I’ve been authorised by Classic Flight to post these details of an exciting event we have planned.
The second annual Classic Flight Night Run event is set to take place at Coventry Airport on Sunday December 13.
Gates open at 14.00 with afternoon hangar tours available. The first engine runs are planned for 16.15 with the event finishing at 19.00.
This is a flood-lit event aimed at photographers and those who want to marvel at these powerful aircraft in the dark and under dramatic lighting. There will be more than two hours of intense activity and up to a dozen aircraft are expected to take part.
Many of the Classic Flight aircraft will be involved – some of which are unique in the UK – and there will be something for both prop and jet fans. Aircraft expected to be run include at least one jet fighter, a rare Anson, a range of de Havilland transports, the Prentice and Dakota. But this is just a taste of the variety you will find on the night. We are also hoping to include some other “surprise” aircraft on the night.
The event is laid out with photographers in mind and those who attended last year’s event were delighted. This year’s event is bigger and involves a different mix of aeroplanes. Unlike some other night shoots this event includes aircraft both taxiing and static aircraft – to satisfy stills and video buffs.
Visitor numbers will be limited to 80 people – so book now to ensure a place. The entry price of £25 per person includes hot food, a drink and free parking. Bookings can be made through http://www.classicflight.com/news
Why not banish those winter blues and give yourself an early Xmas present by capturing some unique photo opportunities! Furthermore, if you’re stuck for Christmas present ideas (or simply want to treat yourself) the Classic Flight merchandise stand will be manned all evening – with all profits going towards keeping these grand old aeroplanes in the sky above Britain.
Needless to say the running of the event and content of the programme is subject to acceptable weather conditions and aircraft serviceability.
Here are some examples of shots from last year’s event as a taster!
Alan
Photos copyright Tim Badham
By: Consul - 13th December 2009 at 11:40
This WILL be going ahead this afternoon / this evening. You can get tickets on the entry gate. Entry from 14.00, hangar tours, then first aircraft engine run at 16.15 last public entry at 17.00, event involving several aircraft types continues until 19.00. No flying but plenty of action to photograph. Weather forecast looks good at this time.
Tim
AACF volunteer.
By: Consul - 11th December 2009 at 11:22
Nicely done compilation David. We’re really looking forward to putting on an enjoyable event at the Night Engine Run this Sunday – despite the fact that the airport is going through uncertain times at present, that won’t inhibit us from providing some great photo opportunities starting up and in some cases taxiing a wide range of classic types. See: http://www.classicflight.com/
Tim
AACF Volunteer
By: Postfade - 11th December 2009 at 10:56
Classic Flight is a veritable ‘Noah’s ark’ of 50’s and 60’s aircraft….Mike Collett likes to save two of each type if he can!
I’m looking forward to the evening shoot on Sunday.
I’ve edited up a video from my last two Classic Flight Open Days and the pics from my Hi Def camera in the ‘right light’ can be rather nice.
Classic Flight 2009 – closely observed planes from David Taylor on Vimeo.
I don’t enjoy the low quality that is often on YouTube but Hi Def video’s, as they are still heavily ‘compressed’, require a fairly fast PC to run well. Best to wait for it all to load before selecting play. Alas that mpeg compression still messes up any panning motion so that it jitters somewhat, which is galling if you’ve taken great care in your camerawork.
The technology is slowly improving and we must be thankful for what is achievable nowadays I guess.
David T.
By: alanl - 9th December 2009 at 18:54
Unfortunately Huw,I think it has.
Luckily we still have a great collection on site and it should be another unique event!
By: HuwJHopkins - 9th December 2009 at 18:33
Glad to hear sundays even is still going ahead, I just ordered two tickets!:) I suppose this puts a halt to those ‘surprise’ items, but it’ll still be a cracking evening!
Cheers, Huw:)
By: alanl - 9th December 2009 at 17:45
Here is a copy of a press release regarding this weekends planned events.
Dear all,
Here’s a press release we have just issued from Classic Flight HQ at Coventry…
Following the temporary closure of the runway at Coventry Airport Air Atlantique’s Classic Flight has been forced to cancel the Christmas pleasure flight day scheduled for next Saturday (12 December).
Without a licensed runway the Classic Flight is unable to offer flights to passengers and has been forced to take the tough decision to cancel the event.
The special Night Run event will still take place as planned on Sunday evening (13 December).
“We explored a number of options in an attempt to hold the pleasure flying event elsewhere but the logistics proved too complex at such short notice,” explained Steve Bridgewater, Air Atlantique Classic Flight’s Commercial Manager. “We are bitterly disappointed but our hands are tied at the moment. We send our apologies to our passengers and will now focus our attention on our 2010 season when we hope to host a number of events at Coventry as well as airfields across the UK.”
Passengers booked to fly on Saturday will be contacted by Classic Flight staff and vouchers issued to enable them to fly at a future event. Details of the 2010 schedule will be published on www.classicflight.com as soon as they are finalised.
Sunday’s Night Run event does not need a licensed runway so will go ahead as planned. “During the evening several Classic Flight aeroplanes will conduct engine runs and/or taxi around the aerodrome in the dark. It is unusual to see these aeroplanes in the dark and to meet demand we have now increased the number of tickets available for the event.”
Aircraft performing at the Night Runs include (subject to serviceability) Meteor, Venom and Jet Provost jets, Prentice and Anson trainers and Heron, Dakota and Rapide airliners. Tickets cost £25 and can be pre-booked in advance via www.classicflight.com or purchased on the gate (subject to availability).
Hopefully we will see some of you on Sunday.
Regards
Steve
By: alanl - 4th December 2009 at 20:38
Just over a week to go to this event,fingers crossed for the weather!
Most of the aircraft will be different to those that appeared at last years event,please come along and support us!
By: alanl - 21st November 2009 at 19:33
Thanks for the feedback,hopefully it will be as good,if not better this year!
By: cometguymk1 - 20th November 2009 at 23:43
A brilliant event last year. Hope to get up to this now i have got a decent camera
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November 20, 2009 at 10:36 pm