Archive for March, 2017

Belgian Air Force on board for the Scampton Airshow

Monday, March 20th, 2017

Belgian F16

An F-16 fast jet from the Belgian Air Force has become the first international aircraft to be confirmed in the flying display at the inaugural Scampton Airshow in September.

The aircraft, which is performing at the dynamic new airshow at RAF Scampton from 9-10 September, will join the RAF Red Arrows and Typhoon in the five-hour flying programme.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been flown by Belgium since 1979. Although its examples are among the oldest still in service, a series of major upgrades mean that they remain very capable fighters.

Two Wings of the country’s Air Component operate a total of 54 F-16s, comprised of single-seat F-16AM and two-seat F-16BM (mid-life upgrade) models. They have taken part in coalition air operations over the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, as well as the Baltic Air Policing initiative.

Paul Sall, Airshow Director, said: “We have already received fantastic support in the UK from the RAF and we’re thrilled to see support for the show coming in from beyond these shores.

“We have extended invitations to a number of nations, in Europe and beyond, and are working hard to secure a variety of impressive flying and static aircraft to display throughout the weekend. Belgium is the first overseas Air Force to confirm their attendance in September, and I am looking forward to announcing the involvement of more countries in due course – watch this space!”

The 2017 display aircraft, provided by 31 and 349 Squadrons from the 10th Tactical Wing at Kleine Brogel, will be flown by Cdt Tom ‘Gizmo’ De Moortel in his third season as the demo pilot. He said: “I’m really looking forward to displaying the power and agility of the F-16 during the Scampton Airshow. 2017 will be my third and final year displaying the Viper for the Belgian Air Force. I’ve always enjoyed working with the best display team in the world so flying over their home base is a real honor for me. As a display team we really appreciate the warm welcome we get from the UK audience. See you in September!”

The Scampton Airshow, staged in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust at the Lincolnshire home of the Red Arrows, is a diverse, family-friendly event. It will encompass an impressive five-hour flying display, complemented by an array of entertainment on the ground, from a nostalgic Vintage Village through to interactive and engaging STEM exhibits in the Techno Zone.

Paul Sall added: “We are putting together what’s shaping up to be a truly spectacular show, with a real family feel. The wide variety of ‘on-the-ground’ activities, mixed with what’s happening in the air, means there will be something for everyone. The Scampton Airshow will see guests from across the central and north of England, as well the traditional support from ‘RAF Lincolnshire’ – this is shaping up to be the premier outdoor event in the area. I look forward to welcoming our international guests in style and showing them what Scampton and Lincolnshire has to offer!”

Tickets for the Scampton Airshow are priced at £39 and must be bought online in advance. Inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts, tickets for under 16s are free with a ticket holding adult. To find out more about the Scampton Airshow, or to buy your tickets, please visit www.scamptonairshow.com .

The Old Buckenham Airshow – Return of a Family Favourite

Sunday, March 19th, 2017

Yoyo - O'Brien's Flying Circus

The Award Winning Old Buckenham Airshow is delighted to announce the return of arguably the most successful and entertaining pilot in history, Brendan O’Brien.

O’Brien last visited Old Buckenham in 2014 where he successfully landed his Piper Cub on top of a trailer moving along the runway. This feat forms part of his legendary “Flying Circus” a firm family favourite on the Airshow circuit for decades. Brendan’s display, aside from being fabulous entertainment, relies on his unrivalled skill and experience. He has over 200 FAI Aviation Records, more than anyone in history. His has a license to fly every type of machine capable of being airborne, from balloons to airliners. His list of aircraft flown includes over 300 types and he has operated aircraft on every continent, including Antartica. Along the way he’s hosted his own TV show, syndicated worldwide and become one of the most admired spokesmen for Aviation flying today.

Brendan will be appearing both days at the Airshow and everyone will get a chance to see his extraordinary antics aboard the venerable Piper Cub. He’ll try once again to land on a trailer, a feat which requires ultimate skill. It’s small wonder that Brendan is the only pilot performing such an act in Europe.

This year, show goers will get a chance to see even more of Brendan’s skill than before. The Airshow will see the debut in Norfolk of Brendan’s latest acquisition, Otto the Helicopter. A fixture in the US, Brendan managed to acquire Otto in 2016 and bring him permanently to England. Otto, in the hands of a master aviator like Brendan, is capable of simply extraordinary and entertaining feats. Otto, by way of example, is the only helicopter which likes to play with a yoyo; in this case a specially made toy with 3ft diameter.

