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Summer,
this year, was on 27th May!
For
those of us enjoying the wettest June for years, I can confirm
that, summer this year, occurred on Friday the 27th May!
With sweltering temperatures and in very bright sunshine, I
made my way to Sywell, in Northamptonshire, to the annual Aero
Expo. For those who have never been to Sywell Aerodrome, home
of The Blades aerobatic team, it is an ex Wellington Bomber
base with 1930’s period buildings including an Art Deco
style terminal designed to represent the outline of a vintage
aeroplane. On a normal summers day, a cold beer on the verandah
is an absolute must for any aviaition enthusiast as 1930’s
biplanes and visiting aircraft taxi past only a few yards away.
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The
annual Aero Expo was badly affected by the weather in 2011 but
there were no weather problems this year. No need for waterproof
clothing and protective camera covers – just plenty of
Factor 15 sunscreen and some form of head covering to offer
protection from the sun as it beat down from a cloudless blue
sky.
Last
year, many fly-in visitors failed to make it because of the
weather. This year, there was a continuous stream of aircraft
landing and making their way to a densely populated aircraft
parking area.
The
Sywell Aero Expo is for the light aviation crowd and is one
of the premier annual events for aircraft owners and pilots
alike, so aircraft types are almost strictly limited to those
used for weekend flyers and executive aviation.
The
exceptions included the Avro Anson and a rebuilt vintage aircraft
restored by the son of its original local owner. The Trig Spits
duo were also in attendance but, unfortunately, I had another
engagement in the afternoon so I was unable to watch their display
scheduled for later in the day.
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If
you are a light aircraft enthusiast, then, going to this Expo
could cost you some serious money. The stands and retail tables
offer everything from maps to DVD’s and from clothing
to navigation systems and instruments. If the fancy takes you,
of course, you can step back out into the sunshine and place
an order for a new flying machine from the many companies competing
for business. Or, keep your money in your wallet, browse and
marvel at the fantastic range of accessories not available to
the private pilot. |
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Business
in the light aviation sector would seem to be flourishing although
it is always difficult to separate the browsers and enthusiasts
from the serious potential purchasers. I am sure that over the
weekend, some very lucrative deals were struck and some very
lucky people were already contemplating taking ownership of
their purchases.
Facilities
were excellent. With food and beverage stalls alongside other
attractions, the Aero Expo would make a good day out for kids
and families and would serve as an ideal introduction to aviation
for young aspiring pilots of the future.
I
must admit, I am a military aviation man so light aircraft do
little to raise my testosterone levels or my blood pressure,
but for the pilot or owner who has deep pockets, this must be
the Expo to attend.
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Air
displays tend to be afternoon or early evening events so bear
that it mind. The event does get busy at times but the wide
aisles and layout allows easy access amongst the exhibits. Taking
photos without the inclusion of visitors is best done immediately
after the gates open. Once the crowd grows, there is always
that “intruder” in your viewfinder!
Of
course, you can visit Sywell outside the Expo dates. There is
a recently refurbished museum and the big plus is that The Blades
normally take to the skies 3 or 4 times a day for a full display
routine practice. You can confirm days and times by visiting
the Sywell Aerodrome website for full details and timetables.
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Review
by Dave Briers - click HERE
for Daves Showcase
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