Europe's premier Warbird & Classic Aircraft show took place in the usual spectacular fashion. Any attendee will tell you this is an enthusiasts dream with the history of aviation unfolding before your very eyes.
With the ongoing paperwork problems with the CAA, you could forgive the Fighter Collection for staging a less-than-perfect show. This will never be the case. Working tirelessly over the last year TFC were able to display the old favourites EP120 Spitfire V and their Bearcat. The latter being displayed with the usual 'umph' by Stephen Grey as the Joker. Not being registered in the UK the Sea Fury and TF-51 Mustang "Miss Velma" completed the home team participation (though the Nimrod did make the flighline).
New participants in this years show were MeierMotors' TF-51 Mustang and the Red "Star" of the show; Polikarpov I-16 "Rata" - both brought all the way from Germany; and the first appearance of the beautiful all silver with red stripe Yak.
The power-horses were in force this year with three Skyraiders, Corsair, Fury and the aforementioned Bearcat and Sea Fury making up a forceful flighline.
Other stars included the unique Morane, Mew Gull, Arrow Active, the immaculate Norwegian Dakota, Yak 3/9 and now Europe's sole airworthy B-17 "Sally B". The BBMF chipped in with the Lancaster, Spit Mk.II and Hurricane trio and the German participation was completed by Ju-52, Me108, 2x Jungmeisters and a Jungmann - the latter of course flown by Anna Walker.
This year saw a special tribute to Hawker with the HAC's Hurricane in the line-up with 2x Nimrod, Demon and Hind all represented. Shuttleworth sent their 'big' pair of Gladiator and Lysander. ARCo put their Buchon in BoB colours on display to chase the usual strong Spitfire participation which included the now German registered Mk.VIII (formerly owned by Robs Lamplough in the UK)
Another wonderful show again rubberstamping the spectacle as the centre piece of the European airshow scene.
It's fun on the farm time! The big little show that is for such a good cause is back once again. Sitting right on the taxi-way and being only three feet from the burger bar gives the audience a real sense of involvement. Little Gransden has built a reputation for being a real crowd pleaser and always bringing a little rare sight for enthusiasts. This year should see the debut of Peter Holloway's Fiesler Storch. This is a great family day out anf thoroughly enjoyable for all.
Lincolnshire's new charity airshow took place for it's sequal year and can once again be considered a success. The nostalgia of the airfield is undeniable; the power of "Just Jane's" four Merlins and the tranquility of the show are undeniable - making this a unique and special affair.
Lancaster "Just Jane" prowled around the airfield twice on her low-speed taxiing missions which induced utter silence across the aerodrome. Wonderful Kaydet N4712V made a rare appearance while the airshow regular Yak-52 gave it's usual rugged display. The late arriving but always welcome Fairchild Cornell gave it's usual polished display - a very classic aircraft indeed!
The undoubted stars of the show were the display debut of MS.733 (seen at Waddington 2010 static display) and the trio of Mustang P-51D's; Maurice Hammonds "Janie" and "Marinell" and Rob Davies' "Big Beautiful Doll". A climactic end to a wonderful show with some unique and unusual performers; any classic aircraft enthusiasts would enjoy this show so let's hope for a continuation for many years to come.
Europe's premier Warbird & Classic Aircraft show took place in the usual spectacular fashion. Any attendee will tell you this is an enthusiasts dream with the history of aviation unfolding before your very eyes.
With the ongoing paperwork problems with the CAA, you could forgive the Fighter Collection for staging a less-than-perfect show. This will never be the case. Working tirelessly over the last year TFC were able to display the old favourites EP120 Spitfire V and their Bearcat. The latter being displayed with the usual 'umph' by Stephen Grey as the Joker. Not being registered in the UK the Sea Fury and TF-51 Mustang "Miss Velma" completed the home team participation (though the Nimrod did make the flighline).
The power-horses were in force this year with three Skyraiders, Corsair, Fury and the aforementioned Bearcat and Sea Fury making up a forceful flighline.
Other stars included the unique Morane, Mew Gull, Arrow Active, the immaculate Norwegian Dakota, Yak 3/9 and now Europe's sole airworthy B-17 "Sally B". The BBMF chipped in with the Lancaster, Spit Mk.II and Hurricane trio and the German participation was completed by Ju-52, Me108, 2x Jungmeisters and a Jungmann - the latter of course flown by Anna Walker.
Last year saw the debut RAFBF East Kirkby Airshow - and this year the organisers are looking to build on the success of a wonderful show.
Of course, the roar of "Just Jane's" four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines will be heard at least twice on taxi-rides; the most recent thing East Kirkby is famed for. She may not be airworthy, but she certainly comes to life. Supplementing the Warbirds are a wonderful array of classic aircraft that include a Fairchild Cornell, Yak-52, Bird Dog and Autogyro - aswell as the common airshow aerobatics including the delightful Dennis Neville & his flying circus.
In recent months two Flug-Werk 190 "Butcher Bird's" have taken to the skies for the first time. The first in Chino owened by Rudy Frasca and the second in Germany owned by The Fighter Factory, Virginia. Pictured are the only two Flug-Werk 190's to appear in the UK.
Cathy Silk has put Ryan PT-22 Recruit N57912 up for sale. It has been in storage in the USA and arrived in the Uk in December '09. Advertising as a project needing completion; Cathy is the former owner of G-BTBH (pictured) now based at Old Warden.
