UK Airshow News – Page 53

Historic Formation Announced at Wings & Wheels Press Launch

The Wings & Wheels press launch got off to a sunny start today (12th August 2014) as the Aerodrome’s resident DC3 took to the skies with the Old Flying Machine Company’s P-51 Mustang to kick off the 10 day count down to the Show.Well known for adding a little extra magic in the air with some memorable and unusual formation displays, Wings & wheels confirmed that a very special tribute is planned to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Eight aircraft from the Second World War will grace the skies above the Aerodrome in a two section flypast. Section one will comprise of the Old Flying Machine Company’s Spitfire and Mustang, Aces High Dakota DC3 and the RNAFHF B25 Mitchell. With a separation, section two will be formed by the Canadian Lancaster and BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane in section two.

All these aircraft have history with Dunsfold Aerodrome as well as having played vital roles in the Second World War and will display on both days.

Dunsfold WIngs & Wheels special formation

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “We have been able to pull off some spectacular formation displays over the years including last year’s collaboration between the Swordfish, Sea Fury and Wingwalkers. For our 10th birthday and the 70th anniversary of D-Day the team have put together something people will never see in the air together again. It will be an emotional and fitting tribute.”

Brooklands Museum had an assortment of vintage vehicles including the 1907 Berliet-Curtiss Racer and more modern GT40’s and Jaguars. Surrey based modified car club South Evolution took to the track in Minis, Mazdas and a 2 litre Mitsubishi Eclipse, a replica of the car Paul Walker drove in the very first Fast and Furious movie.

Wings & Wheels was also delighted to announce the Brooklands Museum VC10 will be open for public tours over the Show weekend and gave press a sneak peek.

Robin Voice, Brooklands Museum VC10 Project Manager comments: “We are looking forward to opening the VC10 to the public at Wings & Wheels. The team of volunteers have worked hard to keep the aircraft in running order so it’s vital we continue to raise awareness of our work through the tours. The tours will not only give visitors a fascinating insight into the VC10, but help us with our fundraising efforts.”

Tours will be limited and available to pre-book over the weekend on a first come first serve basis. A donation of £2 per person is suggested and will go towards the on-going restoration of the aircraft.

The 10th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2014, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £150 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 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

RAFs First Jet Powered bomber set to display at Wings & Wheels

Dunsfold Canberra

The world’s only air-worthy Canberra PR9 will be celebrating its 65th anniversary and displaying at Wings & Wheels for the first time on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August as part of the Midair Squadron’s display.

The Midair Squadron’s Canberra XH134 has been restored with an authentic paint scheme which represents the markings worn when the type entered service. Visitors will get to view its all-over silver paint scheme, complete with tri-colour roundels, fin-flash and large black ‘XH134′ markings under each wing, as it displays both days at the Aerodrome in Surrey.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “We are thrilled to confirm the Canberra XH134’s participation at Wings & Wheels. It is the first time we have welcomed the jet to Dunsfold and look forward to the team demonstrating its phenomenal jet power to our visiting crowds.”

The Canberra entered service with the RAF in 1951 as its first jet powered bomber. It was unarmed and relied on highspeed to escape enemy fighters. During its first ten years of service, the Canberra broke nineteen flight records and three altitude records including winning the London to New Zealand Air Race in 1953 with a world speed record and the first jet flight over the North Pole in 1954.

The Canberra is believed to be the world’s longest serving bomber and most recently provided support during conflicts in the Balkans and Middle East. And, because of its ability to fly at nearly 60,000 ft., it was also used for clandestine photo reconnaissance work during the Cold War. The ‘English Electric’ Canberra was sold to air forces all over the world and a total 1,347 were built. The aircraft retired from active duty in 2006.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane), Vulcan, Chinook, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s (CWHM) prized Avro Lancaster and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 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.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Back to Business As Usual on Eastbourne Seafront

Eastbourne pier after fire

Eastbourne is back to business as usual as the seafront re-opened this lunchtime following yesterday’s fire on the pier.

With all but 200m of beaches, promenades and the road now fully re-open, visitors and residents are back on Eastbourne beach enjoying the sunshine today, with Bandstand concerts, special events and plans for this year’s airshow continuing in full swing.

The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr David Tutt commented “We are grateful to the emergency services for their superb response in tackling the fire yesterday and today in the clean-up operation, enabling us to reopen the seafront so quickly.

Despite such a difficult time, I am pleased to say most businesses along the seafront are now re-open and that visitors haven’t been deterred at all today.”

