Archive for February, 2019

Modellers Head to Cosford for Miniature Show

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

Model Show at RAF Museum Cosford

Date: 7 April 2019
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Cost: FREE entry

The popular Shropshire Scale Model Show is returning to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on Sunday 7 April, showcasing the very best in the miniature world of modelling. With everything from model aircraft and cars to science fiction and cartoon characters, the one day show is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

Nestled amongst the world-class collection of aircraft and exhibits and filling each of the Museum hangars will be over 100 modelling clubs and traders from across the country, including model making giants Airfix who are exhibiting at this year’s show.

Modelling clubs from across the UK will be exhibiting their pint-sized creations, many of which have taken hours of dedication to perfect. It’s the perfect opportunity to get tips and advice or seek inspiration from the experts and enjoy the day with like-minded individuals.

As one of the region’s largest modelling events, traders will be selling materials and kits to suit modellers of all abilities. So, whether you’ve got youngsters in the family who are just discovering their passion for modelling, or you’re an avid modeller who’s been building kits for many years, there will be plenty of kits, glues, paints and other detailed sets available to purchase.

Event organiser, Gary Stevens Secretary of the Shropshire Scale Modellers and The Telford Branch of The International Plastic Modellers Society says:
“We have lots of the popular traders and exhibitors returning to the show again this year and we look forward to welcoming model fans from across the country to the event. I am particularly delighted that Airfix will be making a welcome return to this year’s event displaying their latest and future releases to the public.”

To make reaching the Museum even easier, there will be a free shuttle bus for the day to cope with the additional visitors, running from Cosford train station. The show will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm and entry to the event is FREE of charge. For further information, please visit the museum website at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

Czech Air Force participation confirmed at RAF Cosford Air Show 2019

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

Czech Air Force at RAF Cosford Air Show

Jets from the Czech Air Force will perform thrilling aerial displays in the skies over Shropshire in June, as part of the NATO 70th Anniversary theme at the RAF Cosford Air Show 2019.

Visitors will have the chance to see the SAAB JAS-39C Gripen perform an impressive solo display showcasing the power and agility of the fighter jet. All 14 Gripens operated by the Czech Air Force are based at Cáslav AFB, with their primary mission being Air Defence of the skies over the Czech Republic.

Accompanying the Gripen on Sunday 9th June, the Czech Air Force will also contribute a pair of Aero L-159 ALCA aircraft to the flying display which will perform an airfield attack role demonstration, accompanied with ground-based pyrotechnics. This is the first time either of these aircraft types have been seen at the RAF Cosford Air Show, so both are expected to be highlights of the event.

Air Show Operations Manager, Mr Peter Reoch, said, “We’re very excited to have the Czech Air Force participating at this year’s Air Show, becoming the 4th nation to confirm aircraft attendance so far. The participation of the Czech Air Force is particularly notable for us due to RAF Cosford’s role as a Czechoslovak Depot during WWII, where thousands of Czech airmen enrolled to the Royal Air Force.”

Tickets for the Air Show are selling fast. The RAF Cosford Air Show is an advance ticket-only event, with last year’s event completely selling out in the week prior to the show.

For more information about the displays planned at the Air Show, and to purchase your admission tickets, visit the Air Show website: www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Newark Air Museum Veterans Appeal

Wednesday, February 20th, 2019

Canberra at Newark Air Museum

Efforts towards securing the visiting displays at various museum events this year are now well underway and now we are turning our attentions to trying to establish contact with veterans and former service personnel.

In particular the museum is keen to hear from any personnel who have served on the following aircraft types, which saw service with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy; the Harrier, Sea Harrier and Canberra.

On Sunday 14th April, 2019 the museum is hosting a Harrier Day 2019, which is a special event with visiting displays and cockpits to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Harrier ‘Jump-Jet’ entering British military service. Whilst we have some contact with former Harrier and Sea Harrier personnel, but we are keen to hear from other people with experience on these aircraft types.

The following month, on 18th May, 2019 the museum is hosting another Canberra Saturday event, which is dedicated to the Canberra aircraft and personnel that flew them; and again it will feature visiting displays. We are now trying to re-establish contact with many former Canberra personnel who attended our previous Canberra event, but whose contact details were recorded before the new GDPR regulations came into effect.

The aim of this appeal is to allow us to gain a better understanding of the likely number of attendees, which will mean that we will be able to make the necessary arrangements more effectively.

The museum’s event organisers are keen to hear from any former personnel and ideally we would like them to send us as an email via the admin@newarkairmuseum.org email address. To further assist our preparations it would help if they could indicate whether it was the Harrier or Canberra event that they were planning to attend. The museum will acknowledge each email and if people bring along a copy of the email to the event they will get the reduced rate admission.

