I was wondering,

Was woodford open to the public on the friday before the RAFA Airshow on the Saturday sometime in June, as this was often the day that had better weather, does anybody have photographs from these rehersal/arrival days from any of the 33 shows that took place at that venue

Regards

Eddie Winch

No it wasnt open but I did manage to gain access a few times as part of the press team. I’ll dig some shots out, they’e from early – mid 90s only. If only I’d have been doing it in the ’70s!!

Does the “Flightline UK” list only contain the flying aircraft? Is there another list for static ones? It’s dangerous, this flying lark. They’re safer on the ground. :rolleyes:

Its the same list, S=static, F= flying

Interesting, be nice to see the SHF one again, I take it has an engine now. Is OFMC’s a runner again now, always seems to have the cowlings off whenever I see it.

SHF’s Damn Yankee flew at Volkel – so I assume it had an engine!!

Uh-oh… so there’ll be a helo-only KLu Open Day next year? Although i do have to say Gilze surely has a nice tradition of bringing in nice participants for their airshows (even though Volkel used to as well, with that Maltese Islander four years ago and such).

Funny thing though, i think the best visitor at Volkel this year was only there on sunday morning – an Italian C-130J which supported the Frecce. Not that i saw it of course, the party i was (‘t was on Saturday, sorry Steve!) was right under the landing but i couldn’t be bothered to wake up from my booze-induced coma :rolleyes: Never mind, they’ll probably fly for another decade or six, seven… Besides, if anyone thinks that an Italian F-16 is a worthy substitute for the Starfighter is welcome to visit my place and recieve a generous supply of indoctrination. The first Starfighter-less year at Volkel since 1960 or something.

Oh, and has anyone seen the list for Brogel’s spotters day? Impressive beyond the realms of reality, me thinks… http://www.mil.be/aircomp/view_doc.asp?LAN=N&NUM=456

EDIT: Frank, apologies for not seeing you on Saturday, just when i strolled onto the base (when the Swiss were flying, immaculate timing as always 😉 ) i began stumbling across dozens and dozens of long-not-seen colleague spotters and the like, i just couldn’t help myself (nor could i refuse the beers).

Indeed! Even rarer for me was the grey French stretched Herc and the 9sqn anniversary Tonka – bet we dont see that at a UK show.

Dont forget Beauvechain’s trainer meet too!! Spanish F5s, Irish PC9 etc etc

http://www.fas.be.tf/

Nice shots.

Can this be the BBMF Mk II P7350 sporting new size underwing roundels?

Mark

Yes! It is

Runway, perhaps you’d like to consider removing your comments about Will Curtis. They’re a little more vitriolic and personal than we’re used to around here.

Indeed – no need for such personal attacks. He flew a very competent, safe display within his, the display box and the aircrafts parameters. He did the stalled “parachute” pass and a bit of hovering – thats what the 26, 29 & 31 do so well and he demonstrated it- nuff said!

I just get a terrible sense of deja vu after the shambles at Duxford last week.
Let’s all hope this isn’t setting a pattern for the season.

CargoM

I think both events suffered – if that is the right word to use, from far more visitors turning up than expected. I didnt go to Duxford but had heard that traffic arrangements had been changed. At Cosford (coming down the A41) I noted that whereas they had a 2 lane entry system last time, this wasnt the case this year. Thus they could have cleared twice as many cars off the northbound M54 and off the A41 at the same time.

Headed to Cosford late this morning from Lincs joined the queue of traffic to get in 9 miles away at 12:30 then sat crawling along for 2 hours only for the queue to stop moving all together everyone gets out there cars no one knows wots going on by this time 2:30 the missus and I getting very hungry so turned like everyone else after not moving at all for nearly an hour and came home was anyone in the same position or know wot the hell was going on wot a waste of a lovely day and fuel and money 😡

I suggest getting up earlier and you will arrive earlier!
Cosford – sunny morning, huge catchment area, tiny base, no show last year for the midlands conurbation, rush to leave early for crap footie = a massive crowd and inevitable traffic problems!