The weekend of 22nd-23rd October will see the Bell UH-1H Huey and Hughes OH-6A on static display at two venues in the North West in aid of the North West Air Ambulance service. Saturday 22nd October will see the display held at Waterloo Road Headland, Blackpool. Sunday 23rd October will see the display held at The Green, Lytham.
The helicopters will be flying in between 0930-1000 each morning and flying out again between 1530-1500. The static display will last all day and be free to view for the public.
Go and show your support for the North West Ambulance as well as getting up close and personal to these wonderful and historic helicopters, the only examples of Vietnam veteran helicopters flying in Europe.
The IWM Duxford Autumn Air Show (Sunday 16 October) celebrates the 80th anniversary of the first flightof the iconic Tiger Moth with a superb display by the Tiger Nine Team, which will see nine Tiger Moths inclose formation in the skies above Duxford.
The Tiger Nine formation team was created in the summer of 2005 in response to a request for a flypastof nine Tiger Moths at the 25th de Havilland Moth Club Rally at Woburn Abbey.
Having risen to the challenge, the newly-formed teamwent on to performits full display routine for thenext season.A challenging aircraft to fly in a formation display, the Tiger Moth requires a mature discipline and expert flying skill, particularly when operating a large group of Tiger Moths simultaneously.
There is something quintessentially British about a group ofmen froma diverse range of backgrounds,including airline pilots, ex-RAF pilots, a farmer, a sales executive, a company director, an anaesthetist andan RAF Wing Commander, coming together for the camaraderie and fun of flying such a special aircraft.
The Tiger Nine team is the only team in the world to have nine Tiger Moths in close formation. Its crowdpleasing,spectacularly entertaining display will be a significant highlight of the Autumn Air Show 2011.
The de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth, designed by Geoffrey de Havilland, was first flown on 26 October1931 by de Havilland Chief Test Pilot Hubert Broad.The RAF ordered 35 dual-control Tiger Moth Is which had the company designation DH-82. Asubsequent order was placed for 50 aircraft powered by the de Havilland Gipsy Major I engine which wasthe DH-82A or, to the RAF, Tiger Moth II.The Tiger Moth entered service at the RAF Central Flying School in February 1932.
From the outset, it proved to be an ideal trainer, simple and cheap to own and maintain. The Tiger Moth required a sure andsteady hand to fly it well, enabling instructors to easily weed out inept student pilots. Whilst generally docile and forgiving in the normal flight phases encountered during initial training, when used foraerobatic and formation training, the Tiger Moth required definite skill and concentration to performwell.A botched manoeuvre could easily cause the aircraft to stall or spin.
Percival Leggett trained on Tiger Moths during the Second World War in Cambridgeshire:“The Tiger Moth is easy to fly. No vicious tendencies at all. It’s very responsive to the controls.Most people, I think, found landing rather tricky, because…it is quite a small aeroplane, with a very smallundercarriage. It is very close to the ground. And coming in to land one finds it difficult to decide just atwhat point you should draw back the stick to land the aircraft. Most people tend to start easing off toohigh, with the result that either the aircraft stalls or theymiss the airfield altogether.But that apart it’s a good aeroplane – very reliable. We did have one engine failure fromone of the pupils but hemanaged to force land it in a field. It’s a good aeroplane, and still flying today!”
By the start of the SecondWorld War, the RAF had 500 Tiger Moths in service. During a British productionrun of over 7000 Tiger Moths, a total of 4005 Tiger Moth IIs were built during the war specifically for theRAF.The Tiger Moth became the foremost primary trainer throughout the Commonwealth and elsewhere andremained in service with the RAF until it was replaced by the de Havilland Chipmunk in 1952.
Post-war, large numbers of surplus Tiger Moths weremade available for sale to flying clubs and privateindividuals. Inexpensive to operate, the aircraft took on new civilian roles including aerial advertising, airambulance, aerobatic performer, crop duster and glider tug.
Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm the Avro Vulcan XH558 will now also participate at Dunsfold Wings & Wheels on Sunday 28th, as well as Monday 29th August. The world’s only Avro Vulcan capable of flying will form one of the key attractions in the Airshow’s five hour flying displays thanks to the support of key sponsor, Aerobytes Ltd.