The Airshow is also delighted to confirm that a 1943 Beechcraft Staggerwing will display on both days. The Staggerwing is often voted as being one of, if not the most beautiful aircraft of all time in surveys. Only the Supermarine Spitfire appears as routinely in such surveys. The aircraft is also one of the most advanced for its time ever built. Capable of taking off from small grass landing strips, it can cruise for a thousand miles at 200mph before landing on another small grass strip. The example displaying is named High Maintenance. Once affectionately described as the most effective means of turning money into noise, the aircraft earns her name not least because she is fitted with (and needs) six fuel tanks.

On the ground the Airshow, the EDP Hoseasons Tourism Awards ‘Family Event of the Year’ in 2016, continues to make improvements. New facilities for families, including baby changing facilities are being planned. An improved site layout will add more viewing space and more entry lanes will limit queues at peak times.

The Airshow is also delighted to announce a new alliance with Brasteds, one of the regions’s foremost catering companies. Brasted’s will be bringing their unrivalled expertise to the extremely popular VIP Enclosure during the show. Brasted’s is a multi award-winning catering and events company, with over 30 years’ experience serving royalty, dignitaries, celebrities and guests across Norfolk.

Matt Wilkins, Airshow Organiser: “ The English Language contains 171,476 words. None of them are good enough to begin to describe Brendan O’Brien, statistically the greatest peacetime pilot there has ever been. We’re therefore thrilled to have him back and offer Otto the helicopter his East of England debut; sure to be a massive hits with the kids here as he has been in the States. With all the improvements we’re making we hope to continue to be worthy of our award as Family Event of the Year. “

www.oldbuck.com

RAF puts its full force behind Air Tattoo

Thursday, March 16th, 2017

RIAT Lancaster

Reflecting its close relationship with the Royal Air Force, the Royal International Air Tattoo has confirmed that this summer’s flying display will feature some of the Service’s most iconic aircraft, including the world-famous Red Arrows.

The world’s premier aerobatics display team will once again colour the skies over Fairford with red, white and blue on all three days of the Air Tattoo. The nine BAE Systems Hawk T1/T1A jets, which comprise the renowned Red Arrows, will perform their trademark combination of close formations and precision flying under the leadership of Sqn Ldr David Montenegro.

Also joining the flying display line-up will be the RAF’s leading multi-role combat aircraft, the Typhoon FGR.4. Capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, from policing and peace support, through to high intensity conflict, the Typhoon shows the enormity of present-day UK air power. Displayed by Flt Lt Ryan Lawton of 29(R) Sqn at RAF Coningsby, the incredible agility and power of the Typhoon is set to thrill spectators.

Taking a step back in time, the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will display two of its most famous and successful WW2 aircraft – the Lancaster and Spitfire – as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. A regular and hugely popular inclusion in recent Air Tattoos, the heavy bomber and fighter aircraft will evoke memories of Britain’s aviation history.
This summer’s Air Tattoo (14-16 July) will pay special tribute to the US Air Force on its 70th anniversary, having a distinct American theme with a special performance from one of the world’s most popular display teams, The Thunderbirds.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually at RAF Fairford in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Earlybird admission tickets are available until midnight on May 2, starting at £34. All under-16s go free. To buy tickets, or for more information about aircraft participating at this year’s show, please visit www.airtattoo.com

Wings & Wheels RAF Line-Up Confirmed

Thursday, March 16th, 2017

Dunsfold Spitfires

Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm the RAF Red Arrows will be headlining the 2017 air display along with the RAF Typhoon Display team and the Lancaster and two Spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The teams will be displaying both days on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August at the historic setting of Dunsfold Aerodrome, near Guildford in Surrey.

The Red Arrows, who first displayed to the public in 1965, are renowned as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams and have performed more than 4,800 times in 57 countries. The Hawk aircraft the team currently flies has a special place in the history of the Aerodrome having flown off the production line at Dunsfold in 1974 in the hands of Duncan Simpson.

The unmissable Typhoon will #bringthenoise2017 as Flight Lieutenant Ryan Lawton demonstrates the incredible agility and power the aircraft has to offer. It’s a crowd and team favourite!

Commemorating those who have fallen in the service of this country and displaying priceless artefacts of our national heritage, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will fill the skies over Dunsfold with the Lancaster and two Spitfires. Commemorating 75 years since the Second World War Aerodrome was constructed, the BBMF display will be a fitting tribute to the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Wings & Wheels air display line-up has got off to a fantastic start with confirmation of the Red Arrows, Typhoon and BBMF joining us on both days. All these aircraft have a special place in the history of the Aerodrome and it is a pleasure to welcome them back. We have more great displays in the pipeline to announce that will complement the RAF allocation so watch this space!”

