Archive for the ‘Airscene Competitions’ Category

Your CC entry on Canvas

Sunday, August 27th, 2023

Canvas by Picsme

Airscene has teamed up with Picsme to put some of your entries in the Airscene 2024 Calendar Competition onto canvas.

Winners will get a 600mm x 300mm (approx 24″ x 12″) canvas of their winning photo on canvas, your details and images will be sent direct to Picsme for printing and delivery.

A total of 4 canvases have kindly been offered by Picsme, which are now added to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the Public Vote Prizes – each valued at £16.99, although if you want a canvas doing anytime soon this is currently discounted to just £11.89!!! Check out the other offers at https://picsme.co.uk/

Picsme are experts in print manufacturing and we are proud to offer one of the most efficient and affordable print on demand services available. We offer these on a wide range of personalised products which range from coasters to canvas’s, photobooks to mugs.

“At Picsme, we are passionate about personalised gifting and it’s important that we get it right for you. We do everything with care and attention, and make it our mission to deliver your valuable memories in the most cherished way possible.”

For Full Rules and to enter the Airscene 2024 Calendar Competition, visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2024calendar.php

Pair of Tickets for Midlands Air Festival added to CC Prize Pot

Monday, August 21st, 2023

Midlands Air Festival

Midlands Air Festival organiser James McDonald has confirmed the addition of a pair of tickets for next years air show to be added to the prize pot.

Regularly featuring acts such as the barnstorming Turbulent Team, Catalina Flying Boat, Auster and Westland Wasp – all on top of a mass balloon launch, Midlands Air Festival is one of the first traditional Air Shows on the UK calendar each year.

Next year’s Midlands Air Festival is scheduled for 3 days from May 31st – June 2nd 2024 at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire. With model aircraft, Nightfire display and a busy arena schedule it really is a show with something for everyone. Tickets will be going on sale on 1st September at: https://www.midlandsairfestival.com/tickets.html

James McDonald has confirmed he will also be joining the judging panel again this year – James said after last year’s judging that he isn’t really a technical expert when it comes to photography, but that “I’ve just gone on my gut reaction to the images, I guess it’s all about interest and impact for me”. As Airscene usually sorts out the technical stuff when shortlisting, James’ approach to judging is perfect in order to hopefully achieve a balanced playing field 🙂

If you haven’t yet entered the 2024 Calendar Competition, you still have up until the 31st September to get your entries in (2 in total but please read the rules fully). For full rules and to enter visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2024calendar.php

CC winner gets airborne

Thursday, August 10th, 2023

Ian Schofield trial lesson with Phoenix Aviation

Last Sunday saw Ian Schofield, the winner of the Airscene 2023 Calendar Competition, take up his Trial Flight prize with Phoenix Aviation, at Solent Airport in Hampshire.

Weather was partly cloudy with a bit of a breeze when Ian arrived at the airfield in Lee on Solent. After a quick photo shoot Ian went upstairs for his breifing from his pilot Hugh, before heading back to the Ikarus for his flight.

Ian flies a lot on commercial aircraft, but had never been in a microlight before – so a totally new experience. He did get the opportunity to have a go at the controls and made a few turns, but suspected that Hugh was doing a lot of rudder work. Ian enjoyed the trial lesson and had this to say about it afterwards:

“For such a lightweight aircraft it wasn’t bumped around the sky and you could feel the power. It felt like you were flying rather than being blown around by the wind”.

Ian Schofield trial lesson with Phoenix Aviation

Phoenix Aviation offer trial lessons, for anyone considering taking flying lessons who wants to see what it is like. They do currently have a hold on the sale of trial flights while they clear a backlog due to non-flying weather in recent months, but hopefully they will be back on sale soon.

Trial lesson prices currently start at £105 in the Ikarus C42 or £155 in the Piper PA28, with options to pay extra to land at other local airfields. So if you are interested in a trial flight around the Solent area, do bookmark their website below:

https://www.phoenixaviation.co.uk/trial-lessons

CC Prizes from Key Publishing

Sunday, July 30th, 2023

Avro Military 1910-63

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Key Publishing are returning to Airscene as a sponsor again this year.

Two years of pandemic and staffing changes did mean I have had to find new contacts, and try to get what is effectively new sponsorship in place.

I was permitted to pick prizes this year from the current catalogue, and so Key Publishing will be providing the following:

1 copy of “Avro Military 1910-63” valued at £15.99 and 2 copies of “Aviation Photographer” – a bookazine valued at £4.99. I had made this pick before the bookazine sold out, and it is not certain it will be back in print when the competition closes, so winners of the bookazine prizes will be given the opportunity to select any alternative bookazine up to £5 in value if this one is not available.

Please support our sponsors where you can, Key’s shop can be found at: Key Publishing Shop: Aviation and Transport Specialists — Key Publishing Ltd

RIAT 2024 Anybody?

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

Royal International Air Tattoo

The Royal International Air Tattoo has today confirmed the addition of a pair of tickets for RIAT 2024 to be added to the prize pot in the Airscene 2024 Calendar Competition.

