11.00am) passed £956,835, pledged by over 9,821 supporters, and so has excellent prospects of passing its goal of £1million imminently.
This is the third time in seven years that the future of the Vulcan in flight has been saved by the support of thousands of members of the public, making XH558 “The People’s Aircraft”. Never has one historic aircraft owed so much to so many!
On their own, pledges can’t solve the Trust’s immediate cash problem, because they each need now to be converted into cash donations. The Trust is therefore very grateful to its sponsors, Aerobytes Ltd and Judd Power, who have today committed sufficient cash to keep the Trust going for another month, allowing time for the pledges to be redeemed.
As the result, VTST is delighted to announce that it is able to continue its activities on a more secure financial footing, and that the prospects of seeing the Vulcan fly in 2009 are now good.
For the past month, supporters of the Vulcan have been tireless in their fundraising activities, ranging from the cross-country Vulcan Scramble, to “Pledgathon” events across the UK. VTST is enormously grateful to all the members of the Vulcan to the Sky Club for their help.
There are well over 10 million young people who have never seen the Vulcan in flight. Following the success of the Pledge Campaign, these youngsters now have an opportunity to experience this inspirational “once seen, never forgotten” sight.
Because we cannot assume that all the pledges will be honoured, we are asking the the public to continue to pledge financial support, either through our website www.vulcantothesky.org or by phone to our office on 0116 247 8145. We have demonstrated that even the smallest pledge helps, because it is people in their thousands who make the difference.
BBC News Story
Posted by Flightline UK on November 6, 2008 under Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Aero Inventory plc has been announced as the latest sponsor of the Vulcan to the Sky project. The good news was announced to airshow organisers at the DARS Post Season Symposium by the VttS team.
Aero Inventory plc will use the sponsorship of Vulcan XH558 to build global awareness of the Aero Inventory brand. AI is a major service provider to companies in the aviation industry. They provide a comprehensive procurement and inventory management service in the field of aerospace parts. They have long-term, sole-supplier contracts with customers in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, El Salvador, Japan, Hong Kong, China and Indonesia.
For further information, visit the Aero Inventory website.
Posted by Flightline UK on September 30, 2008 under Royal Air Force, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Imperial War Museum Duxford has announced that, due to technical reasons, the World’s only flying Vulcan bomber will not now be taking part in the Museum’s Autumn Air Show this Sunday, 5 October – the last major air show in the UK this year. A statement issued by the aircraft’s operators, Vulcan To The Sky, cites technical problems with one of the aircraft’s four jet engines as the reason.
“The Vulcan was very popular when it displayed at Duxford in September so, due to public demand, we booked it again for our Autumn Air Show.” says Richard Ashton, Director of Imperial War Museum Duxford. “We know that the public were looking forward to a return appearance of the aircraft but even without the Vulcan, our Autumn Air Show is still going to be a great show. The line-up has just been enhanced by the addition of the RAF’s newest fighter, the Typhoon, which means our last air show of the year will feature a fantastic blend of classic aircraft and front-line fast jets – and we’re really looking forward to the show. We wish the Vulcan To The Sky team the very best and hope to see the Vulcan back over Duxford in 2009.”
Although visitors will not get to see the Vulcan in the air on Sunday they will instead have the chance to meet many of the RAF crews who took part in the daring ‘Black Buck’ Vulcan bombing raids during the 1982 Falklands War. Flying many thousands of miles, the RAF Vulcans undertook what were then the longest bombing raids in history to attack Argentine positions on the Falklands. Richard Ashton adds “This is what we do at Duxford. By giving our visitors the opportunity to meet the men and women who made history, we bring history to life.” The Vulcan crews will be attending the air show alongside other aviation veterans including wartime RAF Bomber Command aircrews.
Duxford’s Autumn Air Show is the UK’s last major air display of the year. World-famous French Air Force aerobatics team the Patrouille de France will be taking to the air as well as RAF fast jets, Royal Navy helicopters and classic aircraft including a Mustang, Hurricane and several of Duxford’s famous Spitfires. Visitors to the show will also be treated to a thrilling display from the Belgian Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighter.
Imperial War Museum Duxford’s Autumn Air Show will take place on Sunday 5 October. Duxford is just south of Cambridge at Junction 10 of the M11. Gates will open at 8am and the flying will begin at 1.30pm. Admission will cost: Adults £24.95, Seniors (60 and over) £22.00 and £9.95 for Children and Concessions. Under 5s are free. Ample free parking is available. For further information, visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or telephone 01223 835 000.
All flying subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments.
