As I stare out my office window at the rain and drizzle I thought it would be appropriate to discuss highs and lows from this year’s Airshow Season. Please note my apologies to the few events (and their respective organisers) that are still to partake at the twilight of 2014!
I was lucky to attend no less then 6 Airshows this year and thought I would mention my highs (and lows) from them. I’m sure a number of you attended these also and I hope it brings back some good memories. As noted in Nigel’s recent Flypast Editors ‘Welcome’ it has been quite a year and we must embrace the highs as well as the lows.
I must add the highs certainly outweigh the lows!
Abingdon Airshow – May
Now pretty much seen as the ‘un-official’ start to the season, this show appears to being going from strength to strength every year. I must commend the team that organise this event and also the money they raise for the Air Ambulance Trust
High: Mid-Air Squadron Canberra – superb display and trademark final blue note pass
Low: The local based Vaucher Hurricane being unable to attend as she was U/S. I hope I get to see her again in the air
Duxford D-Day Airshow – May
In my view a very thoughtful line up to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day
High: The glider routine at the beginning of the display – was very moving and creative to commemorate the initial phase of the invasion (some amazing aerobatics also).
Low: They ran out of Coffee at the American Air Museum (Best coffee at Duxford! I always have a brew there to start my day!)
Fairford – July
I confess it has been a long time since I had attended Fairford previous so could not compare to recent shows. Personally it was refreshing to experience some jet power after recently attending Legends which as of late fallen on the same weekend
High: The Red Arrows 50 display on the Friday with the Team formatting with the foreign display team aircraft. It really made me appreciate how special the ‘Reds’ are and what a superb display they present.
Low: The disappointed shared by everyone I’m sure of the F35 not attending (I must add for complete justified reasons – safety is paramount).
Yeovil Air Day – July
My first Yeovil Air Day! Superb despite a number of last minute cancellations! The Static Park was superb with the inclusion of Phantom and Harriers. A real treat, in days where such aircraft are no longer seen on the ground, on active airfields like we used to see in time past.
High: The low fast pass by ‘Flapjack’ in Miss Demeanour – I understand Jonathan was on route to Sunderland Airshow but was denied airspace access for whatever reason. He promptly returned to ‘beat up’ the Airfield and unleash the distinctive blue note.
Low: Perhaps the last time we will see the Sea Kings take place in the Commando Assault Finale.
Bournemouth Airshow – August
Again another first for me and my first ‘Sea-side’ Airshow at that. Superb display and its FREE!
High: Swimming in the sea in the sun with Sally B displaying right over me (Didn’t get any better)
Low: Chaos getting out! There had been a big accident on the M27 which had knock on effects to the A338 – was a long journey Home!
Duxford September Airshow
I had initially planned to attend Bournemouth to see the two Lancaster’s display. Many of us I’m sure were either intending to visit Bournemouth or Shoreham that weekend to see Vera. This was cut short by the engine issues as we all now know! I am sure as mentioned previously this had a knock on effect for the September Airshow with numbers literally being ‘through the roof’ as everyone wanted to see Vera formate with PA474 before she went back to Canada.
High: Well it was worth it – total silence from crown and commentary as the ‘Lancs’ arrived with their Spitfire escort. The sounds of 10 Melins was spine tingling and I will be proud to tell my kids one day I was there. A fitting memorial to all those who lost their lives during the war.
Lows: It was to be expected and we were warned but the traffic conditions were not ideal heading in to the show!
I hope my review allows people to share their ‘highs & lows’ from this year. As stated previous the highs outweigh the lows by far. Weather was kind and the Canadian Lanc visiting us was truly special.
Here’s to safe flying and blue skies next year and a certain Blenheim gracing us all!
All the best.
Wondy
P.S sorry if I have bored anyone or I have posted in the wrong area.
By: duxfordhawk - 20th October 2014 at 10:30
For me 2014 has been one of the best seasons in years and I have had a pretty amazing year. The biggest highlight was having the chance to see the two Lancasters together and I confess I became I bit of a groupie and caught up with them 5 times in total. Other highlight was Biggin Hill having an airshow again.
These are some of my highlights.