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’ (open for tours), the Aces High DC3, Hunter, Sea Hawk and Brooklands VC10.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, live battles and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, six re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, relay races, egg and spoon, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32 acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of tempting tea time treats to take home and craft gifts as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

RAF confirms red skies over Scampton

Wednesday, March 15th, 2017

Red Arrows Scampton

The skies above RAF Scampton will be coloured red this September as the legendary Red Arrows are named among the first display aircraft to confirm participation at the inaugural Scampton Airshow, in Lincolnshire.

Reinforcing its commitment to the new airshow, the Royal Air Force has announced that the nine BAE Systems Hawk T1/T1A jets, which comprise the world-famous Red Arrows, will be a prominent feature at the Scampton Airshow, alongside flying displays from some of the Service’s most dynamic and iconic aircraft.

Spectators will be treated to the trademark combination of close formation and precision flying from the world’s premier aerobatic display team as they will be performing over their home turf under the leadership of Sqn Ldr David Montenegro.

Paul Sall, Airshow Director, said: “We are thrilled to announce the Reds as the first aircraft in what I’m sure will be a great line-up for the debut Scampton Airshow – there really could be no one else to kick it off.

“With almost 5,000 displays under their belt and a very successful tour of the far East and China late last year, the Red Arrows demonstrate the best of British, and the excellence and capabilities of the Royal Air Force. We have had the privilege to see them train during the winter months at the base and are sure that they will leave visitors to the airshow exhilarated.”

Joining the flying display line-up will be leading multi-role combat aircraft, the RAF Typhoon FGR.4. Displayed by Flt Lt Ryan Lawton of 29(R) Sqn, the Typhoon, from RAF Coningsby, is capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, and is set to thrill spectators with its incredible agility and power.

As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, will display five of its most famous and successful WW2 aircraft. Crucial to the Dambusters raid, spectators will be able to enjoy the evocative sight and sound of the Lancaster bomber, as well as that of four BBMF Spitfires.

The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team have also confirmed they will be joining the Scampton Airshow line-up with a jaw-dropping free fall performance. The Falcons, fronted by Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Simon Owen, are one of the world’s leading free fall display teams. Their exciting demonstration, which includes advanced manoeuvres, canopy skills and falling at speeds up to 120mph, promises to be a highlight for thrill-seeking onlookers.

Paul Sall continued: “When discussions were in progress surrounding the RAF’s commitment to a new airshow, it was agreed that RAF Scampton was the ideal place to host it. Not only does the station hold so much history as the base of the legendary 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron and the venerable Vulcan, but there is also a huge appetite for an airshow in Lincolnshire. Through the BBMF and various ground displays we’ll be looking to reflect this county’s rich aviation heritage.

“It’s great to see that the RAF is continuing to show its full commitment to the airshow, and we look forward to announcing the static aircraft will be added to the line-up in due course. The RAF confirmations are just a taste of what’s to come so we really hope everyone will get behind this exciting new event.”

The Scampton Airshow, staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, will take place from 9-10 September at RAF Scampton. Visitors to the show will witness an impressive five-hour flying display, complemented by an array of entertainment on the ground, from a nostalgic Vintage Village through to interactive and engaging STEM exhibits in the Techno Zone.

Under 16s are free to attend with a ticket holding adult. To find out more about the Scampton Airshow, or to buy your tickets, please visit www.scamptonairshow.com

Unique Tribute Planned for BBMF Anniversary at RAF Cosford Air Show

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017

BBMF Spitfire

The RAF Cosford Air Show is set to debut a unique flypast from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on Sunday 11th June 2017. This year the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight celebrate their 60th Anniversary, so a special display consisting of four BBMF Fighters performing alongside the ever-popular Avro Lancaster has been specially planned for the RAF Cosford Air Show.

Since its inception 60 years ago, the BBMF, originally known as the Historic Aircraft Flight, and their historic aircraft have been adored by the nation. Initially formed in 1957 the flight comprised of three Spitfires before growing to become the household name that now consists of six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, Dakota and two Chipmunks.

Squadron Leader Andrew Millikin, Officer Commanding BBMF, said “I am delighted to be displaying at RAF Cosford on our 60th Anniversary. It will be the first of only 3 venues where we will display the Lancaster with 4 fighters. This will feature a 4 ship tailchase and synchro display. It will be a unique spectacle and one well worth catching.”

