Is it only FL that they have made an all ticket event, or are all other air shows at DX going the same way?
I can’t believe that an airshow of the stature of FL, that has been going for something like 20+ years is so unsure of it’s market that they need to sell advanced tickets; .

As an observer on the sideline it would appear all shows will be advance tickets. Seems this will reduce staff costs in several areas. So much of our life is controlled on line reducing workers bums on seats.

Many years ago TFC offered advance tickets on a Sunday only to get a crowd/traffic balance over the two days, money in advance was a bonus in that it paid for initial overheads, printing, mailing, advertising, etc.

There is obviously advantage now days to spread cash flow over a longer booking period, January to July.

Remember FL is a joint IWM/TFC venture. Staff come and go and have different takes on entertainment/value for money/overheads/profit etc, life continually evolves

Great memories I am sure – any choice pictures from those earliest days?;)

Charlie
Many pics covering our whole existence, too many to post. We are open on a Sunday next to Duxford History. Pop in and have a chat with Andrew and I am sure he will take you through the albums.

Apologies if I have missed a salient point but as a long term visitor to and supporter of Duxford I cannot see how the proposal will affect the historic part of the North Side or anything connected with the South side at all….:)

I first came to Duxford in 1959 as a wet behind the ears Junior Technician, I lived in the AMQ’s in the 70’s when Duxford was derelict, have lived in Duxford village for 20+ years and worked on the IWM site for 30 years. The proposals have come and gone and things have changed.

What is happening now will have an impact. Recently delayed by Duxford residents were two developments adjacent to the flight path, one of 20 houses, the other of 30 houses. In addition to the proposed developments I have mentioned is one of 85 houses adjacent to Whittlesford Parkway Station. What effect will this all have, chaos. Come to IWM Duxford between 8 and 9 or late afternoon, grid lock from the M11 roundabout to Sawston and A11, almost impossible to exit M11 junction 10 southbound.

What have I done, voiced my opinion to parish and S. Cambs. What happened, my wife and I had a visit from the police for voicing our democratic rights, we were not alone. What are we doing? Moving!

The re-assembly of the Fiat A-74 engine has begun at Vintech. The rudder and elevators have been covered, work is ongoing with the ailerons with the first lower wing to follow. The main oil tank has been manufactured along with the decanting oil tank. Oil coolers are fitted and the rest of the oil system is being assembled. Manufacture of the main and reserve tank fuel cocks is about to start as is the assembly of the reserve fuel tank. Form blocks have been made for pressing out the diaphragms for the main fuel tank.
The search still goes on for spare parts, patterns will do! Oil filter, fuel filters, generator and control equipment, propeller spares, in fact anything CR-42.
Most of our parts have been found in Italy and Sweden, the Swedes operated them as the J-11. Anybody have contacts in Hungary, they operated them too.

16.44 over Duxford

We took the Lancaster to Laarbruch in Septmber 1982 for an airshow which many Germans attended.

“Scott” took over as OC BBMF and bomber pilot from “Jacko” Jackson. My first flight with him was a practice display at Coningsby on the 5 May 1982. Shortly after he gave up his seat to me on Mosquito RR299 with George Aird on a flight from Coningsby to Hawarden. Another memorable flight was with 474 to Laarbruch in Germany. My last flight with him, 474, and the RAF was to Blackpool in 1983.
When he took over the flight he was a breath of fresh air and took a keen interest in his ground crew.
Not as high profile as “Jacko” but did a good safe job.