D-Day at Duxford
IMG_3591 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Flying Legends
P-26 a childhood dream to see one flying
IMG_2765 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Spitfire Mk1 x 4 who ever thought that possible a few years ago
IMG_1812 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
P-40C she is a beauty
IMG_2918 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Seeing a Harrier again at Farnborough
Spanish Harrier Farnborough by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Waddington
Draken and Viggen
Saab Viggen Waddington 2014 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Saab Draken Waddington 2014 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Lancaster duo
Biggin Hill 15-08-14 Canadian Lancaster Vera by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Lancaster duo Goodwood Friday 12th September 2014 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
Finally seeing DH88 Comet flying something I have waited more than 20 years to see
DH88 Comet doing a touch and go at Old Warden 05-10-14 by Martin D Stitchener, on Flickr
As to lows
1) Sea Fury T20 suffering bad damage
2) Weather preventing several war birds making Flying legends
3) Missing 3 hours of Waddington Airshow after bus problems on top of 7 hour round trip on trains to get there on
4) My friends not being able to see the two Lancasters at Shoreham due to engine problem
By: The Navigator - 19th October 2014 at 01:46
Highs: Seeing the Canadian Lancaster on FR24 as it crossed the north west coast of Scotland en route from Iceland to RAF Coningsby & the subsequent tour by the 2 Lancs. The Canberra & Hunter at RAF Cosford. BBMF Spitfire PRXIX PS915 over my house low & fast (& loud) running in to display at the Severn Valley Heritage Railway WW2 weekend.
Lows: As said before, the belly landing of the Sea Fury at Culdrose, the cancellation of the 2 Lancs at Sywell due to the weather, the supercharger problem on the Canadian Lancaster, & FM213 going back to Canada, although that became more of a high when it was known that they were home safely.
Regards, Rich
By: mike currill - 18th October 2014 at 06:17
All told I reckon it’s been a good season, from my point of view it has. Normally I struggle to get the other half to agree to my attending airshows other than Legends which has pretty much become an annual pilgrimage for me. This year I was encouraged to attend two others.
Highs: Peter Holloway displaying the Storch at Abingdon.
Four MkI Spitfires and the Connie at Legends
The GWDT and not one but two Lancasters at the Duxford September show.
Lows: Have to be the P-26 and bare metal P-40 not flying at the September show on the Sunday.
Still a good year from my point of view.
By: Dr Strangelove - 17th October 2014 at 21:50
Guess the low was seeing the RNHF Sea Fury T20 wheels up in front of us at Culdrose… 🙁
Only to instantly trumped by the ‘high’ of the the pilot hoping out completely unhurt 🙂
As per the motto of our fair county…first & last 😉
By: trumper - 17th October 2014 at 21:43
:applause:Lovely photos and you drove for 4 hours ,cycled in the rain for 20 miles and took a day off work on the off chance that in that murk you MAY see Vera–shhh-don’t tell you know who 🙂
The photo from over Eastbourne is a cracker.
By: SimonR - 17th October 2014 at 09:17
Just a few of my highs:
Following the Canadians on flight tracking websites for three days, and then…
IMG_0036 by sboreeves, on Flickr
Taking the day off work, driving four hours, cycling 20 miles and getting soaked to the skin to welcome VeRa onto UK soil.
IMG_8215 by sboreeves, on Flickr
Invasion stripes aplenty at Duxford in May.
IMG_9539 by sboreeves, on Flickr
Connie at Duxford – never seen one of those before. Very photogenic aircraft.
IMG_9621 by sboreeves, on Flickr
Four Spitfire 1s at Duxford.
IMG_9636 by sboreeves, on Flickr
A vintage year for Spitfire choreography at Duxford
IMG_0658 by sboreeves, on Flickr
Eastbourne
IMG_1963 by sboreeves, on Flickr
XH558 howling over Little Gransden
IMG_3135 by sboreeves, on Flickr
Close encounters of the Canadian kind at Duxford
IMG_3170 by sboreeves, on Flickr
The sound of 10 Merlins.
Only one notable low (and high, in a way) – seeing the RNHF Sea Fury belly land with engine problems. Then thinking how much worse it could have been.
By: mike currill - 17th October 2014 at 07:25
Wrong. The reason why the Lancasters went where they did had nothing to do with densest population areas. When the CWHM announced their tour, the BBMF dates for the coming season were already pretty much fixed. They went where there were airshows already scheduled to take place in August and early September.
Ah I can understand that. Obviously I picked some misinformation somewhere along the way. Mind you one could be forgiven for thinking that was the way the BBMF planned their schedule. I know it isn’t, their policy is very fair as they do try to show the aircraft to as many as possible which is why they will do flypasts over other events when transiting between venues. You ask and they do their best to fit you in somehow. All in all I’d say they do a good job.