As well as the historic aircraft from the BBMF, the flying display will also consist of displays from all the Royal Air Force Display teams, including the Red Arrows and the Typhoon. Other highlights currently confirmed for the flying display include the Swiss PC-7 Display Team, the only airworthy Westland Whirlwind and a mock airfield attack by a pair of BAC Strikemasters.

Tickets to the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017 are on sale now and visitors are encouraged to buy their tickets soon with Early-bird tickets currently priced at £22.00 per adult until Monday 27th March. Once again the Air Show is Advanced Ticket only with no tickets being available to purchase on the gate. With parking included and accompanied under 16s entering for free, the RAF Cosford Air Show is great value for money.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Trustees march 130 miles for Museum

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017

Trustee's run 5 Marathons

Date: 8-12 May 2017
Time: 9am, depart RAF Museum Cosford

Two Trustees from the Royal Air Force Museum are set to walk a marathon a day for five days in order to raise funds for the Museum’s £26m RAF Centenary Programme.

Alan Coppin and Robin Southwell, both Trustees of the RAF Museum will walk between the Museum’s two public sites; from Cosford in the West Midlands to Colindale in North West London and aim to raise £100K along the way.

The 130 mile walk will take-off from the RAF Museum Cosford at 9am on Monday 8 May after a sleepover in the Officer’s Mess at RAF Cosford. Following a grueling 30 miles on day one, Alan and Robin aim to reach their first stopover point in Solihull by 9pm. There will be no rest for the wicked, as it will be another early start on day two for a 26 mile leg of the journey towards Leamington Spa in Warwickshire. Stopovers will also include RAF Halton and RAF High Wycombe on nights three and four respectively, before they eventually reach the RAF Museum London on the Friday evening, completing their marathon mission.

The money raised will go towards the award-winning RAF Museum’s million-pound transformation of the visitor experience at its London site in 2018, coinciding with the centenary of the Royal Air Force. This £26m major transformation will celebrate and commemorate this anniversary with a national lasting legacy for the Royal Air Force, sharing the story of the RAF through its people and collections.

The new landscaping will welcome visitors to discover a new green heart of the community in Colindale, reflecting the historic RAF Hendon airfield. New, innovative galleries will explore the first 100 years of the RAF, its roles today and invite visitors to imagine its future contribution and technology. Plus, a new digital sharing project will promote a conversation with a global audience and help connect people to the RAF story, ensuring it endures and enriches future generations.

The development plans will also include new exhibitions at Cosford, exploring the first 100 years of the RAF and new aircraft displays which are already underway, to enable the RAF’s story to be more comprehensively represented to Museum audiences in the Midlands.

RAF Museum Trustee, Robin Southwell said:
“It’s an important time for the Museum and we are all excited at the opportunities that lie ahead. Our aim is to raise awareness and funds for the Museum’s RAF Centenary Programme and we are grateful for the support from the Royal Air Force.”

To sponsor the Trustees five marathons in five days and support the RAF Museum visit their donate page: https://mydonate.bt.com/events/5marathonsin5days/423881 or for more information about the fundraising walk and the RAF Museum’s Centenary plans, visit www.rafmuseum.org . The RAF Museum is a registered charity, number 244708.

F-22 joins Air Tattoo’s USAF 70th Salute

Saturday, March 11th, 2017

USAF F22a Raptor

One of the world’s most advanced fighter jets will be making a welcome return to the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force.

Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor is the latest aircraft to be confirmed for this summer’s Air Tattoo, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 14-16.

Air Tattoo visitors will be able to witness the stealthy, fifth-generation fighter’s incredible agility which is achieved thanks largely to its thrust-vectoring engines. The aircraft will join the hugely popular demonstration team the Thunderbirds as part of a special US tribute marking the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force (USAF).

The Raptor entered service with the USAF in December 2005 but it was not until 2010 that the aircraft performed its first UK flying demo – at the Air Tattoo.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said visitors to the airshow this summer should be prepared for an impressive and powerful display from the state-of-the-art fighter.

He said: “Very few aircraft can match the cutting edge capabilities demonstrated by the F-22 so we’re really pleased to be able to welcome it back this year. We were the first airshow in the UK to showcase the Raptor and were lucky enough to secure it again in 2016. Its display at both airshows proved hugely popular and I’m confident its display will surpass expectations yet again.

