RAF 100 Years Plans?

I realise that Mike, my point was for something like the US registered Harrier. Everything conforms to something somewhere – its just a matter of where and finding a way to get it accepted. There are civil owned aircraft working on military contracts, so maybe that would provide a way for something like a Harrier to participate. Or finding a way by which a foreign registered Permit aircraft could operate over here in a way that is satisfactory to the authorities. I doubt it will happen anyway, as not only are RAF/MOD extremely risk averse as you point out, it also costs more than they will want to spend.

But its a nice little daydream..

In the post Haddon-Cave world, I very much doubt that anyone in the RAF will be prepared to sign on the dotted line for anything that doesn’t conform strictly to the regulations. You only have to look at the Cosford VC-10 situation if you want an example of the prevailing risk-averse mentality in the service nowadays.

I imagine where there’s a will there’s a way. A foreign registered aircraft flying on an exemption, a ferry permit, a military contract… anything, just a way to get it in the air and flying for the 100th anniversary. A Lightning flew over here once with the manufacturers backing – albeit a delivery flight; so its not like its unprecedented.

….be wangled onto some sort of temporary permit be it military or civilian to allow them to fly.

Is there such a thing? If an aircraft is unable to qualify for a CAA Permit to Fly, under what category would it be allowed to fly in a major event?

Cosford would be a good choice of place to hold it. The TSR2 being outdoors at this year’s show highlights what could be done – add to that as many flying examples of RAF aircraft as you can gather and you would have an incredible celebration for the centenary. For those that can’t fly (or be wangled onto some sort of temporary permit be it military or civilian to allow them to fly) get ground running or static examples to fill the gaps roaded in well in advance.

Funding? Blow the foreign aid budget for the year on this instead.

And the reception in Wing Co Joe’s caff? 😀

I would think it would be more appropriate to hold such an event at a current RAF Station, with a suitable Officers’ Mess to hold the reception in. Halton, perhaps?

As always cost will be the deciding factor will be money, although I expect the food / drinks bill for the Top Brass will be higher 😀

That is one thing for which there can be no doubt. Lots of superannuated gold braid in attendance.

Perhaps they could hold something at Duxford ? Historic aircraft flying past first, followed by current RAF aircraft
(both of them). With historic no flyers available for her Maj to look at.

This would get over the problem of some aircraft not being allowed to fly over London.

There might even be a flying Shackleton !!!!

I like your thinking!

For what it is worth, considering the lack of resources, the best option would be a Royal review on a Friday, followed by public weekend event / airshow. Fairford has been mentioned, but would be difficult to organise around the standard international airshow. They did a Royal review at Fairford few years ago and it was caused a lot of problems, several better locations but each has its own issues, Waddington, Coningsby and Brize Norton all have busy operational squadrons so could not accommodate the weeks of preparation. Maybe Benson or Odiham could be used ? Both have large helicopter fleets but also both have extensive parking areas. As for what to expect. Any flypast will be small in comparision to previous events, expect something like the Queens Birthday flypast (25 aircraft max) plus a few “historics” Best way to show off the RAF would be on the ground. Each currently operational squadron with one aircraft, the squadron colour and guard of honour. Really like the idea of collecting preserved airframes from around the country to be displayed as a nod to the past. It has been done before, the Centenary of Flight at Fairford had Meteor, Lightning, Javelin, Harrier roaded in, other missing types Canberra, Vampire, Meteor, Gnat could be flown in. Private collections and owners will be the key to this. Plenty of warbirds about, either airworthy or static.
As always cost will be the deciding factor will be money, although I expect the food / drinks bill for the Top Brass will be higher 😀

That was certainly the idea promulgated here:

But they could organise a flypast of the palace, with aircraft representing the various eras of the RAF.

Stars could include RE2, SE5A, camel, Hind, Gladiator, Blenheim, Spits, Hurricanes, Lancaster, Dakota, Meteor, Canberra, Hunter, Vulcan, Harrier (c/o US marines 😀 ) Phantom, Tornado, Typhoon, Hawk. Hercules etc

I am not sure that there are plans to fly over Buckingham Palace ? Abingdon in 1965 was a long way from Buckingham Palace, as others have said I can see this being tied into RIAT. This would also give an opportunity to involve Commonwealth air forces that evolved from the RAF.

I’ve seen some barking mad ideas floated on here over the years. Flying rotary-engined aircraft over Buckingham Palace must be up there with the wackiest of them.

One thing that could happen is a large formation of Spitfires, which would not have been available 50 years ago. There might even be a flying Shackleton !!!!

JZA said..Stars could include RE2, SE5A, camel, Hind, Gladiator, Blenheim, Spits, Hurricanes, Lancaster, Dakota, Meteor, Canberra, Hunter, Vulcan, Harrier (c/o US marines ) Phantom, Tornado, Typhoon, Hawk. Hercules etc

Good list and we might have another Lancaster flying by then.

Borrow a Snipe replica to slot in-between Camel and Hind

There is also a place for the large scale model displays of otherwise missing airworthy types.

Oh dear god no! That would make it crass beyond belief!

There is also a place for the large scale model displays of otherwise missing airworthy types.

I would like to see some Helicopters included. With representation of the other types. Maritime, Air Sea Rescue etc.
Maybe include gliders and air cadet types as well.

The more I think about it, there’s certainly something about an historic flypast which resonates.:)

JZA said..Stars could include RE2, SE5A, camel, Hind, Gladiator, Blenheim, Spits, Hurricanes, Lancaster, Dakota, Meteor, Canberra, Hunter, Vulcan, Harrier (c/o US marines ) Phantom, Tornado, Typhoon, Hawk. Hercules etc

Good list and we might have another Lancaster flying by then.

A celebration of 100 years of innovation,comradeship and service to your country( non combat service to the community as well,I was part of the temporary fire cover during disputes).Up beat and not on the same page as the annual service of rememberance. A parade , a flypast, a static display ,an air display.

Size is not the issue, however pride is.