A bit too early to say what the theme for the Air Tattoo 2024 will be in it’s 28th year with Royal status, but we suspect there could be a ww2 link with it being the 8-th anniversary of D-Day next year. So perhaps we can expect a C-47 or two? No doubt there will be lots of invasion stripes anyway 🙂

Whatever the line up is, the forecast is fine and sunny for the winner of the this years Calendar Competition, as this pair of tickets for the Sunday are allocated to 1st place prize.

Entrants are permitted to send in 2 images for review, so if you are good enough to make the shortlist that will go forward to our panel of judges in October, then do get your first entry in asap!

http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2024calendar.php

RAF Cosford Air Show boost prize pot

Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

RAF Cosford Air Show

The Cosford Air Show is now the only Royal Air Force air show that is officially supported by the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom, following the closure of RAF Leuchars and the runway resurfacing at RAF Waddington. The latter events led to the ending of air shows at those stations.The event at RAF Cosford regularly hosts flying and static displays which attract more than 50,000 people.

The airshow varies in detail from year to year but comprises the usual mix of flying and static displays, fun fair rides, concession stands, food outlets and trade stands. It also serves to raise money for charity whilst also being seen by the Royal Air Force as a recruitment event. [Wikipedia]

Sqn LDr Chris Wilson has kindly offered a pair of tickets for RAF Cosford Air Show 2024, for the Airscene 2024 Calendar Competition prize pot.

Chris took a seat on the judging panel for the first time last year and will again be part of the panel judging the entries which make it onto the shortlist, to determine the final 12 entries which make it onto the free Airscene 2024 Calendar. The calendar is expected to be released in early November and is available for anyone to download and print off.

For rules and to enter the Airscene 2024 Calendar Competition, please visit: www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2024calendar.php

RAF Wings Merchandise added to competition prize pot

Sunday, April 9th, 2023

RAF Museum Midlands Prizes

RAF Museum Midlands have selected their prizes for the Airscene 2024 Calendar Competition, and have paired up an RAF Wings Wallet with an RAF Wings Leather Bottle Opener Keyring.

3 prize bundles have been offered with a combined value of £35 per bundle – the keyrings are currently discounted by 50% for anyone who doesn’t wish to wait to see if they win one.

This is the 12th consecutive year that RAF Museum Midlands have supported the Airscene Calendar Competitions, so do please consider making a visit this year…

Take-off to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in Shropshire and enjoy a great day out for all the family. Admission is free, simply book your arrival time online and then it’s chocks away as you explore the Museum’s vast collection of aircraft, vehicles, artefacts and the fascinating story of the RAF!

The Museum is home to over 75 historic aircraft including the world’s oldest Spitfire, the unique TSR2 and the mighty Vulcan bomber to name but a few, displayed inside three wartime hangars and within the award winning National Cold War Exhibition.

Step back in time and view the interactive Battle of Britain display featuring the world’s oldest Spitfire. The Spitfire forms the centrepiece of the new display, where the RAF’s frontline fighters, the Spitfire, Hurricane, Gladiator and Defiant are face to face with their German rivals the Me 109 and Ju88. Previously unseen objects from the Museum’s collection including flying jackets, medal bars and artefacts from the plotting rooms, will share the stories of the people who helped win the Battle, in the air and on the ground.

Let your imagination take flight inside the National Cold War Exhibition, where you will discover Cold War stories in immersive Hotspots and explore exciting displays of aircraft, iconic cars, models, tanks and even life-sized Russian dolls. Aircraft not to be missed include all three British V Bombers; Vulcan, Victor and Valiant and the English Electric Lightning suspended vertically!

Don’t forget to check out the Test Flight hangar. Here you will find a collection of prototype aircraft, many were produced in secrecy, often utilising components borrowed from other types. Highlights include the Bristol 188, built mainly of stainless steel and designed to investigate the effects of heat on aircraft structures at very high speeds.

Families visiting the RAF Museum Cosford will have the added excitement of a brand-new aviation themed playground to explore. Youngsters who dream of becoming pilots and ground crew alike now have the opportunity to roleplay as they delve into the new bespoke airfield inspired playground, complete with a mock control tower, mini hangar and even aircraft to climb onboard. The new playground will give the Museum’s youngest visitors an interactive RAF experience like no other, from physical training instructor stations, air traffic control, through to refuelling missions.

After wandering in the hangars, visitors can relax and enjoy a coffee in the restaurant which has a great selection of hot and cold food available with views overlooking the airfield.

The Museum is now open daily from 10.00am with a range of measures in place to ensure a safe and great day out for the whole family. While still offering FREE entry to all, visitors are kindly asked to pre-book their arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org.

To enter the Airscene 2024 Airshow Calendar Competition (currently in Early Entry Phase) please visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2024calendar.php

Airscene 2024 Airshow Calendar Competition is now OPEN

Sunday, March 26th, 2023

Museum of Berkshire Aviation

A little bit later than normal but the Early Entry Phase for the 2024 Airshow Calendar Competition is now accepting entries.

