Review of the 2011 season, and hopes fo 2012

Well, i’m surprised nobody has started this thread, so here it goes!!!

For me, 2011 has been a decent year for the Uk airshow scene. I know we had the incident with Big Beautiful Doll and Mr Carlsons Fokker at Legends, and the tragedy of Lt Eggings Red arrow at Bournmouth, but all in all there have been some fantastic shows up and down the country. We have had the first flight of a wonderful MK 1 Spitfire (Great job Roobarb and the team at ARCO) and the immenent first flight of the Biggin Hill based example (another one ARCO have played a massive part in). We have a Hawker Fury also incredibly close to its first flight, a magnificent P47 receiving its finishing touches, a gorgeous P40 (rare merlin engined example), the list goes on……..

For me personally, the highlights were:

1) Legends – need i say anymore!!!! The long awaited first (and hopefully of many) appearances of the Red Bull team – please bring the B25 next year!

2)Damyns Hall – the sight of the 2 Norfolk based mustangs low and fast right over my head – if only my bloody camera had focused in time

3)Snafu – possibly my favourite warbird of all time – simply magnificent

4) Waiting in the traffic on the M11 – sunroof open and MH434 coming into land over the top – WOW!!!!

we have also lost the French B25, Liberty Belle, Jimmy Leeward at Reno, and also the Seafire and Hurribomber were damaged in landing incidents (Hopefully a speedy repair). With the exception of the Reno accident, thankfully there were no other fatalities, which is something to be thankful for.

My hopes for 2012 are that the management of Biggin Hill actually come to their senses and listen to the 100,000 or so general public who attend these shows, and give us a date for 2013. The noises coming out of from the new chief sound relatively positive. Couple this with the rumours that Mildenhall may announce something similar, 2012 could be a great year.

In terms of restorations, hopefully 2 Mossies may get air under their wings next year, plus with what gems that Meier motors guys are pumping out, we could be in for one or to surprises!!

Roll on 2012!!!:D