Bump and hopefully arriving Sat weather permitting, Met doesnt have it looking to good up here for Sat at the moment. If not it will be an early Sunday morning take off and either a 30 min wizz or a 80 min chugg depending on which aircraft Im in.
Matthew and his team have sweated blood preparing for this event so I hope it will get all the support it deserves.
Looking forward to seeing you all.

Largest recent formation was Duxford Sept 2000, 21 Spits on the Sat – Dutch Spit arrived late and missed the (extensive) briefing so wasn’t allowed up and on Sun it was 21 as now the Dutch Spit was allowed up but one of the BBMF pilots was “unwell” so didnt fly. (BBMF had all 5 Spits at the event)
The BBMF were not allowed to fly in formation with privately owned aircraft so whilst they did a formation routine the rest all formed up and then the BBMF tagged on at the rear (at a discrete distance!) to form the rear section.
It could of been more as a couple didnt turn up and a couple more were not airworthy.
There were 3 hurricanes at the event, its a pity that the BBMF ran out of pilots as their two were left back at base otherwise it would of been a recent record turnout for Hurri’s as well.

How easily we seem to have cast aside our aviation heritage, such beutiful and elegant flying machines.

Suggested a 2 seater formation to Duxford organisers for any of their shows this year and was not met with much enthusiasim – no chance at Legends as 2 seaters are not WW2 or proper Spitfires apparently.
The tunnel arrangement looks the same as ML407 and PT462.
One last comment, that **** Melton 2 seater was started way back in the 80’s in Charles Churches time as a scratch build, believe the serial was something like DM001. It was sold to Harry Stenger who recently started to finish the project however to give the aircraft some “history” and covenance (not to mention extra $ value) he puchased a Spitfire firewall with the MH367 plate on it. They popped the plate off the firewall and stuck it on the 2 seater and hey presto an aircraft rebuild with instant history! Somewhat frowned upon by certain people in the UK historic aircraft rebuilding circles I would think!

Hatton – not the first time Waddington have had 3 Tornado displays each day, I went when the Thunderbirds were there. I also found that seeing 8, sorry 9 (just checked) Tornado’s lined up in the static – all grey or green, somewhat dull, I seem to remember some 5 x F16’s as well. I found out later that they had turned down other aircraft for the static, mainly vintage stuff, as they “had no room left for static aircraft” – still I suppose as its the RAF’s show they can pack it with what they see fit. However they did have many good items there as well!

Oh forgot to add that IAC161 when I last saw it had no engine in – believe after ground runs some significant amounts of metal were found in the oil – so engine removed and sent back accross the pond some 5 weeks ago. Not heard of whats happening – does make you wonder about US rebuilds, was it ever run and checked? Wer’nt Carolyns engines rebuilt in the US?

Its always an honour to meet the old boys at varoius events, Im fortunate that several live near me and Im often priviledged to chat with them about aircraft types and their experiances. However the point is that Duxford have for to long wheeled out mostly the same aircraft show after show and then wonder why (apart from Legends which has its own unique atmoshere and a show I visit as often as possible) that crowd numbers are slowly dipping. An associate of mine still uses as an example, the theme of 60th Anniv. of the USAAFUSAF over here – sorry, but he felt what an opportunity missed by Duxford say e.g. get as many available American 40’s period aircraft in the UK there either as staticflightline or some in a flying bye sequence, something unique, different and memorable – what did he get that he could tell me about errrrr the B17, P47,P51 doing a (lovely) routine that if Im not mistaken has been done once, twice three, etc times before. Excellent flying, beautiful aircraft and lovely sounds but is that the most that could of be made of an opportunity? (I still cant believe thats all there was in relation to the “event” but hes adament that was it – perhaps others can enlighten me).
So yes DaveB and S Bond I have started to be more choosey which shows to go for, I am a lover of 30, 40s and 50s piston engined aircraft, who couldnt love a Merlin powered anything, however the shows that offer aircraft which are rarely seen as there owners are perhaps not part of the “in crowd” are the ones I go for now.
Still love going to Duxford to explore the Hangers and look at the fabulous work carried out there so Im not a complete Duxfordphobia person – the moment I see some real variety in one of the shows I’ll be right there.
Just my point of view you know !