Both events will be open to the general public who will be looking at the visiting displays and cockpits. These visiting displays are already listed on museum website. Normal museum admission rates apply: Adults £9.00, Over 65s £7.50, Children £4.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £24.00

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Half Term Open Cockpits at Newark

Thursday, February 14th, 2019

Phantom Cockpit at Newark Air Museum

During the coming Half-Term holiday period (16th February through to 24th February) we hope to have various aircraft cockpits open for people to go in, but this will depend on the availability of our volunteer cockpit openers.

We hope to be able to keep you advised via this news item about what may be open each day; if in doubt please call 01636 707170 before you travel.

We will also try to post daily updates via out Twitter feed.

Provisional cockpits opening schedule:

Saturday 16 February – Phantom CIM & Jaguar cockpit
Sunday 17 February – Shackleton
Monday 18 February – T.B.A
Tuesday 19 February – T.B.A
Wednesday 20 February – Argosy CIM & Varsity (pm)
Thursday 21 February – T.B.A
Friday 22 February – Varsity (pm)
Saturday 23 February – Phantom CIM & Jaguar cockpit
Sunday 24 February – Shackleton

Please remember that height restrictions apply to some cockpits – full details can be found elsewhere on the Museum website. This includes access to the Vulcan, which after 24th February is likely to be closed for a few weeks while important conservation work is carried out in the cockpit.

N.B. a small additional fee of is charged to access each aircraft. This money goes towards the restoration and repainting of our aircraft.

Visitors are also reminded that for some aircraft admission we simply ask that people consider making a donation to museum funds for being allowed into the aircraft or helicopter. These donations also go towards the restoration and repainting of our aircraft.

Additional aircraft cockpits may be open each day and other details will be updated as the information becomes available.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Advanced Aerospace Residency applications are now open!

Tuesday, February 12th, 2019

STAAR Aircraft Access

Applications for the 2019 Summer Time Advanced Aerospace Residency (STAAR) delivered by the global aerospace and defence technology giant, Northrop Grumman, in partnership with the Royal Air Force Museum, are now officially open!

This unique summer camp for young adults aged 14-15 years is delivered in association with RAF Cosford and Tablet Academy, providing students with five intense days, experiencing life as an RAF engineering trainee, where they will live, work, learn and solve tasks together!

Suitable for students with a demonstrable interest in and aptitude for one or more STEM subjects, STAAR recruits are introduced to aircraft design and important historical missions such as the Dambusters raid. During the week, students learn about all the elements required to plan a mission, identify an aircraft’s needs, including speed, refuelling and wing design. They do this through a series of workshops and getting hands-on working on real engines and real aircraft.

With a focus on innovative new materials and technologies, recruits get the opportunity to understand how to use unmanned aircraft (drones) and fly them during a mock mission. Working in teams, STAAR recruits investigate a 3-D model town, using drones and iPads to gather intelligence. They also learn to think about how different aerospace systems need different capabilities to successfully carry out a variety of roles and missions, as well as exploring current conflicts and potential ways in which technology will need to evolve in the future. The week concludes with a team mission where they will be challenged to design their very own advanced aerospace systems.

Two STAAR residential weeks are planned for up to 40 students and will be held jointly at RAF Cosford and the RAF Museum Cosford on 22-26 July and 29 July-2 August 2019, with 20 recruits taking part each week. The hands-on summer camp is fully funded by the Northrop Grumman Foundation and this year participants will also work towards a CREST Award and an Industrial Cadet Award during the programme.

Royal Air Force Museum Cosford Access and Learning Manager, Julie Brierley said:
“The STAAR programme is designed to inspire young adults, helping them understand more about advanced aerospace systems engineering and encourage them to study and take up careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields. As an ex Avionics Mechanic with the RAF myself, I know what an exciting, challenging and fulfilling career it can be. The opportunities and resources that STAAR offers students is second to none and invaluable for those interested in future careers in the world of advanced aerospace. Now in its third year, I am proud to be involved in such a unique, impactful programme, it’s great to see the students grow in confidence over the week and face the challenges with enthusiasm. I look forward to meeting this year’s students.”

Northrop Grumman UK & Europe, Nick Chaffey, Chief Executive said:
“Northrop Grumman is proud of the success of this unique, immersive and stimulating STEM experience, and the deep relationships we have formed with our partner, the RAF Museum, and supporters RAF Cosford and Tablet Academy. Hearing about the positive impact the programme has had on students who participated in 2017 and 2018, and seeing the growth and development planned in 2019 reaffirms our commitment to creating a legacy STEM programme. One that supports the vision of RAF100 – to inspire diverse and talented young people to become the next generation of experts in the innovative and high-technology Aerospace Sector.”