All events along the seafront are continuing as normal with daily Bandstand concerts, including the Swingshift Big Band tonight and last year’s most popular Bandstand concert – the One Direction tribute show, which takes place tomorrow.

This weekend, visitors can also look forward to guided seafront walking tours, a Vintage Bus Running Day, Take That Tribute Show and the opening of a fun children’s military training ground at the seafront Redoubt Fortress, with assault course, monkey bars and bayonet training.

However the resort’s biggest highlight, Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, kicks off in just two weeks from 14 – 17 August and organisers are continuing with all plans, which utilise much of the length of the seafront.

The free, four day airshow is set to welcome the Red Arrows every day, celebrating their 50 year anniversary, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook, Canberra cold war jet and the UK’s first Lancaster bomber formation in 50 years. The historic display which pays tribute to those who fought in Bomber Command, will feature the last two airworthy Lancaster aircraft in the world, one of which begins its long transatlantic journey from Canada this Monday.

Cllr David Tutt added “The attractions and flying displays at Airbourne are completely unaffected by yesterday’s events and we are continuing with full plans for our live music stage on the beach and our end of show fireworks party, which celebrates 50 years of the Red Arrows.

Viewing areas along the beaches and promenades will be open as usual, so we don’t anticipate space will be compromised.”

Approx 200m of promenade and beaches around the pier will remain closed for several days while essential safety works take place, however it is anticipated these will re-open soon.

Beaches within the lifeguarded safe bathing area west of the Bandstand are also safe to swim.

As a temporary precaution for a few days, swimmers are being advised not to swim to the East of the Bandstand, in case of debris.

For more information visit www.visiteastbourne.com/airbourne

Midair Squadron to display at RNAS Culdrose Air Day alongside Hunter WV372

The world’s only airworthy Canberra PR9 (XH134), along with her display partner Hunter XL577, will be joined by Hunter WV372 in a unique display at the RNAS Culdrose Air Day tomorrow, Thursday 31st July 2014.

Marking a new phase in the development of the Midair Squadron, this display will give the Cornwall crowds a taste of what is to come in the much-anticipated three ship display of the Midair Squadron.

Midair Squadron owner, Mike Davis, comments: “To fly the Midair Squadron alongside WV372 is a brilliant insight into the highly awaited and inimitable display formation on the air show circuit. Our second Hunter, XL600, continues to go through a thorough maintenance programme, and due to the unprecedented booking schedule for the Squadron’s Canberra and Hunter, it has taken slightly longer than initially projected. The sight of all three liveried Midair Squadron aircraft will be a spectacular sight and XL600 will be flown in formation shortly.”

The next scheduled display of the Midair Squadron will be next week at Festival of Flight, in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, where the Canberra and her counterparts will also overfly the Ulster Aviation Society’s collection, featuring XH134’s sister, at Long Kesh.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/where-we-are/air-stations/rnas-culdrose/air-day-2013

The First Sea Lord to attend Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth Air Festival has confirmed it will be hosting The First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff , Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC ADC at next month’s event. The professional head of the Royal Navy, Sir George will be here Friday 29th August visiting, amongst others, the flotilla of ships in the bay, meeting members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and seeing the Reserves and Cadets at work throughout the festival site.

Commodore Jamie Miller, Naval Regional Commander, said; “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming our leader, The First Sea Lord, to the biggest community engagement event in the Royal Navy’s calendar. We are incredibly pleased to be showcasing our work here – the interactive village areas, beach assault demonstrations, music programmes and work of both the Cadets and Reservists – and lots of ships and aircraft too. This really will be cementing the partnerships and relationships we have made over the years and for years to come. And we do like Bournemouth lots too!”

It will be first time Sir George has experienced the incredible Air Festival – added Councillor Lawrence Williams, Tourism Portfolio Holder; “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate how the event itself and people of Bournemouth work with and support the Armed Forces. The Royal Navy has played an integral part in making the Air Festival the success it is today and we’re extremely grateful. Year-on-year the event continues to grow with more ships, people and assets. And to have Sir George here to experience this first hand is a real accomplishment for us all!”

