Ashley’s Airshow Report
The show opened with Falklands tribute from the Chinook and the Merlin, plus two other “eggbeaters” but I can’t remember which they were (sorry, I know things with wings better! 😉
Next up, we had Carolyn Grace in her T.9 Spitfire…another great display from Carolyn…
Then it was the Tigercat and Bearcat’s turn to wow the crowds…and I was certainly impressed…
As a tribute to RAF Bomber Command, Sally B and the Blenheim took to the skies…again great displays from both aircraft…sadly, I felt my enthusiasim for the Blenheim was not shared by a considerable number of the crowd who seemed to ignore it completely…never mind “my” Blenheim…I was watching you girl 😉
Then a Tornado GR4 from XV Squadron from Lossiemouth displayed…a good display, but perhaps not the best display from a Tornado I’ve ever seen…
Next the Dragon Rapide entertained the crowds…although I think all eyes in the Flypast/Friends of Duxford Enclosure were on the attempts to start the Shuttleworth Collection’s Tutor…when the engine finally roared into life, it was matched with an equally appreciative roar from the Enclosure! Then Tutor then took to the skies with the Bristol Fighter and Avro 504K and all three pilots coped exceptionally well with the high winds in my opinion…
Likewise, the Olympus Tiger Moth Team also battled the high winds admirably…by this time I had given up trying to listen to the appalling commentary…can anyone tell me, are these Tiger Moths former Diamond Nine performers?
As a tribute to Royal Flying, the Pembroke, Provost and Devon displayed together…this Devon was actually flown by the Duke of Edinburgh in the 1950s…
Then it was the Jet Provost’s turn to display…an ok display, but I’ve seen better…
Then the REAL highlight of the day for me (and I suspect a lot of other people too) was the Breitling Fighters…a FANTASTIC display from the P-40, Spitfire, Corsair and P-51…an absolutely remarkable example of formation flying, particularly given that the formation was made up of four different types…well done Ray and the boys…you did Mark proud…
Then the show’s finale…a fine display from XX Squadron’s Harrier…always a crowd pleaser…
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Now my thoughts on the show in general…I agree with the comments made so far about the commentary…it was appalling…I’ve never heard such bad commentary…and I shall pass your comments if you have no objections, along with mine to those concerned…
Of course I was disappointed not to see the BBMF, but I understand their reasons fully for not coming…the weather could have been a LOT better…
As a “Jubilee” tribute, I felt there were some notable omissions…where was the Hunter? Jaguar? Vampire? Canberra? Lysander? Gladiator?
Unfortunately, the show itself was marred for me by some badly behaved children in the Flypast Enclosure, and from comments made by other members, I was not the only one…However, I did meet a young Lancaster fan yesterday who more than made up for the brats in the Enclosure 😉
Overall, it was far from the best airshow I’ve ever been to…here’s hoping Flying Legends is a better show!
Ashley, Spitfire Polisher and Duxford Correspondent
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