Airworthy again after more than 10 years of campaigning and comprehensive restoration work by the ‘Vulcan to the Sky Trust’, the striking delta-wing bomber was the last of its kind to serve in the Royal Air Force. The aircraft was de-commissioned in 1993 & returned to the skies at Bruntingthorpe in October 2007. Last year, the iconic aircraft celebrated the 50th anniversary of its very first flight.
Eddie Forrester, Managing Director, Aerobytes Ltd says: “Aerobytes is passionate about keeping the Vulcan where it belongs, in the sky! We are delighted to be able to support both the bomber and Wings & Wheels by sponsoring the display and bringing this breathtaking aircraft to Dunsfold Aerodrome.”
Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Vulcan drew a huge crowd to last year’s Wings & Wheels. We are all really excited to confirm she will be displaying on both days this year and would like to thank Aerobytes for helping to make this possible. The Vulcan is another iconic addition to an already incredible line-up of aviation favourites. Tickets are now on sale from £18 and can be purchased from www.wingsandwheels.net.”
It costs around £2M each year to maintain & operate the Vulcan. This is funded by a small army of several thousand individuals and companies like Aerobytes Ltd. As ever, the finances of the Vulcan are precariously balanced on the edge so your help would be gratefully received. For more information visit http://www.vulcantothesky.org/
Also included in the Wings line-up are the:
• de Havilland Vampire T11
• Team Viper (5 Hunter formation team)
• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane)
• RAF Hawk T1
• RAF Tucano T1
• RAF Tutor T1
• Royal Navy Lynx Helicopter
• Royal Navy Historic Flight (Sea Hawk & Sea Fury)
• Tigers Parachute Team
• Hawker Hunter – Miss Demeanour
• Hangar 11 (Curtiss Kittyhawk, Hawker Hurricane)
• Old Flying Machine Company (Supermarine Spitfire, Mustang P51D)
• The Blades
• Breitling Wingwalkers
• Red Bull Matadors
• Avro Vulcan XH558
The 7th annual Wings and Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Sunday 28th & Monday 29th August 2011, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 18:30.
Tickets start from £18 for adults, £40 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £5 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £125 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book tickets call 08712 305572.
Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust, Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust, Help for Heroes and Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.
Imperial War Museum Duxford can confirm that the flying incident at yesterday’s air show was a mid-air collision between North American P-51D Mustang (D-FBBD) and Douglas AD-4NA Skyraider (F-AZDP).
The incident took place over agricultural land to the south west of the airfield just after 5.00pm, at the end of the flying display.
The Skyraider suffered damage to its starboard wing, though was able to land safely. The pilot was unharmed.
The pilot of the Mustang baled out of the damaged aircraft and parachuted to safety, suffering minor injuries. The aircraft came down in a field away from buildings or property.
There was an immediate response by the onsite emergency services in accordance with Imperial War Museum Duxford’s event safety plan, co-ordinated by Cambridgeshire Constabulary, who were already present at the air show as is normal practice.
Members of the public were not involved in the incident.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has today begun its formal enquiry into the incident and the Imperial War Museum is complying fully with the requirements of the AAIB’s investigation team.
Imperial War Museum Duxford is aware that the AAIB’s investigation can take some time and there will therefore be an immediate internal review to determine if any changes to flying procedures are required.
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.”
Stow Maries World War One Aerodrome is pleased to announce that it will hold its first vintage fly in day on Sunday 8th May 2011. Gates open at 9am and the event ends at 6pm the same day.
This is the historic aerodromes first event of this type and it is hoped it will draw attendance from wide and far as it has already seen great success at Maldon District Heritage events where it has been a sell out for the past two years.
Aircraft will arrive prior to 12 o’clock that day and will be parked on the aerodrome for the public to view. There will be commercial stalls present as well as refreshments plus a launch of ‘Turners Defence’, an aviation Great War adventure, by its author Chris Davey who will be present to sign copies of his book. There will be a display of military vehicles as well as Great War reneactors demonstrating life in WW1. Visitors will also be able to view a collection of vintage tractors to illustrate the sites farming heritage since it was closed by the RAF in 1919.
Tour guides will be available to escort visitors around the 1918 vintage buildings and members of the sites latest addition, the Hawk Walk team, will be present to introduce the public to a Harris Hawk and Kestrel as well as empart information on the wildlife conservation side of the aerodrome.
It is hoped that a park and ride system from Maldon will be in operation on the day as well as parking on the aerodrome itself. Details will be announced prior to the event. Entry is by cash only at the aerodrome entrance on the day. The entrance fee is £8 per person.