Entries for this phase MUST Have been taken during 2022 only, and subject matter is strictly limited to:

4a) Static or display aircraft as observed from the ground (or crowd seating) at an Airshow or event with a scheduled air display (during advertised hours).

4b) Aircraft at a scheduled aviation museum event (e.g. Bruntingthorpe Cold War Jets Day).

4c) Aircraft at an Aviation Museum (photo shoots and night shoots accepted as long as there are no re-enactors in the submission)

There are no real changes for this year’s competition other than the addition of the “during advertised hours” clause in 4a above. After receiving a few entries last year that were clearly not taken either in an area that the public had access to, or were taken before the gates were open etc, I want to discourage entries which are in conflict with the idea of a level playing field. This year you are also being asked to include a title for your entry in case it is one of the final 12 that will appear on the calendar.

In addition I want to remind you all that entries which show an aircraft on Arrival or Departure to or from an air show will only be accepted if these days were a ticketed day such as at RIAT.

The Museum of Berkshire Aviation is kicking off the prize pot again this year with 3 Family Tickets in the pot, which will be allocated as the prize pot grows throughout the year.

Shortlisting of Early Entries will begin on April 1st and the final date for submissions is 30th April 2023 at midnight, the main phase of the competition will open on 1st May.

Good Luck and I look forward to receiving your entries.

http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2024calendar.php

Midlands Air Festival boost competition prize pot

Tuesday, September 27th, 2022

Midlands Air Festival

The Airscene 2023 Calendar Competition, which closes at midnight on Friday 30th September received a prize confirmation today from Midlands Air Festival – a pair of tickets will be added to 1st Prize.

The festival runs over a 3 day period at the beginning of June and is described by Airscene’s reviewer Lee Chapman, as the first traditional airshow of the year. Lee opened up his 2021 review by saying “For 2021 the Midlands Air festival returned to its original home on Ragley Hall estate in Warwickshire, a beautiful countryside setting. The striking parkland layout made an idyllic backdrop for both a mass Hot Air Balloon launch, model aircraft flying and a full flying display of aerobatics, barn-storming and historic warbirds.”.

On top of all this there is also fireworks display and an array of ground entertainment. On closing his review, Lee said “This really was a great effort by the team, an excellent flying display, well-organised Hot Air Balloon Launch and an impressive line-up of model aircraft. All this achieved under the clouds of Covid-19, I cannot wait to see what the organisers do for 2022 – I have already packed my tent, I am going all weekend!”

This is Airscene’s most recent review of Midlands Air Festival as due to ill health this year’s reviewer couldn’t attend – to read it in full visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/airshow-reviews/Midlands-Air-Festival-2021.php

1st Prize in this year’s calendar competition now stands as follows:

Royal International Air Tattoo – pair of public entry tickets for RIAT 2023 (£114)
30 minute Trial Lesson in Ikarus C42 Microlight courtesy of Phoenix Aviation (£105)
Pair of tickets for Midlands Air Festival 2023 (£52)

For full rules and to enter this year’s competition, visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2023calendar.php

Historic RAF air defence system placed on loan at Newark Air Museum

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

Newark Air Museum Rapier system The trustees of the Newark Air Museum (NAM) are delighted to announce that they have entered into an agreement with MBDA UK Limited (MBDA) to accept on loan what is believed to be the only complete example of the company’s famous Rapier Field Standard C (FSC) Ground Based Air Defence system.

The recently deactivated, and now inert, system was delivered to NAM’s site in north eastern Nottinghamshire on Monday 27th June 2022, and will form a display that is unique from any museum in the United Kingdom.

In service since 1971, some Rapier systems are still defending military assets around the world today. Rapier FSC was also the last air defence system used by RAF Regiments to protect its airfields, before the British Army took on that responsibility.

Rapier was even used to help protect the 2012 London Olympics, and had a brief on screen Hollywood appearance when seen in the 2014 film ‘Kingsmen: The Secret Service’.

The Rapier FSC system complements the museum’s stated wider Collecting Policy and more specifically of that of displaying “Equipment used for the maintenance of aircraft and for the running of airfields, both military … etc.”

Undercover display space has been found for the Rapier Field Standard C System in the south-western section of Display Hangar 2. Not only will the unit’s complement NAM’s existing RAF Regiment displays, but they will also support the recently opened Royal Air Force (RAF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) display, which are located in the same display area.

“We are excited and extremely proud to have secured the loan of such a unique set of objects for the collection,” commented museum Curator, Mike Smith. He concluded, “We are especially grateful for the assistance provided by the staff at MBDA, in helping us to establish this loan agreement and to complete the safe move of this Rapier Field Standard C System to Newark.”

“We are proud of our heritage of producing equipment for our Armed Forces that protected our troops, airfields and the UK” said Al Byford, a retired RAF Air Commodore now an advisor at MBDA. He added, “Equipment such as this Rapier FSC is of historical military significance and it is only right we share it with NAM, so those that are interested in such piece of RAF history can visit and see it preserved.” www.newarkairmuseum.org