Culdrose – who's brave enough?

I must admit that I had second thoughts about going when I saw the forecast, but the promise of brighter skies in the afternoon persuaded me to attend. The actual flying, when it eventually took place was very good. The Balboa is always impressive and all credit to the Typhoon pilot who arrived during the low cloud and rain and stayed until late in the afternoon to display. The Sea Vixen was awesome and pics with a blue sky background were worth staying for.
I have noticed the static display appears to have contracted in the last couple of years, a lot of concrete was filled with airframes from the SAH and the new arena takes up a lot of space once used for static aircraft.

Nonetheless, all credit to the Royal Navy for even opening their gates in the current climate of penny pinching and ongoing operations. It’s good that both Naval flying establishments still hold an annual Air Display; what percentage of RAF airfields still open their gates?

I would acknowledge your obvious extensive experience at Culdrose, however since 1979 I’ve done three Culdrose displays and personally I’ve never been disappointed – albeit one was by default whilst checking out the possible acquisition and move of a Gannet, which eventually went to Flambards. 😮

As has already been debated around these parts, UK air displays aren’t what they used to be and sadly I doubt they ever will be again – we just don’t have the resources.

I for one would hate to see another venue lost, which could be the case if too much adverse comment is made about it – at the end of the day we’re in the UK and the weather can be awful!

IMHO we sometimes have short memories in the UK – Culdrose 2007 – brilliant show!

I don’t agree, at least on the aircraft front – and I’ve been attending CU airshows since 1977.

While the weather was much, much better in 2007, the line-up was hardly mind-blowing. Very few fast jets flying – the Typhoon was static only. And remember all those SHAR’s have had their wings clipped, staying firmly on the ground

Much better airshows in the past, but of course there were many more a/c types flying then… Shows that stick out for me are 1987 (3 x Lightnings, 1 F-4J (UK), FGN Tornado plus much more) and 1989 when the USN Navy turned up unexpectedly with their F-18’s.

The Royal Navy don’t even bother with a Commando assault anymore, which used to make quite a nice end to the show.

This year I believe the line up was a little better than 2008, which was little more than a ‘Families Day’ disguised as an Air Day (and being charged as the latter).

Call me cynical (I do myself), but the passion that used to exist in creating truely good airshows at CU seems to have sadly faded…

IMHO we sometimes have short memories in the UK – Culdrose 2007 – brilliant show!

Culdrose weather

The organisers should look at finding a date/month with a better chance of decent weather…today was grim round Mounts Bay till about 4

I was down there on Sunday and the weather was foul, driving rain and rolling fog. I joked that this is usually airday weather, and it is precisely what the BBC are forecasting for tomorrow now!
Also as NickB suggests the show itself has got worse and worse.

Not going this year I’m afraid -after the debacle last year (and I’m not talking about the weather), I have to say that I am less than impressed at the ‘Dark Blues’ attempt at putting together an air show.

Hope the weather turns out ok for all that do go though – looks like it might improve in the afternoon.

I have to say I will miss the Seafire & ‘Vixen though…

Lee: Do you know what time the ‘Vixen is planned to arrive? My Dad is planning to go out for the arrivals tomorrow…

Looks like a busy time for you, arriving a grand total of five times tomorrow.;)

I should be turning up tomorrow afternoon in the Broussard with two Austers following behind. Weather forecast earlier today looked fine for tomorrow, but now things are not looking very nice at all.

Just hope that the forecasters have got it all wrong! 🙂

Best wishes,

Martin

Yes, WK608 visited today and we’ll be back tomorrow.

Lee
What was in formation with the Texan when it arrived today? Was that a Chippie?

Should have fun tomorrow with the crosswind on 30.

Enjoy the rain on Wednesday.