Aircraft that have been invited are mostly those belonging to the Great War period. These include the Great War display team plus a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2, a De Havilland DH2 fighter, a Sopwith Pup fighter and representing the German Air Service, a Fokker Triplane and a Fokker Eindekker. Later dated aeroplanes include Tiger Moths and a WW2 dated Auster observation aircraft.
The sites owner Russell Savory said. ‘We are really looking forward to hosting people on our first fly in day. We have already had enquiries regarding attendqance so it looks promising. Its something that we hope will promote not only what we are doing here at Stow Maries Aerodrome but will also Maldon District and that visitors will come back to both. We are now keeping our fingers crossed for the weather on the day and because of some of the aircrafts ages, that they will be serviceable for us. With events involving such types there is always the variables involved.
Stow Maries Aerodrome lies off of Hackmans Lane, Cold Norton CM3 6RN. Telephone number 01245808744. It is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays 10am to 4pm.
The Vulcan Restoration Trust will be holding an ‘Aviation Enthusiast Event’, along with its AGM, at Hawkwell Village Hall, Hawkwell, Essex SS5 4EH on 9 April 2011. Entry is free to VRT members, with a minimum donation of £5.00 each requested from members of the public. Tickets and further information will be available from the Trust’s website at www.avrovulcan.com
Doors will be open at 12:00, with the event starting at 1pm. Our guest speaker for the afternoon will be Steve Bridgewater.Steve is currently editor of the new Jets Monthly magazine, which is published by Kelsey Publishing of Cudham, Kent, with issue number one just hitting the shelves in late January of this year.
He will be speaking about ‘100 years of airshows’, and his interesting and varied life in aviation.
Steve reveals how a trip to an airshow as an aspirational nine-year old moulded his life:
I remember straining my neck to look into the far distance. An unmistakable shape was circling on the horizon, a shape this fresh-faced nine-year old had seen in books and magazines, but never seen in the flesh. The incoming aeroplane was now trailing a cloud of thick black smoke and flying straight towards the airfield. The mighty Vulcan bomber was inbound. At crowd centre the pilot stood the big delta onto its tail and the engines howled as it climbed towards a large blue patch in the sky. For the next 15 minutes I stood spellbound as the V-Bomber cavorted in front of me, a wide eyed grin seemingly painted onto my young face. This was 1984, I was just nine years old but I remember my first airshow experience to this day. I’d always been interested in aeroplanes but that day, more than 25 years ago, I knew I wanted to be a pilot.
He began volunteering at Air Atlantique in 1995, eventually becoming their Commercial Director, looking after many aspects of the Air Atlantique Classic Flight and the AIRBASE visitor centre at Coventry Airport. He left that post earlier this year. Steve has held a National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL) since September 2005 and has flown aircraft as diverse as the Jet Provost, Extra 300 and Bulldog. He was born and bred in Tamworth, Staffordshire and has also lived next to RAF Wittering near Stamford. Although trained in marketing Steve made his career as an aviation journalist and has edited Air Action and Go Flying! magazines and been Deputy Editor at Today’s Pilot and Pilot magazines. He has been short-listed for the prestigious International Aerospace Journalist of the Year Award (AJOYA) on three separate occasions and had work published worldwide.
The event is being arranged by the Vulcan Restoration Trust, the charity that preserves the ‘Southend Vulcan’ based at Southend Airport (see attached information sheet), with the proceeds from the event going towards its continued restoration and preservation.
The Trust are planning to hold a number of events and open days – titled ‘Visit the Vulcan Days’ – during 2011, at Southend Airport, Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend-on-sea, Essex, SS2 6YF.
The first ‘Visit the Vulcan Day’ of 2011 will be held on: 17 April 2011
Visitors will be able to get ‘up close and personal’ with ex-RAF V-Bomber Avro Vulcan XL426, and have a guided tour of the cockpit. VRT Team members will be on hand to answer questions, and various stalls will be available. The adjacent ‘Lancaster’ restaurant will be open for refreshments. Entry is £2.00 (under 16s free but must be accompanied at all times), plus an additional £2.50 for the cockpit tour for all ages. Gates open at 10am, with last admission at 5pm. No animals except for assistance dogs please.
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.
The ‘Southend Vulcan’ is one of only three Vulcans in the UK still in ‘running’ condition.
