Mass Jet Formation At Bournmouth Airshow On The Sunday!

From his Biography on his webpage :

I utilised an “enthusiastic” approach to combat flying and it soon led to trouble when my use of landing flap in the tight corners of ACM (air combat manoeuvres or dogfighting) resulted in over-stressing two sets of Sea Vixen flaps. Apart from gaining me the nick name “FLAPS”, my then Commanding Officer, the late “Dusty” Milner, ensured that I became an expert on the installation and mechanical operation of the Sea Vixen Flap system!

Would you elaborate on your last comment for those of us who were not there? If true a great disappointment for many, especially yours truly, for whom “Flapjack’s” Hunter is simply “the best”.!!!

Just what the commentators kept saying, and what other posters have since filled in with info. I was under the east cliff – very sandy – and of the three nearest tannoys only one was working, and it didn’t help that there was a wonderfully schemed Hunter roaring around when trying to hear what was being said….!
Also heard ‘Flapjack’ being referred to quite a lot but didn’t hear what the story was behind it.

Ben will not be displaying Miss D due to other commitments.

Yes, that’s right. But I agree about Jonathon – and I have had the pleasure of seeing many of his displays and they always have something just a bit extra. He and Missy are natural partners!!

You’re right. Making his debut it would seem.

Don’t think anyone can display Miss D quite like Jonathon though. He really was a hero at B/mth these last few days.

It was Patrick Tuit.

Not sure if Ben has flown any shows this year.

I think another pilot flew at Manston,. but I am not sure…..

There was talk about Jonathon Whaley retiring next year, although I don’t know whether he’ll pass the flying displays onto someone else. Ben Murphy was also flying Miss D last year so perhaps he’ll take over?
I’m sure we’ll get news when he’s made all his decisions.

Not sure what happened with the Vampire, but it was fit enough to fly home with the Meteor around 5pm yesterday so the issue couldn’t have been too major.

Big disappointment with the Sea Vixen though. Obviously it was unfortunate that Matt got called away, but a civvy operator relying on a serving military pilot really isn’t the best combination imo. To miss your home town show like that in front of a massive audience is just terrible. Just wish Brian Grant was ten years younger….

Would you elaborate on your last comment for those of us who were not there? If true a great disappointment for many, especially yours truly, for whom “Flapjack’s” Hunter is simply “the best”.!!!

The Meteor and the Vampire started their display together, but only the Meteor gave a solo as the Vamp appeared to run off and not return.
Nice display over all, bit of a let down with all the non appearances, but good weather and Miss Demeanour was fantastic; shame she might not be on the circuit next year if the commentary guys are to be believed.

It was a great event – pity about the Vulcan etc – I have popped a few shots in the Airshow forum. Hoping the Vulcan wont be gone too long –

What a great shame but just emphasises how fortunate we are when these venerable do fly for our pleasure.

Sea Vixen not flying either due to pilot availability. Think the flypast is scrubbed now. 🙁

Fuel leak apparently, which must make Leuchars doubtful next Saturday considering they heave to get the leaking fuel bag out, repaired then put back in and tested again.

I think the Vulcan is U/S with fueling problem

I saw the Meteor and Vampire both go up to display.

CAF Vampire apparently had a technical issue earlier therefore could not display after the meteor.

Yeah and apparently the Sea Vixen is having issues too and possibly wont fly either. 🙁

Jonathon Whaley has said at the very least he hopes to fly with the Meteor and Vampire, but I’m staying put at home now and just watching the show from afar.

Looks like it wont happen, XH558 has fuel leak 🙁