Posted by Flightline UK on August 23, 2008 under Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Visitors will be able to inspect ex-RAF V-Bomber Avro Vulcan XL426 at close quarters, and have a guided tour of the cockpit. VRT Team members will be on hand to answer questions, and various stalls and refreshments will be available. A line-up of gleaming Triumph Stag sports cars will add to the vintage British history on show. Entry is £1.50, plus £2.00 for the cockpit tour. Gates open at 10am, and close at 4pm.The public will be able to inspect the latest work carried out on XL426 – known as ‘The Southend Vulcan’ – as the ‘426 Return To Power!’ appeal program progresses. A number of items that have been removed from the bomber for restoration will be on display. During the day the aircraft’s Airborne Auxiliary Power Unit (a small Rover jet engine) will be run, allowing various systems on the bomber to be operated, such as the vast bomb doors – which once would have held Britain’s nuclear deterrent, the Blue Steel nuclear missile. One very lucky member of the visiting public will be able to take the controls during this demonstration, for a fee, on a first come basis. A very unique opportunity.
Click Here for the official website for the VRT
Posted by Flightline UK on July 3, 2008 under Military Airshows, Warbirds and Classic Jets |
The Vulcan XH558 will make it’s long awaiting flying display debut as a civilian aircraft at this weekend’s Waddington Airshow. The long process came to an end following a two hour flight from it’s current base at Bruntingthorpe to Waddington. The aircraft is reported to have performed three practices which included the all important evaluation from a CAA Display Authroisation Examiner. The award of the DA was announced live on local BBC News programmes covering the North and East Midlands.
Flightline UK would like offer hearty congratulations to TVOC on getting to this stage and wish them and the Vulcan display team all the best for a successful display career!
Posted by Flightline UK on June 27, 2008 under Warbirds and Classic Jets |
Just as it seemed that the 15 years and £7 million spent to restore the world’s only remaining Vulcan bomber to full serviceability would be in vain, a sponsor has come in at the 11th hour and given the project a temporary reprieve. Aerobytes Ltd., which supplies flight safety and fuel saving software to the aviation industry, has responded to the Vulcan to the Sky Trust’s (VTST) pleas for financial assistance by swelling the coffers enough to ensure that the iconic aircraft can appear at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford (12 – 13 July) and Farnborough International (14 – 20 July) airshows – subject to the UK CAA granting XH558 a Permit to Fly and a Display Authorisation.
Despite her glorious return to flight last year and the successful completion of all test-flights required by the UK CAA, the major sponsorship required to secure the Vulcan’s long-term future has not yet materialised. Thousands of supporters have consistently rallied to keep the project afloat, but despite their generosity, the money coming in has only been sufficient to keep the team ticking over.
If this situation had continued it would not have been possible for the Vulcan to appear at airshows and have the chance to attract the major sponsors it so critically needs. The VTST was in a Catch 22 situation. Almost unthinkably, the project would have achieved its goal of restoring XH558 to flight status and subsequently then had to close owing to a lack of funding before ever having flown her in front of her expectant public audience. Having come this far, the only airworthy Vulcan on the planet would have been grounded forever.
Then, in the Vulcan’s darkest hour, Aerobytes came to the rescue. Managing Director Eddie Forrester has been a long-term sponsor of the Vulcan and simply couldn’t bear to stand by and see her reduced to a museum novelty. Through donations and pledges for an undisclosed sum, Aerobytes has now provided the financial stability required to keep XH558 operational at least until the end of the summer.
Aerobytes supplies Flight Safety (FDM/FOQA) and Fuel Saving software to nearly one hundred airlines worldwide and is considering the possibility of pledging a proportion of revenue from its Fuel Saving software to keep the Vulcan flying in future.
Despite the apparently good news, Eddie was quick to point out that Aerobytes alone cannot save the Vulcan:
“Without our assistance, XH558 would not have the chance to fly this summer season, or potentially ever again. We are just one part of a devoted team of supporters though, and without continuing support from others funds will run out before September and there will be dire consequences. If there was ever a time to donate to the Vulcan, it is now.”
“It’s essential that a major sponsor is found in the next two months and that is one reason why we put up the money. XH558 must appear on the big stages of Fairford & Farnborough so that potential sponsors can realise the fantastic opportunity she represents as a publicity platform. It is one thing to see a photograph of a Vulcan, but something completely different to experience one for real. The size, shape, performance and noise are truly breathtaking. When she performs her ‘first’ display, nobody who witnesses it will talk about anything else for days.”
“The other reason we wanted to support the Vulcan through summer 2008 was to ensure that the thousands of people who have really kept the project afloat – through individual, private donations over many years – are repaid for their faith and patience. They deserve to see her fly and to hear that awesome Vulcan howl once more. If nothing more comes of our donation than bringing happiness to our fellow supporters then it will have been money well spent. One of the most impressive facts about the Vulcan restoration is the high proportion of funding that came from individuals – as opposed to Lottery money or corporate sponsorship – something like 30%. That so many people have been prepared to donate so much over such a long time demonstrates the Vulcan’s widespread, enduring and deeply felt popularity.”