The programme is open nationwide to any UK Year 10 students showing an interest in and aptitude for STEM subjects. Applications for the 2019 STAAR residency are now open online via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/STAAR and must be completed by a teacher explaining why their student is suitable for the programme. The closing date for applications is 25 March and successful applicants will be announced on 28 March. The class of 2019 will be invited to attend the RAF Cosford Air Show where they will have the opportunity to meet with fellow recruits, STAAR partners and enjoy a day viewing the very pinnacle of the aerospace industry. Recruits will also be handed their starter packs and t-shirts ready to start the residential week in July.

Air Tattoo Takes Centre Stage in Reds’ TV Salute

Saturday, February 9th, 2019

Red Arrows at RIAT

Millions of viewers tuning into the final episode of a fly-on-the-wall documentary series on the Red Arrows next week will see the Royal International Air Tattoo take centre stage.

Channel 5’s Red Arrows: Kings of the Sky documentary concludes next Wednesday (February 13) at 9pm with their appearance at the world’s greatest airshow.

As well as offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the airshow from the team’s perspective, the episode features footage of their thrilling flying display and their interaction with the many Reds’ fans on the ground.

Last month, the Red Arrows confirmed that they will be returning to the Cotswolds in the summer to take part in the Air Tattoo. Their displays at RAF Fairford on July 19-21 will be their last in the UK this year as they will be jetting off shortly after on a high-profile tour of the US and Canada.

The Western Hawk 19 Tour will see the team travel to North America as UK ‘ambassadors’ promoting trade and co-operation.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “We’ve been told that next week’s episode is not to be missed by all Reds’ fans and Air Tattoo supporters. We were delighted to host the TV series’ production team at RIAT 2018 and what they’ve produced is a wonderful tribute to this amazing team.

“Permitting cameras behind-the-scenes at last summer’s airshow enables viewers to get a fuller appreciation of how important it is for all our participating aircrew and the airshow team to work closely together.

“I hope that after watching the series, viewers will want to come to the Air Tattoo in July to see their final UK display this year and to bid them farewell on their upcoming tour.”

Tickets for the Air Tattoo are already selling fast with Super Earlybird Saturday and Sunday tickets, and Saturday Earlybird tickets already sold out. To find out more about the airshow, book tickets and view the wide variety of enclosure options available, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

RAF Junior Rank Scholarship Takes Flight

Friday, February 8th, 2019

jrpss

200 members of the RAF Junior Ranks have applied for one of 30 flying scholarships funded by the RAF Charitable Trust and operated by the RAF Flying Clubs’ Association (RAFFCA).

The potential scholars, all of whom must be under 25 years old, could have the opportunity to undertake 15 hours’ flying training on a light aircraft.

The scholarship also enables successful applicants to learn about Air Law, Meteorology and Navigation, helping them go from zero flight experience to flying an aircraft solo as pilot in command.

All necessary equipment to undertake the training at selected RAF flying clubs will also be provided through the scholarship, including flying suits and study packs.
Following a recognised syllabus, the training may count towards the award of a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence.

To apply, Junior Ranks had a two-month window to complete a lengthy online application detailing their knowledge of, and passion for aviation.

Project Officer Ben Durham said: “We have been overwhelmed with the number of applications for the 2019 scheme. It’s great that so many young people have a passion for aviation that they want to pursue, although it does make the selection process more difficult!”

Last year – the year of the RAF’s centenary – the scheme celebrated its 100th Scholar, SAC Seb Ayling achieving solo flight.

Seb said: “The JRPSS has been a life-changing experience for me – I cannot thank the RAF Charitable Trust enough. The feeling of being in the air is nothing like I have ever experienced and being the ‘100th Solo’ in the RAF’s centenary year was the icing on the cake”.

The Trust’s mission is to promote the Royal Air Force, support its people now and into the future and encourage air-mindedness and the aviation-related education of youth.

Director of the Trust Justine Morton said: “The scheme is an initiative run by the RAFFCA that embodies our mission to get young people interested and involved in aviation.

“The Trust recognises that although JRs operate in an environment surrounded by aviation, there is little opportunity for them to actually get into the air. Not only does the JRPSS provide them with the support they need to get airborne, but it also ignites desire and enthusiasm for personnel to learn more about aviation”.

The thirty successful applicants will be notified in March, before shortly beginning their training at their nearest RAF flying club.

Upon completion of the scholarship, candidates can also apply to the prestigious JRPSS Top-Up-Scheme which provides additional funding for a select number of applicants to continue their flying training and gain their Private Pilot’s Licence.

For information on next year’s scholarship, visit www.jrfly.co.uk.