The Air Festival introduced a charity wristband in 2011 and has supported forces charities for the last three years. The Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) has been the Navy nominated charity since 2011 and on Friday night the Hotel Miramar will be hosting the official Navy Blue Party in the presence of Sir George Zambellas. Tickets cost £40 per head, for more details call the Hotel Miramar 01202 556581.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

AIR DAY ALL SET FOR TAKE OFF

Vulcan Bomber at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day

Final preparations are taking place to welcome over 30,000 visitors to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton’s annual International Air Day on Saturday 26 July. Few events can rival the intensity, drama and spectacle on offer at the award winning show, one of the Southwest’s largest one day events. It promises to be an action-packed day out for all the family with thrilling flying displays and plenty to see and do on the ground.

RNAS Yeovilton’s Air Day will be celebrating Carrier Aviation following the recent naming of the Royal Navy’s largest ever aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Visitors will experience over five hours of amzing flying displays which will include naval aircraft through the ages from rare historic warbirds like the Swordfish, Sea Fury and Skyraider to classic jets such as the mighty Sea Vixen and Hunter. The resident squadrons will perform spectacular role demonstrations such as the famous Commando Assault Finale, full of pyrotechnics. The ground displays will showcase modern Royal Navy assets and equipment with interactive displays showing the qualities, skills and professionalism of Royal Navy personnel working as a team to provide Front Line support to Protect Our Nation’s Interests.

Undoubtedly, the stars of the show for many will be roaring displays by the Swiss Air Force F/A-18 Hornet and the award winning Belgian Air Force F-16 representing the cutting edge of modern global fighter technology. Further participants include a trio of foreign military aerobatic teams from Belgium, Jordan and Denmark. Amongst the helicopter displays the Royal Navy Black Cats Display Team will incorporate the Wildcat into their routine and the unbelievably agile RAF Chinook will return to amaze all. The RAF will also be represented by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane. The Dakota’s debut Air Day appearance will be particularly poignant with it being the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. One of the nation’s favourite aircraft, the iconic Vulcan bomber XH558, will also be firing up her four mighty engines for another majestic performance over the Somerset skies. Another notable classic jet will be the world’s only airworthy example of the Canberra which will be a display not to be missed!

Although the aircraft and their amazing displays take most of the limelight at Air Day there is plenty to entertain the family on the ground. The Sporting Bears Motor Club has arranged a special static display for Air Day consisting of 40 rare and expensive cars. There will be arena displays from HMS Heron Volunteer Band and the fiercely contested Field Gun Competition between HMS Heron and HMS Seahawk (RNAS Culdrose). In the hangars, the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir will be performing and you will also find engineering fairs presented by My Future My Choice and Imagineering. These two organisations aim to inspire the next generation in a fun, hands-on, interactive way towards a career in engineering. A Forward Operating Base will be set-up by the Commando Helicopter Force with plenty of equipment and demonstrations to demonstrate how the Force supports the Royal Marines in theatre. There will also be trade stalls, funfair, simulators and pleasure flights if you manage to take your eyes off the sky.

Advance tickets are still available from local Tourist Information Centres until 25 July. Visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or call the Ticketline on 08445 781 781 for more details.

*Photo by Jason Bryant

Chinook, Canberra and Transformers Truck Joins Airbourne 2014 Line-Up

The RAF Chinook and historic Canberra cold war jet will join the Airbourne line-up this August, along with the Optimus Prime Transformers truck which will display on the ground, as the Hollywood blockbuster is released in cinemas this month.

The show already features the Red Arrows on all four days celebrating their 50th anniversary, along with the arrival of the much anticipated Canadian Lancaster, which returns to Europe after 50 years, joining the only other Lancaster in the world for their first display together as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The huge twin rotor Chinook helicopter, a firm favourite with Airbourne fans, will return demonstrating its superb agility and heavy lifting capabilities during Eastbourne’s international free airshow which returns from 14 – 17 August.

Brand new for Airbourne on Sunday, will be a display by the World’s only airworthy Canberra, a 1950’s jet aircraft with immense power and noise. The RAF’s first jet bomber, the Canberra had nuclear capabilities and such was its strength, that it continued in service until as late as 2006 and has only recently begun to display again.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Sports Services, Cllr Carolyn Heaps commented “The Canberra has an amazing history and a powerful, low rumbling display that will captivate both historic aircraft fans and fast jet fans. I am delighted we will get to see it here for the first time, it is an exciting addition to the Red Arrows 50th year and the much anticipated arrival of the Canadian Lancaster.”

On the ground, fans of the Transformers will be able to see a full scale replica of the Optimus Prime truck featured in the latest film Transformers Age of Distinction, released in UK cinemas last weekend. As the film maintains its number one position in the US Box Office, Airbourne was chosen to host the truck on its UK tour, after the success of last year’s Disney Planes display at Airbourne. The giant truck joins an impressive list of attractions, which also features the Delorean time travel car from Back to the Future.