The Fighter Collection and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to announce that The Flying Bulls will be making their debut UK air show appearance at Flying Legends 2011on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July 2011.
This much-anticipated display will be the only visit to the UK by The Flying Bulls in 2011.
The Flying Bulls’ Lockheed P-38 Lightning reg. N25Y and Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair reg. OE-EAS will perform a stunning display as part of an unrivalled programme of aerial excitement.
The Flying Bulls is a collective of aviation enthusiasts with a passion for rare historical aircraft and helicopters and a knowledge of conservation and restoration that is second to none.
The story of The Flying Bulls began in the 1980s. During this time, Sigi Angerer, a Tyrolean Airways pilot, flew modern jets, while his real passion was for historic aircraft.
In his search for an affordable warbird, he found a North American T-28B and took it back to Innsbruck, Austria, for restoration. He soon added a Grumman G44 Widgeon and the legendary Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair to his collection.
The Corsair brought together Angerer and Dietrich Mateschitz, founder of Red Bull, and not only gave Mateschitz the inspiration for the ‘Red Bull Gives You Wings’ slogan, but also led to the formation of The Flying Bulls, whose technical excellence and iconic style has become internationally inspirational.
The Flying Bulls’ Corsair was one of 12,500 models delivered to the US Navy. It did not see active service in the Second World War, but was transferred to Honduras in Latin America where it was in active service until 1965. It was then sold to a private owner, who in turn sold the aircraft to Sigi Angerer. The aircraft is a great attraction at The Flying Bulls’ Hangar-7 at Salzburg airport and a perennial highlight at international air shows.
Lockheed P-38 Lightning Reg. N25Y ceased active service from September 1945 and was registered as a civil aircraft by the Lilee Products Company in Chicago.
It was then handed over to J D Reed, an air racing enthusiast, based in Houston. With some engineering modification, design fine-tuning and bags of enthusiasm, Reed ensured that the aircraft, flown by Charlie ‘Firewall’ Walling, achieved 2nd place at the 1947 Miami Air Races and 2nd place at the Sohio-Race in Cleveland in the same year.
His main competitor said with astonishment that he had “never seen a P-38 fly so fast”.
The Lightning’s racing days lapsed during the 1950s until it fell into the hands of Marvin ‘Lefty’ Gardner in 1963. Lefty Gardner was an aerial daredevil whose flights carrying supplies for the Norwegian Resistance movement are legendary in aviation history.
Lefty was passionate about flying as a sport. He attended the Reno National Championship Air Races for decades and often won two out of three races. His greatest strength was precision aerobatics, and for many spectators, seeing the P-38 Lightning complete a perfect circle was the highlight of the Races.
In 2001, the Lightning was struck down by an engine in flames. The aircraft turned black and sustained substantial damage. Eight years later, the P-38 was restored to its former glory, thanks to the skill and commitment of The Flying Bulls crew.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see The Flying Bulls in action – magnificent aircraft flown by exceptionally talented pilots.
One of Britain’s most iconic fighter jets will be honoured with an historic and breathtaking display at the 2011 Cotswold Air Show.
The theme of this year’s show, at Cotswold Airport, on June 18 and 19, is the 60th anniversary of the first flight of the Hawker Hunter.
Only a few airworthy examples remain of the elegant swept wing aircraft and it is hoped that one of the highlights will be a spectacular diamond nine formation flypast.
The airport retains close ties to the Hunter and several of the remaining machines are based and maintained on-site.
From 1954 to 1989, RAF Kemble (as it was then known) became known as the “Hunter MU”, as virtually every UK Hunter (over 1,200) built for the RAF and Royal Navy passed through its doors.
The skilled workforce of No5 Maintenance Unit, which was based at RAF Kemble, turned its hand to maintaining and servicing the jets and won many accolades for its workmanship.
Event organiser Glen Moreman said: “The Hunter is such an iconic, beautiful aircraft and the fact that it has such a history at Kemble we felt it was important to mark such a landmark anniversary.
“Lots of local people will have worked here on these aircraft and it will be great to see them back in the Gloucestershire skies again.
“Here at Cotswold Airport, we are lucky enough to see Hunters on a fairly regular basis and, by making the aircraft the theme of this year’s show, it will enable other aviation fans to share that experience.
