Posted by Flightline UK on 10/10/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets | 
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Imperial War Museum Duxford have announced their 2011 air show calendar at today’s Autumn Air Show.
Duxford Spring Air Show – Sunday 22nd May
Flying Legends 2011 – Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th July
Duxford Air Show – Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th September
Duxford Autumn Air Show – 16th October
Posted by Flightline UK on 28/09/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 04/03/2010 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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 13/02/2010 under Display Team News and Dates, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 07/12/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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 21/11/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 27/10/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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 20/10/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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 23/06/2009 under Civilian Organised Airshows and Trade Events, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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 07/03/2009 under Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
Posted by Flightline UK on 06/03/2009 under Display Team News and Dates, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 06/11/2008 under Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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 30/09/2008 under Royal Air Force, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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 23/08/2008 under Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 03/07/2008 under Military Airshows, Warbirds and Classic Jets | Be the First to Comment
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!
