American Air Day, Duxford – 22 Aug 08

A thoroughly enjoyable day out even if the clouds did roll in from time to time to cool everything down in the breeze. There were a lot more people attending than last year with proper catering facilities at both ends of the airfield as well, although not American cooking. There were more American Squadron stalls about as well.

The General I/C USAFE went for a flight in the Tr9 Spitfire in the morning and ‘Miss Velma’ also put in a bit of a display as well. Both aircraft returned later in the afternoon to display along with the F-86 Sabre. USAFE aircraft from Mildenhall and Lakenheath did their fly-bys with a KC-135 kicking off the proceedings followed by three F-15Es. The MC-130H did a couple of passes followed by a touch down and parked next to the HH-60G Pave Hawk which was already on the ground when I arrived. I see they still don’t teach their pilots about tight turning circles. The USAFE display was concluded with a KC-135 with 4 F-15Es in tow. The Turbulents buzzed around with a bit of a barnstorming act which I suppose is the tenuous link with America.

More Piccies Here

Brian