Jay, I would have taken issue with Meddle but you did it so much better than I could have. All I can say is a huge thank you to the team for bringing here over and giving me an unforgettable experience. I’m glad she made it here and back without mishap.
By: trumper - 16th October 2014 at 20:56
Meddle –you had the audacity to quote me in your post—the comment i made about you was the fact you didn’t make any effort at all to see them after they had flown all the way over here.Never mind your loss.
Well said Jay post 45
Another Low just added but a grateful one,the Golden Apple F86 Sabre is returning back to the USA so sad to see this wonderful looking machine go but so grateful to have seen her many times over the years NOT MY VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsphTktf9Fg&feature=youtu.be BUT A LOVELY LITTLE TRIBUTE
By: paul1867 - 16th October 2014 at 20:23
Jay
David and Charlie have it right. The carpers are a very small minority some of whom choose to post controversial comments in order to provoke. I have no idea why these people do it but you see it everywhere from the news to all manner of forums.
Rest assured we turned out in our thousands and are very appreciative of the huge effort that was put in for our benefit. It must be very galling in Canada to hear these few, very few, whinging poms when you did not have the privileged we had of seeing two Lancasters flying together.
No doubt we will now be told we have brown noses.
Just a reminder that contributions to the engine fund can be made on CWHM website. Let’s show our appreciation by paying for the repairs to this engine.
http://www.warplane.com/about-cwhm/donate/donationsform.aspx
By: Jay Langley - 16th October 2014 at 18:16
Thanks both David and CharlieHunt,
I have read that YOU travelled and made the best of it and enjoyed it David…and THAT is what I would have expected as well…….YOU got the great memories and experiences from your effort……..Charlie , you likewise seem to have a really positive and logical way of looking at the experiences………
And I am actually sorry I kind of blew some steam off…..but that post by that Meddle , just pushed my buttons …..so to all the GREAT and supportive and nice people in the UK….my apologies …….
David, I too saw the griping and whining everywhere you turned it seemed….and it was really frustrating to read…..Many Canadians, Aussies, Kiwi’s etc. would have given their eye teeth to have been able to get to the UK to see the airshows and all that was happening…I know some DID get there…but for most of us, I think the massive expenses (Airfare there and back, car rental, food , lodgings etc….likely close to 4000 pounds’ish) and weeks off work etc. where the reasons more didn;t get there……then seeing people that couldn;t go a few hours to see them….that was unreal….and people where actually REALLY upset that the Lanc’s didn;t fly over their houses!……couldn;t make it up , honestly……
anyway, again, Thanks to all that made the travelling Canadians and the Lancaster feel welcome and appreciated…..I know that the trip meant alot to so many, Canadians as well as those in the UK……
so thanks……
Cheers lads,
By: charliehunt - 16th October 2014 at 16:57
High: The C47s at Duxford and the Lancs and small fry at Dunsfold. The terrific Typhoon adaptive display at Herne Bay as leaden low cloud base cleared to blue during the course of the display. And some stunning Pitts aerobatics from Trig and Rich Goodwin at Folkestone.
Lows: Not being able to get to Legends this year and realising again that there was no Duxford Autumn Show to round off the season.
By: David_Kavangh - 16th October 2014 at 16:56
Jay, as I said before, the low for the year for me has been the constant carping from a minority, on forums and elsewhere, complaining about, “why not here where I live?” . They never answer the simple question, ” well the Lancaster flew 3,500 miles to get to UK, why can’t you travel a couple of hundred to see it?”. The carping started as soon has the schedule was announced in March and I’m disgusted to see that it continues long after the Canadians have gone home. They are a minority. A small group who can’t leave a keyboard and get out into the real world. It’s reflected badly on UK as I know CWHM have been reading this forum and others, as well as FB, but their right of reply is limited.
And I’ll say again, jumping up and down, I travelled from Spain!!!!!
By: Tin Triangle - 16th October 2014 at 16:28
Highs: The amazing and intensely emotional formation para drop and display by the C-47s at the Duxford D-Day show.
Getting to enjoy several excellent displays from the super Midair Squadron pairing of Canberra and Hunter.
Sitting through the foul weather at Eastbourne then seeing a superb role demo by the SAR Sea King and RNLI, complete with big rollers, high winds, and live flares.
Hanging around at Waddington to be treated by the Whirlwind HAR. 10 pottering away into the sunset.
Four Spitfire Is gracefully wheeling around Duxford at Flying Legends.
The Draken belting around in the murk at Waddington.