“For the 50th anniversary in 2001 we managed to put together a stunning 15-ship formation. This turned out to be the largest ever civilian formation of classic jets in the world. It was a memorable day, but there are now so few airworthy examples that to pull together several for a diamond nine formation flypast will be a real coup, not to mention a truly historic event.”
The Hunter served for many years with the Royal Air Force and was widely exported, serving with 19 air forces.
A total of 1,972 Hunters were produced by Hawker Siddeley and under license in other countries.
Seeking better performance to suit military needs, Hawker Aircraft’s chief designer Sydney Camm developed a machine with a 35-degree swept wing design and it is from there that the Hunter evolved, serving a total of 20 air forces.
As well as serving as a frontline military fighter, the aircraft also broke the world air speed record in September, 1953, when legendary test pilot Neville Duke achieved a speed of 727.63mph in the development prototype aircraft.
Hawker Hunters were also used by several RAF display teams including the Black Arrows, who set a record by looping a formation of 22, and later the Blue Diamonds, who used 16 of the aircraft.
The planned Hunter diamond formation will be a major attraction at this year’s air show, although, as always, there will be plenty of other crowd pullers.
In addition to the Hunter, the show will include a wider ‘Hawker’ theme and it is hoped aircraft such as the Sea Fury, Hurricane and the Sea Hawk will take part. The show will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire and at least three Spitfires will take to the skies to celebrate this other very important milestone.
There will also be a strong contingent of other classic jets and the Red Arrows, who were based at the airport for 16 years, when it was known as RAF Kemble, are also set to make their now annual return to what is often referred to as their ‘spiritual home’.
Glen said: “It’s really shaping up to be a great event and we will have aircraft from all over the world flying in to display.”
Tickets for the event, which are initially available online through the airshow website (www.cotswoldairshow.com), will go on sale from March 1st.
The Fighter Collection and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to announce that The Horsemen, the world’s only P-51 Mustang formation aerobatic team, will be performing at Flying Legends (Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July 2011) -- complete with their own aircraft shipped over from the USA.
Visitors to Flying Legends 2009 will recall the dazzling aerial spectacle of The Horsemen in action in the skies over Duxford. Steve Hinton, Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley, highly skilled warbird pilots, have a passion for showcasing the aircraft that made America great:
Steve Hinton is a two-time national unlimited race champion and holds the world speed record of 499 mph. He flew his first P-51 Mustang in 1972 and has since flown 150 types of aircraft including the Convair, North American B-25 Mitchell, Martin B-26 Marauder, Lockheed P-38 Lightening, Douglas DC-3, B-17 Flying Fortress, North-American F-86 Sabre, Northrop T-38 Talon and many others. Steve has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Motion Picture Pilots’ Association since 1977, working as a pilot or co-ordinator for television and motion pictures.
Dan Friedkin was exposed to aviation at an early age by his father, a career pilot who owned warbirds. Dan began flying gliders at the age of 14 and soon after began flying a variety of tail-wheel aircraft and helicopters. At the age of 19 he became rated in the Lockheed Jetstar; at 20 he was checked out in the P-51 Mustang, which started a strong connection to warbirds that occupies much of his time and focus to this day. Dan actively flies the North American T-6 Texan, P-51 Mustang, Grumman F8F Bearcat, Hawker Hurricane and various models of Spitfire.
Ed Shipley is a former Boeing 747 pilot and well-known air show performer with more than 20 years experience in the T-6 Texan, P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre. He has piloted a P-51 Mustang across the Atlantic and is the only person in the world to fly a Second World War Corsair off a nuclear aircraft carrier. Ed recently served as a board member of the air show industrys governing body, the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS).
Experience the show-stopping performance of The Horsemen at Flying Legends 2011 -- once seen, never forgotten!
All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments. Flying Legends 2011 is now on sale Tickets for Flying Legends 2011 are now on sale! Buy tickets for Flying Legends in advance and take advantage of the 10% advance booking discount.
Without doubt one of the finest warbird air shows in the world, Flying Legends provides an unrivalled line-up of the classic propeller-driven combat aircraft from both the First and Second World Wars, many of which are now either rare or unique. Legendary aircraft and superbly talented pilots come from across the globe to display at Flying Legends.
As in previous years, Flying Legends 2011 will provide a spectacular performance, enabling visitors to see iconic aircraft in stunning aerial displays. On the ground, there will be activities for all ages, including funfair rides, bungee trampolines, tank rides and demonstrations.
