As the oldest Commanding Officer of a Tiger Squadron, No 74, still flying operationally, as in war birds, F-86 etc, Cliff Spink was invited to the NATO Tiger Meet at Cambrai. He was flying over to France in the Duxford based F-86A Sabre which has been suitably adorned with orange and black Tiger stripes in honour of the occasion. The first proper sighting of the finished artwork was when Cliff took the F-86 out onto the runway just before mid-day for what looked like throttle checks and then returned to park it. Just before two o’clock, John Romain fired up the Desert Buchon and the first time I get to see this Buchon fly, was with an excellent aerobatics display. Not only did I get to see the Buchon fly once but twice as just gone three o’clock, JR fired it up again as Cliff Spink started the Sabre and both took off. We were then treated to a top side pass with both aircraft in formation. They turned and returned with a bit of an under side pass before an individual pass by both which was a bit quick to catch.
The Tiger scheme is temporary and it’s up to the owner whether it remains on for the Duxford Spring air show. Apart from the sun not shining, much, the only other downside was the noise of the Lotus/Renault F1 car having a test day at Duxford. I hadn’t seen the event advertised and I think this time the aviation photographers outnumbered car photographers.
Photos in the order they were taken – Sony Alpha A580 + Sigma 18-250mm zoom lens.
Brian
By: Firebird - 16th May 2011 at 22:55
I’m sure for all that Cliff has done for the historic and military flying community that this second mark of recognition (following on from his personalised Spitfire markings) is highly deserved.
Somewhere I have his walkround and description of flying Black 6 on tape, he comes across as a very knowledgeable and competent pilot.
Well he is an ex-Lightning pilot 😉
By: Roobarb - 16th May 2011 at 22:42
Just a quick note to say thanks for all the comments regarding the Sabre scheme on this and the “Duxford again” thread. In addition Cliff Spink has asked me to pass on his thanks for the kind words regarding his contribution to aviation.
Roobarb 🙂
By: DazDaMan - 15th May 2011 at 13:09
Great shots. That Buchon really is nice.
By: Growler - 15th May 2011 at 10:57
The Sabre looks a treat, while not permanent it would be good if the stripes stayed on for while. The Buchon is a beauty, and it’s good to see a few exhaust streaks already dirtying the fresh paint.
By: Seafuryfan - 15th May 2011 at 09:59
I’m sure for all that Cliff has done for the historic and military flying community that this second mark of recognition (following on from his personalised Spitfire markings) is highly deserved.
Somewhere I have his walkround and description of flying Black 6 on tape, he comes across as a very knowledgeable and competent pilot.
Keep giving up those weekends Cliff, we appreciate it!
By: Wyvernfan - 15th May 2011 at 09:33
For me the Sabre looks fantastic in its new look. And a very distinctive scheme for topside passes.
The finish on the drop tanks looks very distinctive as well.!
By: RogerN - 14th May 2011 at 13:27
Hi
Superb pics: thanks for sharing
Roger
By: Augsburgeagle - 14th May 2011 at 13:25
Lovely photos! Would be nice if they fitted F/G wingtips to the Buchon the squared ones look a bit off!
By: Sky High - 14th May 2011 at 13:02
Terrific pictures – many thanks.:)
By: Flygirl - 14th May 2011 at 12:59
Great shots Brian.
By: GliderSpit - 14th May 2011 at 12:47
Excellent pictures. Thanks for sharing!!
By: CADman - 14th May 2011 at 12:17
Brian. The Buchon flying topside is absolutely stunning. I bet you are really pleased and I hope the aircraft owner and pilot are suitably impressed also.
I like the tiger head on the F-86 not really sure about the black and orange strips ?
Paul
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May 14, 2011 at 11:59 am