When asked why the Vulcan is so special, Eddie’s reply comes back almost instantly:
“For a start, this aircraft represents one of the best pieces of engineering design ever created in the UK. Decades ahead of its time, the delta shape will be instantly familiar to anyone who has been privileged to see a Concorde. And, like Concorde, the Vulcan is quite ‘vocal’ as the two aircraft both use four almost identical Olympus engines. At full power the experience cannot possibly be described in words. Certain engine-speeds (typically during take-off) cause the intakes to resonate and the aircraft creates the most incredible howl – it would easily drown out a car alarm right next to you yet it is strangely calming at the same time. You never once think ‘too loud’, just ‘wow…’. I have described it as the sound of the gates of Hell opening and given the aircraft’s initial purpose (delivery of nuclear weapons) I suppose that’s not an inappropriate choice of words.”
“For me personally, the most important point is that a group of dedicated individuals managed to perform the ‘impossible’. Inevitably, the doubters have always been lurking in the shadows – all too quick to write this off as another impossible dream and assert that none of us should waste time with intangible and abstract things such as aspirations, visions or fantasies. I strongly believe that this type of negative-thinking is slowly strangling our society and that it accounts for many commercial and personal failures in the UK every day. It helps to explain why we can no longer produce miracles of engineering like Concorde or TSR2. Consequently, I am proud beyond words that the Vulcan team has weathered the storm and now has something so beautiful and so noisy with which to send doubters scuttling back under their rocks for a long time to come. I sincerely hope that young people over the coming years will see this aircraft, learn how she was saved and be inspired. I want them to learn that ‘impossible’ normally means ‘lazy’, ‘excuse’ or ‘no imagination’ and that they are entirely capable of achieving just about anything so long as they apply enough intelligence, imagination and courage.”
“In short, we are very proud to support the return of XH558 to the sky as magnificent proof that ‘impossible’ is a much over-used word. This is a lesson that tomorrow’s engineers and managers will hopefully remember and apply in later life.”
Posted by Flightline UK on May 3, 2008 under Warbirds and Classic Jets |
The Vulcan Restoration Trust is a registered charity that owns and maintains an ex-Royal Air Force bomber, Avro Vulcan B2 XL426, at London Southend Airport, Essex. XL426 is maintained in full ground working condition (i.e. it is not airworthy but its systems, including its engines, are kept in operating condition and the aircraft is capable of being taxied) as part of Britain’s aviation heritage and as a tribute to the men and women who flew and maintained the Vulcan during the Cold War. As part of their efforts they run a number of events throughout the year to support and promote the project.
Visit the Vulcan Days 2008
The Trust are holding four open days – titled Visit the Vulcan Days – for 2008 at Southend Airport, Essex, SS2 6YF on the following dates:
27th April 2008
29th June 2008
3rd August 2008
21st September 2008
Visitors will be able to inspect Avro Vulcan XL426 at close quarters, and have a guided tour of the cockpit. VRT Team members will be on hand to answer questions, and various stalls and refreshments will be available. Entry is £1.50, plus £2.00 for the cockpit tour. Gates open at 10am, and close at 4pm.
We would be grateful if you could add these dates to any 2008 events lists that you publish in your media, and promote them in any way possible.
The public will be able to inspect the latest work carried out on XL426 as the ‘426 Return To Power!’ appeal program progresses.
VRT Enthusiasts Events
On top of the The Trust is holding a further three ‘VRT Enthusiasts Events’ during 2008. A guest speaker, with ‘big-screen’ visual projection to support and add interest to the talking, headlines each event. The meeting will also include engineering updates on XL426, and the Trust as a whole. The VRT’s sales stand will be in attendance selling a multitude of merchandise. Teas, coffees and light refreshments are available all afternoon, as is a licensed bar. These events are very friendly and sociable events, as well as being informative and entertaining.
Saturday 26 July: Guest speaker – Wing Commander WA ‘Robby’ Robinson. We are thrilled to welcome famous test pilot and speaker ‘Robby’ Robinson who will be talking to us about his time with A V Roe & Co at Woodford on the Nimrod and Vulcan. Not to be missed! Robby will also be signing some of his highly acclaimed books on the day so bring your wallet!
Saturday 4 October: Guest speaker: Wing Commander Adrian Sumner. Adrian will be talking about interesting and varied career in aviation including his time in the RAF and his many hours on the mighty Vulcan.
A Christmas special event is planned for 7 December 2008, with a guest speaker and price yet to be confirmed. This will be a special-priced ticket-only event, and will include a buffet. Details will be released when available.
Admission to each event is free for VRT Members, with a suggested donation of £4.00 for non-members.
Start time is 12.00, with the entertainment beginning at 1.00pm.
The Events take place at Hawkwell Village Hall, Main Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4EH