Shadow Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Sports Services, Cllr Philip Ede said “This is set to be a fantastic year for Airbourne both in the skies and on the ground. The Chinook has been such a valued workhorse for our troops in recent campaigns and I look forward to seeing the return of this huge but remarkably agile helicopter. With a strong family audience at the show, I am sure the Optimus Prime truck will be a huge attraction and great fun for children and fans of the film.”

Latest Flying Line-Up

The Canberra and Chinook join an amazing line-up with the Red Arrows displaying on all four days, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary with some new moves and new look Union Jack tail fins. Another first, will be the arrival of the Canadian Lancaster TCAF FM213, as the last two Lancaster bombers in the world display together for the first time in 50 years, with Eastbourne chosen for this poignant once-in-a-lifetime display alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which will consist of the British Lancaster, Hurricane, Spitfire and Dakota.

Fast jet fans can also enjoy the resounding heavy metal of the Eurofighter Typhoon and precision aerobatics from The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, Gnats, Rv8tors, Jet Provost, O’Briens Flying Circus, Tucano, Tutor, Lynx and Sea King. An impressive historic line-up includes the Mustang, Vampire, solo Spitfire and parachute displays from the Army Tigers and the Royal Navy Raiders freefall parachute display teams, who will be dropping in on the beach throughout the show.

Fireworks

Also celebrating the Red Arrows 50 years, Airbourne will close with a special red, white, blue and gold firework display on Sunday night.

New Music Stage

A new music stage on the beach will entertain the crowds with live music well into the evening, including Britain’s Got Talent boy band The Mend, a DJ set with Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and a performance by X-Factor finalist Luke Friend. On Sunday night, the end of show party with Heart Breakfast will close a fantastic four days with the Red Arrows themed firework display at 10pm.

The Heart Angels will also be on the beach every day of the airshow with a special Heart viewing zone by the stage, and the opportunity to have your photo taken in Heart’s giant deckchairs, in a fun photo competition.

WWI Display

BBC History will be bringing their WWI tour to Eastbourne on 16 – 17 August. Visitors can try their hand at making ID permits, learn about communications, become a war reporter and meet experts from the Imperial War Museum to search their families’ connection to the war.

Alongside the new BBC tour, the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group will be at Airbourne over all four days giving visitors the chance to experience life as a soldier, including uniforms, weapons, equipment and training. Featured in both TV and film, the Living History Group have appeared in shows such as ‘Downton Abbey’ and advised on the film ‘War Horse’.

On the Ground

The RAF, Army and Navy village returns with a bigger exhibition than ever before featuring a new field hospital, an inflatable assault course, AAC Gazelle and a tank. In addition to the Transformers Age of Distinction display and Delorean time travel car, will be the Barny Bear Interactive Digital Wall and the Haribo Big Bag Tour – a fun-filled sensory experience in giant inflatable bags of sweets, and little drivers can get behind the wheel of a mini tank for the ultimate driving experience!

Children’s entertainment beaches provide non-stop fun throughout the day and top flight display line hospitality in the Aviator Club offers 3 course lunch from £85 per person and Cirrus Rooms buffet from £66 per person. Exclusive seating can also be booked online at £12 per adult and £8 per child.

Fans can also get a birds eye view of the flying from iconic beauty spot Beachy Head or take to the skies with a helicopter pleasure flight over the scenic South Downs National Park.

Airbourne returns from 14 – 17 August from 10am every day with free entry and live music until 7.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, followed by Bandstand concerts each evening. On Sunday evening an end of show party with the Heart Breakfast team kicks off at 6pm, with a fantastic firework display at 10pm.

For more information visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com or telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 0871 663 0031.

SELL-OUT SHOW FOR REDS 50th SEASON

Royal International Air Tattoo

A SELL-OUT crowd of 140,000 turned up at RAF Fairford over three days to join celebrations marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season at the Royal International Air Tattoo.They were rewarded with breath-taking aerobatic displays from fast jets, transport aircraft, helicopters and classic warbirds. The aviation fans’ favourite was the rare appearance of two classic Cold War ground-attack strike aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-22s from Poland, while the visitors were also treated to the last UK appearance of the A-7 Corsair from the Hellenic Air Force.