“Without the support of the US Air Force, the Air Tattoo would not be the huge success it is and one way we can demonstrate our gratitude is to stage a fitting salute to mark the air arm’s significant anniversary.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is the world’s biggest military airshow, held annually at RAF Fairford in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust. For more about the Air Tattoo, or to buy tickets for the event, please visit www.airtattoo.com

RAF Displays Boost Flying Display line-up for Air Show

Friday, March 10th, 2017

Cosford Airshow Logo - Crown Copyright

A number of star attractions have today confirmed their attendance at the RAF Cosford Air Show. These attractions, and others, are set to wow the crowds as part of the flying display on Sunday 11th June.

Annual highlights of the Air Show for many visitors, the RAF Red Arrows display team will once again be demonstrating their world-famous flying skills with their thrilling display. The team, officially titled the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, have recently returned from an epic three-month tour of Asia showing the ‘Best of British’ which included their first ever display flown in the Republic of China. The Red Arrows are the second formation display team to confirm their attendance at the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017, with their counterparts from Switzerland, the Swiss PC-7 Team, announced by the Air Show Organisers last month.

The awesome power and agility of the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon will also be showcased in the flying display. The Typhoon is the Royal Air Force’s primary air defence fighter, with a delta-wing construction and a top speed of over 1500 miles per hour. Other highlights from the Royal Air Force in the air will include a parachute jump from the RAF Falcons, solo display from the RAF Tutor and a unique flypast from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to celebrate their 60th anniversary, exciting details of which will be revealed soon.

Wing Commander Chris Jones, Air Show Chairman, said, “We’re thrilled to be offering such a diverse array of aircraft as part of our six-hour flying display, showcasing the best of the Royal Air Force in the skies above RAF Cosford, the home of RAF engineering. These displays will complement those already announced; including the Strikemaster Pair, Westland Whirlwind, Muscle Biplane and the Hawker Hurricane. This year’s flying display is really shaping up.”

Organisers expect confirmation of which Royal Air Force aircraft will be available for static displays to be announced in the coming weeks, as well as further aircraft from other branches of the UK military and International military aircraft.

Visitors are advised to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment, as the Air Show is once again Advanced Tickets Only. The RAF Cosford Air Show is a great value for money family day out, with accompanied under-16s entering for free. Early bird tickets are currently priced at £22.00 per adult and can be purchased at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Trust scoops inaugural innovation award at EAC

Friday, March 10th, 2017

award

There were celebrations all round as the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT) and RAF Air Cadets were presented with an award for innovation at the 2017 European Airshow Council (EAC) convention.

In recognition of their joint efforts, which are helping to inspire and encourage the next generation of aviation minded individuals, the Fairford based charity and Air Cadets were awarded with the inaugural Ann Vanderhaeghen Award for Innovation.

Andy Armstrong, Chief Executive at RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, accepted the award on behalf of the Trust. He said: “I was delighted to accept the award alongside Commandant of the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO), Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty. Ever since the Trust was established in 2005 it has forged strong relations with the ACO, supporting a wide range of aviation-related initiatives. Through the Enterprises company, the RAFCT organises the annual Royal International Air Tattoo which provides Air Cadets with their biggest and most eagerly anticipated -summer camp each year.

“Over the years, more than £1 million has been spent supporting the Air Cadets on expeditions, through the provision of equipment and flying opportunities as well as providing sponsorships designed to inspire in them a passion for aviation.

“In 2016, the Trust provided a grant of £50,000 to fund special celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the ACO at RAF Cranwell.

“For this work to be recognised with an award is a tremendous achievement and, as the charity looks ahead to exciting new opportunities presented by both the new Scampton Airshow and next year’s RAF centenary celebrations, the Trust can look forward to continuing to develop its relationship with the ACO, providing even more opportunities to youngsters.”

Each year EAC organisers give out three major awards. The Ann Vanderhaeghen Award was introduced in 2017 to celebrate innovation and recognise the working partnership between organisations. EAC Chairman Gilbert Buekenberghs said: “Ann’s enthusiasm, positive approach and support made her well-respected in the Airshow community.”

The RAF Charitable Trust funds a wide range of projects and initiatives that Promote the Royal Air Force, Support its people and Encourage young people to take an interest in aviation. The Royal International Air Tattoo (14-16 July) is staged annually at RAF Fairford in aid of the Trust and, new for 2017, the Scampton Airshow (9-10 September) has been set up to raise funds for the Trust. To find out more about the RAFCT visit http://www.airtattoo.com/the-trust