CAF Airshow Coventry 02 May 2015

The asymmetric elevator is to reduce buffeting from propwash, the riley conversions had the flat elevator on the starboard side due to the different rotation of the engines

Great pics of a very attractive type – but why does it have two different elevators fitted? I’m sure it is possible but not so sure it would have been allowed?

Anon.

Sorry I can’t answer the question off the top of my head. I know there is a reason for it which is explained in the DH Dove threat on the historic forum.

Rob68 I can’t answer that but maybe the radio problem returned.

The Meteor night fighter WM167 and the Vampire XJ771 took off in close succession and put on a joint display. This was followed by a solo display by the Meteor and then, as Rob68 says, a short display by the Vampire before they both returned to the flight line. I will be posting flight line pictures in the “CAF visit” thread in Historic.

IMG_4063-1C by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4069-1C by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4044-1 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4054-1 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4115-1C by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4111-1C by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4100-1C by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4094-1C by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4097-1C by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4124-1 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_4123-1 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

And now the Anson WD413 giving her display nicely presented for the photographers.

Take off

IMG_3812 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_3827 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_3831c by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_3835 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_3845c by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_3847c by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

IMG_3852c by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

Returning to the flight line

IMG_3859 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

And so to bed after a hard days work

IMG_4166 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr

Just wondering about the meteor display (I also saw it at Abingdon on Sunday). Was the intended flight path deviated from at one point when still in formation hence when separated only a quick pass before landing?

Thanks Paul, I’ll pass on your comments to the organising team.

I know everyone at CAF was very happy with how the day went and I believe there were around 2500 people through the gate which was more than hoped for.

Pity about the weather, but like you say, at least the rain held off and the cloudbase was high enough to allow the display to take place.

Tom.

Hi Tom and welcome to the forum and the information.

We enjoyed the day very much and thought a lot of effort had been put in which is a massive achievement for a single “Company” event. I thought the day was a success from a spectator point of view and hope you thought it was a success too.
I think the main cause of our grumpiness was the cold wind but at least the rain held off until today. You will have notice that a large number of attendees where men of a certain age following their photographic hobby. The fence does have a couple of viewing apertures at one end, perhaps as time allows more could be added. The burger bar was excellent at a very reasonable price unlike some venues.
So basically nit picking really which means there wasn’t really anything bad to say.
Thank you for a great show and the opportunity to see this wonderful collection in the air and hope you concidered the day a success and will arrange further events.
Speaking to local people and at the hotel nobody seemed to be aware that an airshow was taking place.

Some lovely shots there!

Just to pick up on the point about the long delays between acts, the main reason for this was there were only 3 display pilots for the 6 types in the display, so longer gaps had to be built in to the schedule to allow one pilot sufficient time to transfer from one type to the next. The gap between the Proctor & the vintage pair was slightly longer than planned due to a radio problem.

Sadly the fence is probably there to stay, and is primarily a result of Airbase being situated on an active airfield.

This was the first event of this magnitude at Coventry for sometime, since the 2003 airshow infact, but there are plans for more shows later in the year.

Tom.

Anon, different elevator ends for asymmetric handling..

It has occurred to me that the individual displays were widely spaced as they were waiting for their slots at an active airfield. It was a cold wind and lots, including myself, were “commenting” on the long “delays” between displays so that would account for it and is understandable.

Deleted wrong aeroplane!!!!

Thanks Anon, Well observed I hadn’t noticed, I look later to see if I have a closer pic.

Great pics of a very attractive type – but why does it have two different elevators fitted? I’m sure it is possible but not so sure it would have been allowed?

Anon.