Lows. Spending lots of money, fuel and time on three separate occasions and STILL not seeing the Lancasters fly-the weather and serviceability beat me every time.
Watching the Tripe hit the fence at OW and enduring some tense moments before we heard pilot was OK.
Looking in vain round the Oxfordshire skies for VC-10s 🙁
Missing the last OW show due to moving house, and not seeing the Comet, Mew Gull.
By: charliehunt - 16th October 2014 at 15:57
Jay – I sincerely believe that the negative contributions are really in a small minority and please be assured that they in no way represent the huge majority here for the unique two months you Canadians made possible this year.
If you had been at ANY of the events you would not have needed any reassurance. Just forget about the Meddles of this world – in this context they are an irrelevance.
By: Jay Langley - 16th October 2014 at 15:48
Meddle, I will be as flippin’ nice about this as I can………..YOU are the ONLY one going on and on about your precious tax dollars paying for the “Canadian” Lanc’s engine…….YOU are a complete tosser in my opinion, as NOT ONE Canadian is asking, and in fact I as a Canadian have voiced the opinion that it was a nice . but unrealistic gesture made by an obvious Lancaster fan…..WE, Canada do NOT need anything from your precious “taxes”…………..YOU have No ONE to blame for not seeing the “Canadian Lanc” if you couldn;t make any flippin’ effort to get off your can and go and see it WHERE IT WAS FLYING!…..like the thousands of other people that did…..it seems every time YOU post, you simply shine the spotlight on what in an incouragable moron you really seem to be…..By the way…the CWHM had NO SAY in which “venues” they displayed in as the FLEW AS PART OF THE BBMF !…..where the BBMF was going…CWHM went also……as I mentioned before, it boggles my mind ( and obviously our Aussie cousins as well) as to how someone could complain when ANY travel distances in the UK are so short….perhaps Mr. Meddle, you should stop your complaining about something that is NOT even being discussed offically, understand that the RCAF has or will be returning the “LEASED” engine back to the BBMF, YES WE HAVE PAYED FOR THE USE OF IT!….NOT your damb taxes!…..
Highs for me this year:…seeing our Lancaster make TWO successful trips across the pond, and entertain thousands of people in the UK…it was fun to watch from afar
LOWS:….seeing constant posts from people like “meddle” that do NOTHING but complain and whine, all over Facebook sites and forums…people like that have sure given the world a “view” of the UK’s selfish side…it was really rather unexpected from the Nation that stood through the Blitz and war years ….it;s ok…perhaps NEXT TIME, Canada and the “colonies” may not be so quick either…Ungrateful, selfish people…never would have thought that an aircraft would bring that out, IN PUBLIC, so easily….
kinda disgusted, in Canada…. PS, I KNOW most are grateful and supportive and encouraging……
By: David_Kavangh - 16th October 2014 at 15:42
Still it’s nice to know that had the Canadian Lancaster spent more time North of the border, the people there are so generous they’d have paid for a new Merlin all by themselves. Missed opportunity there CWHM.
By: Mike J - 16th October 2014 at 15:37
Wrong. The reason why the Lancasters went where they did had nothing to do with densest population areas. When the CWHM announced their tour, the BBMF dates for the coming season were already pretty much fixed. They went where there were airshows already scheduled to take place in August and early September.
By: mike currill - 16th October 2014 at 15:23
Meddle, I can tell you why the CWHM Lancaster venues were organised so that as many people as possible would get a chance to see her. The Southeast being the most densely populated are of Britain it made sense.
Any way to return to the original topic.
Highs: The whole season for me as I made it to four airshows rather than my usual one and saw so many things I either hadn’t seen for years or had never seen at all.
Lows: The end of the season
By: charliehunt - 16th October 2014 at 14:23
The reason you “rattled a few cages” was for the last few words of your post, which you have now conveniently omitted. “, as their little venture wasn’t exactly inclusive.” was the reason you gave. The lack of inclusiveness being the fact that you couldn’t or wouldn’t make the effort to go where they were like thousands of the rest of us did, rather than waiting in the hope they might come to you!!
By: Meddle - 16th October 2014 at 14:01
[QUOTE=trumper;2173613]LOL, you ARE kidding right –aren’t you.Come on.QUOTE]
Seems I rattled a few cages here. I still stand by the opinion that it would be a complete waste of tax payers money to bankroll the Canadians because they didn’t have a good enough plan for the event of an engine failure.
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October 6, 2014 at 5:08 pm