VWOC Open House Battle of Britain Flight

The lanc/fighter formation were also using Merlin Flight as their radio call sign on Saturday.

I liked that one and was also thinking of Canuck Flight or something similar……

Eric Dumigan has posted his shot’s including the air to air Dave was right they are amazing. He had the right pilot none better than John Aitken to put the Harvard where you want it. You could hear that Harvard over the eight Merlins as John put it into position. I liked Rob’s comments about the Harvard it has 600 horses, 150 for thrust and 450 for sound!
Its interesting I have never heard the term Battle of Britian Memorial Flight applied to this event offically that is reserved for the good people in the UK, I like Eric’s term Merlin Flight.
The link for the Open House is here:
http://www.airic.ca/html/vwocopenhouse1.html
And the Battle of Britian Ceremony is here:
http://www.airic.ca/html/bob.html

I think if they could be allowed to keep just a rope fence separating the active taxi areas and aphron of the airport from the spectators areas that would be very nice for photographers and fans alike…they do need something in place as kids and some kid adults just have trouble remembering where they are allowed to go and where they are not go….

A few supervised tours of the visiting aircraft on the active only parts of airport would be great..I would have loved to see the An-2 Colt up close and in the flesh..

Andrew

And next year they will add a P40 to the mix, sweet. Mike’s always looking you never know what will end up on the hangar floor next, but he’s almost out of room. I find it interesting that Rob almost always fly’s the Hurricane with the canopy open must ask him why one of these days.

I spoke to a current Hurricane pilot who said that when he flies the Hurricane, he never shuts the canopy himself as he can’t quite reach it – however, once the aircraft gets over a certain airspeed – something around 200mph I think it was – the venturi effect actually sucks the canopy shut! It is then (usually) reopened for landing.

Tim’s asked us to provide him with three suggestions and solutions for future events. Can you guys help me what what would you like to see improved or changed? Any suggestions?

And that was my biggest concern with the mini airshow format….but I understand TC situation… and some of that atmosphere could still be there as it was at this year’s Vintage AirRally held at CAvM which was also mini airshow format…

Regardless I look forward to next year’s VWOC events whatever and wherever they may be….

Andrew

🙂

Swordfish and Lizzie to follow, wouldn t that be something s well! amazing pix fellas, Darrell

Can’t take credit for the pictures a friend let me post them don’t have time for photos when working. Besides you guys do such a better job.
Unfortunately VWOC have crossed the line with the open house format there is no way TC will accept the current format. The big concern is that the great atmosphere will be lost. This is a show put on by the pilots and the quality of people who fly and work on the aircraft shows that. When we showed up first thing in the morning the Canadian Harvard guys were soloing in the Hurricane MkIV and Peter Spence was flying the VWC Spit.

Nice images gents, I too would like to see the name change from BBMF to somthing else. When they did the first one of this year at the CWH and Russell show afew across the pond didn’t seem to like us Canucks highjaking the name ( and i see thier point ). I talked with the Russell organizers about maybe changing it to Canadian Memorial Flight or somthing of that nature, any suggestions?

One highlite for me was to finally get the chance to sit down and chat with Charlie Fox DFC & Bar. What a fantstic talk we had.

Cheers Dave C

I sorta liked this open house format as it seemed less restrictive for photography etc….and a full blown airshow would mean that Transport Canada would be tighter with controls and asking for safety fencing and not allowing the aviation fans close to the active aircraft….just my thoughts…

Some very nice Pix K225

Andrew

That was the last of the Vintage Wings of Canada open houses they have gone as far as they can with this format. Next year though possibly three full blown airshows maybe with the Snowbirds.

I will add this one ‘people’ shot – a bit of our aerobatic team heritage here… Left to right, Dan Dempsey (Snowbird 9 – 1980-81, Snowbird 1 – 1989-90), Fern Villeneuve (Golden Hawks Lead 1959, 1960), and Joe Schultz (Solo – Blue Devils 1949)

Yes it is a great event to meet up with fellow shutter bugs like us….

Andrew

I’m planning on taking my young Patrick next year.

We’ll have to meet up.

Glad you (Turretboy) enjoyed the event…too bad we did not close paths at event as I had a chance to meet quite a few of the gang from different online forums…

It was very well organized and attended…it is definately getting very popular with the aviation groups for sure…

Andrew

Excellent video & photos! I’m still sorting though mine….

This was my first opportunity to visit Vintage Wings. No surprises, I have heard nothing but great things about Mr. Potter and his fine tuned organization. Saturday’s open house let me see this for myself.

I guess you shouldn’t charge admission at an open house event, but it’s hard to believe that everyone walked through the gates for free!

Thank you Vintage Wings!

Yes I noticed that Rob did fly that way on Sat but at Rockcliffe on Sunday I think he landed with it with it closed….

Andrew

And next year they will add a P40 to the mix, sweet. Mike’s always looking you never know what will end up on the hangar floor next, but he’s almost out of room. I find it interesting that Rob almost always fly’s the Hurricane with the canopy open must ask him why one of these days.

Would be great to name this flight officially! Excellent pics BTW

Ah… but Dave’s 5th Pic (4-ship formation) does have a name – that’s the Vintage Wings of Canada ‘Victory Flight’

(and yes I was beaten to this as well – most of mine are on Facebook or Air Show Buzz)

But I shot a lot of static and ground movements.

James

Dave
Great Video, and not just cause I’m in it!