Just had 4 Extra 300s circling over Welwyn Garden City, then they went behind a large clump of trees and sounded as if they were doing aerobatics, but I couldn’t see them. They were red, don;t know who they could have been?

Cheers, Huw:)

Huw

Probably The Blades – as much as I could see from my bedroom window they appeared to be performing over Brocket Hall area – the people who can afford to have functions there probably would have no problem in forking out a few £K for a private display.

Superb shots as always, Nick, and thanks for posting. I was beginning to think that I would have to post a couple of not-very-good shots from my Panasonic compact to record what I believe is the first display appearance of the Dagling at Shuttleworth. If I heard the commentator correctly, the pilot’s day job is flight testing Airbus A380 aircraft; one can only marvel at his great skill (but he should have worn longer socks).

I thank the Gods that you live in Geordie-land. I’d hate to be around as that lot conquers your digestive transit………:p

Very large biplane just flown over Blackbushe heading east – only saw it at the last minute so I’m not 100% certain but could it have been the Vimy?

Vimy over Welwyn Garden City at 17.45hrs this evening heading for Dux.

As its the 100th anniversary of Bleriot’s flight across the channel how about posting pics of Bleriots?.

Here’s a Bleriot type that made a spot landing on a roof somewhere in N.London, I believe.

The Grace Spitfire bound SSW over Welwyn Garden City about 12.25hrs today, returning about 25 minutes later. I must have my Merlin ears tuned in early this year, as I recognised the sound above the noise of my lawnmower and MP3 player blasting away at high volume.

later edit; a competent source informs me that it was Peter Teichman’s Spitfire and not the Grace example.

back to the music, please – ‘Summer Breeze’ by The Isley Brothers, especially the long version with Ernest Isley’s stinging guitar solo; ‘All Along The Watchtower’ by Jimi Hendrix, although I also like the Jeff Healey and Paul Weller versions of this Dylan classic; ‘Always There’ by Ronnie Laws; and Christmas in Rio, by Stanley Clarke.

I’ve always wondered what the deal was with the single vertical tail on this example. I assume it is a non-airworthy modification, but why was it done, and what aircraft did the tail fin come from?

All the best,
Richard

This particular aircraft, a MK. VII, was retained by HP for radio installation and aerial tests, and the single fin was suitable for purpose. I think it’s just a construct, not from any particular type. (When I used to walk past this hulk in the 50’s on my way to the Colney Street hangers I always thought it was a Wellington…………). Perhaps somebody from the Handley Page Association might know something, but I’m not sure this organisation is still extant.