Europe’s biggest, and most family friendly, street party will be held over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday May 7/8 in the pretty market town of Northwich, Cheshire. And the star of the show will be a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire which will display on Sunday 8 May.
As in previous years, the Thundersprint offers completely free admission for spectators together with free parking and free grandstand seating.
The Thundersprint is 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. But the Thundersprint is far more than just a festival for bike fans. The highlight of the weekend for many visitors is the stirring display by a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire.
The Spitfire will perform in one of the most evocative settings in the world. Displaying right on the edge of the town, the Spitfire gives a true feeling of what it must have been like to see these iconic aircraft in action 70 years ago.
The visual experience is vastly enhanced by the arena setting which captures the growl of the mighty Merlin in all its glory, rather than have it dissipated in the wide open spaces where Spits normally display.
Away from the track is a mile of trade stands; a spectacular fun fair; huge inflatable play area for little ones; bands; street entertainment and fine food. In fact, something to keep everyone in the family happy all day.
Disabled, and less sprightly customers, are particularly well catered for and well-behaved pets are very welcome.
Spectator admission to the Thundersprint is free, as is parking, but arriving early is recommended because Northwich gets very busy.
For more information visit www.thundersprint.com or 01928 740 498.
The Autumn Air Show on Sunday 10 October celebrates both the 65th birthday of B-17 Fortress G-BEDF Sally B, and 75 years of the B-17 Fortress. The only B-17 currently flying in Europe, Sally B delights air show crowds with her majestic display and is a favourite with IWM Duxford visitors.
She has been based at the Museum, operated by B-17 Preservation, for 35 years.
Closing the air show season for 2010, the Autumn Air Show will feature superb modern and historic aircraft, with an American theme to complement the Sally B anniversary.
The line-up of iconic US aircraft includes the Douglas DC-3 Dakota, Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina, Grumman F8F Bearcat, Piper L4 Cub, leVier Cosmic Wind and USAF McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle from RAF Lakenheath.
The B17’s Boeing lineage is also represented by the Stearman biplane trainer and Apache AH Mk1 from the Army Air Corps Attack Helicopter Force at Wattisham.
Aircraft from the highly productive North American stable include the F-86 Sabre jet, P-51 Mustangs, T-28s and Harvards.
For the first time in more than two decades in UK skies, four American Pitts Special biplanes will be brought together in a flypast salute to the famous Rothmans Aerobatic Team, before performing their two separate paired routines.
A special flypast is being mounted in honour of Sally B, which flies as a memorial to the 79,000 US airmen who lost their lives in Europe during the Second World War. In acknowledgement of the United States Air Force’s historic relationship with the airfields of Eastern England, she will be escorted by three P-51 Mustangs. She will then be overflown by two F-15C Eagles of the 493rd Fighter Squadron to signify the region’s ongoing contemporary relationship with the United States Air Force.
Additional flying participation includes the BAE Systems Hawk, Embraer EMB-312 Tucano, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Supermarine Spitfire, Red Hawks Fournier Duo, Hawker Sea Fury and The Black Cats, the Royal Navy’s Lynx helicopter display team.
RAF Duxford was handed over to the United States 8th Air Force in April 1943, becoming Base 357, the headquarters of the 78th Fighter Group. The Group flew P-47 Thunderbolts and, from December 1944, P-51 Mustangs. It provided fighter escort to the large US bomber raids against occupied Europe and Germany itself.
B-17 Fortresses were flown by the 91st Bombardment Group from nearby RAF Bassingbourn from 14 October 1942 through to June 1945. The Group operated primarily as a strategic bombardment organisation during the Second World War.
On the ground, living history groups recreate the role of the B-17 Bomber crew. There will be activities for all ages, including childrens rides, tank rides and demonstrations. The Parachute Regiment will be offering aerial bungee jumps from its jump tower, alongside performances from the Parachute Regiment band and guest appearance from the Parachute Regiment mascot.
The relaxed atmosphere at the Autumn Air Show is equally appreciated by pilots and crowds and makes for a perfect Sunday outing.
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
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The Vulcan Restoration Trust will be holding an ‘Aviation Enthusiast Event’, along with its AGM, at Hawkwell Village Hall, Hawkwell, Essex SS5 4EH on 9 April 2011. Entry is free to VRT members, with a minimum donation of £5.00 each requested from members of the public. Tickets and further information will be available from the Trust’s website at 
