During the morning of Thursday 22nd March the press launch for Yeovilton Air Day 2007 was held at the base.
Unfortunately the blue skies present on Wednesday had long since deserted Somerset – grey cloud, cold and damp in spells were in town.
A few shots of the warbird contigent present throughout the day, beginning with John Beattie in a Wasp.
Kennet Aviation’s supreme Seafire, also flown by John Beattie.
The RNHF’s Sea Fury captured being towed back to its hangar after the event ended, looking tremendous…
At 1410hrs, the de-Havilland Aviation Sea Vixen began to move out for take-off, and Brian Grant very kindly went the long way around to Runway 27!
The Vixen and Seafire departing to fly over the newly re-commissioned HMS Ark Royal in Portsmouth Harbour, which has just emerged from a 2-year refit.
Joining them was Kennet Aviation’s Jet Provost Mk.5A G-JPVA, flown by Lt Cdr Dave MacKay RNR and carrying ‘Lee Howard’ in the right hand seat…
The two Kennet aeroplanes returned to Yeovilton 30 minutes later…
Thanks for looking.
Mark
By: stringbag - 26th March 2007 at 15:06
It’s only made two flights since the re-finish Albert.
The first was from Hurn to Yeovilton on Wednesday 21st, and the second Yeovilton back to Hurn via Portsmouth Harbour on the 22nd.
Lee’s photo sorties were flown at the same time.
By: ALBERT ROSS - 26th March 2007 at 14:57
Sea Vixen flights?
So what’s the situation with the Sea Vixen? I thought as soon as the Red Bull contract ran out, it would be grounded pending a new sponsor. However, since it’s repaint, it has made a couple of flights, plus a photo sortie and now a trip to and from Yeovilton. How many more flights can it make before the money runs out? Who is sponsoring all these ‘additional flights’ after the contract ran out? I thought it would make one flight to Yeovilton and be stored pending a new sponsor, yet here she is taxying out and departing yet again :confused:
By: Lee Howard - 24th March 2007 at 18:36
If I’m around then no problem. As long as, in this age of chip ‘n pin, I can remember how to do a signature!:D
By: bms44 - 24th March 2007 at 18:30
Lee, as the JP flies I’m probably about an hour 20 mins from VL, but hope the non-jet Corolla will carry me and my long-time observer down for 7th July: (realistically 8 hours + ) perhaps I can smuggle my copy of “FAA Fixed Wing A/C since ’46” in my luggage for a signature if you could bear to meet up, albeit briefly, on the tarmac! Anyway plans being considered at present, but still somewhat tentatively.
By: Lee Howard - 24th March 2007 at 18:09
….you’re still a lucky so and so..!!):D
I freely admit that yes, I am.:D
By: bms44 - 24th March 2007 at 17:17
Unfortunately not – we went under it all the way there and back.
Yes, on reflection, hardly time to get the gear up before reaching Portsmouth Lee. (Why don’t I feel sorry for you though? and you’re still a lucky so and so..!!):D
By: DazDaMan - 24th March 2007 at 15:12
Fantastic shots 🙂
By: Lee Howard - 24th March 2007 at 15:07
I bet Lee broke through that into some sunshine though, lucky sonofagun!
Unfortunately not – we went under it all the way there and back.
By: bms44 - 24th March 2007 at 13:32
All first class shots! Thanks for sharing Stringbag. The Vixen climbing away looks particularly good, and whilst not wishing to open old wounds regarding such as ‘Red Bull’ sponsorship and paint schemes, I know what does it for me when I see these lovely aircraft in original or near original livery and markings. Still, live and let live! ( And sometimes sunshine is not always the best for colour rendition, these photos are a case in point, excellent results, in spite of the overcast.) I bet Lee broke through that into some sunshine though, lucky sonofagun!
By: RobAnt - 24th March 2007 at 00:43
😡 Would have made my day to have been there. If only I’d known! 🙁
Doesn’t detract one jot from your smashing photos, though.
By: canadair - 24th March 2007 at 00:18
The Sea Fury is stunning!! any chance of some more pictures?
beautiful shot of it though!!
Thanx
By: cessna152towser - 23rd March 2007 at 23:57
Excellent pics, thanks for posting.
By: MarkW - 23rd March 2007 at 22:51
The poor weather doesn’t detract from the fact that these are marvellous aircraft and very good photos. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Mark W.:D
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March 23, 2007 at 9:56 pm