Tribute Airshow Idea – Saluting Modern Aviation Greats

Well I wouldn’t have shot you down. I like the idea and it has a lot of merit.

Actually, the op’s thread as a whole would make a nice idea for a book too.

Many years ago i posted an idea for a memorial to display & test pilots. I love the memorial wall at Kennedy Space Centre that has the lost astronauts & pilots names engraved on it that reflects the sky. I was shot down over the idea.

I think very few of those mentioned died in display accidents. Many are still alive, a few have died of natural causes and some in accidents unconnected with airshows.

If I’ve got this correct, it’s not about pilots that have been killed in vintage aeroplanes, but about those that are no longer with us through any circumstance, as well as those happily still with us that have contributed over the years. Well, that was my understanding anyway.

Barry Tempest. Yes! Loved his crazy flying routines in the Tiger Moth. First one I saw was at West Malling in G-AYDI

Steve

Just one question – Especially with Shoreham still not too distant a memory, What will a show that highlights all the old pilots that were killed in vintage aeroplanes do to the public’s perception of the safety of such aeroplanes?

A lot of the regulars from the 70s/80s/90s are merrily carrying on or are still about – off the top of my head, Pete Kynsey, Brian Smith, Brendan O’B, John Taylor, Vic Norman, Richard Goode, Barry Tempest, Carl Schofield, John Harper, John Beattie, Phil Meeson. Those that have gone include John Larcombe, Pete Jarvis, Pete Thorne. Hoof…

All these guys kept me entertained over the years, and some still do…

Is Pete Sheppard still about?

I forgot to add Peter Treadaway earlier…

Steve

David Cook – Test pilot, designer, and record holder of CFM Shadow, most numerous ultralight produced in UK.

Ken Wallis – test pilot, and designer of Wallis Autogyros.

I’m liking this even more. A real enthusiast’s show, but one that will attract a wide range of types that should have an appeal beyond those of us lurking here.

I think that the venue will need plenty of volunteer help in compiling the programme if we are to properly explain the significance of the folks we are tipping our hats to…

Sywell might be interesting venue – isn’t there a memorial to Paul Morgan there?

Perhaps the idea could be incorporated into a ‘Thanking…’ slot, with immediate family members invited to the show for some hospitality (and to speak to us if they wanted), a page on the programme, and perhaps a washable paint scheme and interview for accompanying media coverage. This way, the main theme of the show would not be compromised but respects still paid. Old Warden would be a suitably intimate setting but Duxford would have legs for audience numbers.

The who’s who details I feel are not as important as the idea at this stage, but posts are welcome. It’s great to see so many old names spanning generations being recalled.

I had Graham Warner penciled in for the Blenheim too….or maybe Beech 18 or Max Holste Broussard.

Surely Ormond Haydon-Baillie deserves the Blenheim???
Or Sea Fury or Mustang as his old T-33 is no longer available

….I’ll add Gary Numan go the list of Harvard names. Used to enjoy the Harvard Display Team and the Radial Pair. I do miss those 1980s air displays.

Oh, and we’ll need some Harvards. I can think of loads of names to associate with that aircraft that would get a tip from my hat.

Five to start with, Martin Sargeant, Euan English, Norman Lees, Peter Snell and Tony Hutton.

I guess we can’t expect the Flycatcher back in the air (shame!), but maybe a two seat Spitfire for John Fairey.

Pitts S-2, Manx Kelly and the rest of the Rothmen…

Seafuryfan was obviously referring to the people not the aircraft themselves so the Shuttleworth type would obviously be appropriate for Trevor Roche & likewise the DR1 for Robin Bowes!

Nice idea. I like it. I was only thinking the same thing a few days ago, flicking through a 1983 airshow program, and reflecting on how many of the pilots and owners listed that are no longer with us. Of course, equally good to celebrate those still with us. An all round thank you to the personalities that have made our vintage aviation movement what it is today throughout the years. It would have to be a very long show!!

“Bearcat: Stephen Grey / Stefan Karwowski.”…..I second that. Stefan’s Bearcat display was amazing.

Dizzy Addicott, I always think of him and the Aces High Dakota.

Jeff Hawke would be good too, but we’d need a Mitchell or possibly a Casa 352.

Lindsey Walton…because he is still Mr Corsair for me.

Oh, and we’ll need some Harvards. I can think of loads of names to associate with that aircraft that would get a tip from my hat.

I’m sure there’s loads more.

Thanks for the replies all, it seems there is some interest in the idea. Yes, the permutations are many and it was English-centric based on my own background. I’d never even thought about the international angle. Even a show for one person (Eric Brown an obvious name) may be possible. Anyway, thanks to the forum, my thoughts have been aired.

So run similar events there! Would be interesting to see the crossover as a number of pilots operate both in USA / NZ etc.

I like the idea!

Alex Henshaw – Mew Gull EXF / CB-built Spit.

Dizzy Addicott – almost anything!

I’m not sure if a “Shuttleworth type” or Fokker Dr.1 is “modern” considering they date to pretty much the beginning of heavier than air flight. 🙂

Not a bad theme for an event, but your list is UK-centric as the US/Canada and Australia/New Zealand would have completely different sets of pilots.

Almost anything-Eric Brown!