Seven aerobatic display teams flew in to join the Red Arrows’ celebrations thrilling the crowds with their precision flying. On Friday (July 11), team leaders from the Patrouille de France, Frecce Tricolori, Patrouille Suisse and the Breitling Jet Team performed a special anniversary formation flypast with the Red Arrows.

Red One, Squadron Leader Jim Turner, said: “We love all the European display teams and are most grateful to all those that have helped us celebrate this weekend.”

In total 240 aircraft from 31 air arms representing 25 countries took part in the Air Tattoo.

Senior military guests included: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford and US Air Force Chief of Staff, General Mark Welsh III; plus air chiefs from 48 other countries including Turkey, Singapore, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Japan and Montenegro.

Industry guests at the Air Tattoo included Mrs Marillyn Hewson, CEO of Lockheed Martin; Mr Hakan Buskhe, President of Saab Global and Mr Simon Laffin, Chairman of the Flybe Group. Celebrities Alan Carr, Robson Green, Carol Vorderman, Adam Henson, Sir David Jason and Bruce Dickinson also attended the three-day show.

Royalty was also represented at the airshow with HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Michael of Kent and HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan enjoying the airshow.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince, who retires immediately after the airshow, said: “It’s great that such a bumper crowd was able to enjoy what we had to offer over the three days. The weather was good, the flying was fantastic and once again the Red Arrows lived up to their star billing. My thanks go to all those who visited the airshow, the many aircrew who participated and everyone who contributed to the successful staging of this event. Under my successor Andy Armstrong, I am confident the Air Tattoo will continue to be a wonderful celebration of international aviation and an event of which UK plc can be rightly proud.”

The Air Tattoo medical teams reported no major incidents and a relatively quiet time for those on duty. Senior Medical Officer Sqn Ldr Darren Ellison said: “We dealt with 250 patients with no major problems, just a range of minor illnesses from heat-related issues to blisters and abrasions.”

Senior Fire Officer Barry Scott said: “We’ve enjoyed a very quiet show. The main excitement was being on stand-by for the Apache role demo when we thought the pyrotechnics might set the grass on fire, but we weren’t needed, and that’s the way we like it.”

First-time visitors to the show were a Colony of Beaver Scouts from 1st Purton & Lydiard Scout group. Parent Emma Hudson-Ellis, from Swindon, said: “We’ve been here since 7.30am and have had a fantastic day. The flying displays are absolutely brilliant, especially the Red Arrows, who we always love to see, and we’ve still got quite a lot to see on the ground before we go home.”

Mark Smeaton from Nailsworth in Gloucestershire, had brought his family on their first visit to the Air Tattoo. He said: “The quality of the flying is just amazing, especially the formation displays. The whole show seems very well organised, and everything’s covered. Our five-year-old was more than slightly traumatised by the noise of the Eurofighter, but two members of the Air Tattoo CREW instantly leapt to our rescue, supplying earplugs and generally saving the day. We were impressed, and we’d definitely come again!”

www.airtattoo.com

Time Runs Out For F-35b At Air Tattoo

Despite everyone’s best endeavours, it has now been decided that the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II will not fly at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2014 as all of the aircraft currently remain grounded.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the decision was a great disappointment given the amount of planning that had gone into bringing the aircraft over to RIAT for its international display debut.

He said: “It’s not unusual for there to be delays in the development programme of any new military aircraft, and the Air Tattoo has been working closely with teams from Lockheed Martin, the US Marine Corps, Department of Defence and MoD to ensure the aircraft touched down at RAF Fairford for the Air Tattoo. Unfortunately we’ve simply run out of time.”

An MoD spokesman said “The safety of pilots and aircraft has to be our priority. Of course, it is disappointing that the Lightning II has not arrived in the UK in time for the Air Tattoo but we fully support the decision not to grant clearance for the aircraft to make their first transatlantic flight to the UK until the technical investigations following an engine failure are complete.”

Mr Prince added: “We fully understand and support the decision as safety of pilots and aircraft has to be paramount.

“Fortunately, the F-35B is only one of more than 200 exciting aircraft representing 33 air arms from 27 countries around the globe that will be taking part in RIAT 2014, which begins tomorrow (Friday, July 11). We are looking forward to staging the UK’s biggest celebrations marking the RAF Red Arrows 50th display season at the world’s largest military airshow.”

www.airtattoo.com

Culdrose Kicks Off Flying Display Season

RNAS Culdrose Sea King

Aircraft from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose have kicked off their flying display season by visiting Lincoln at weekend for the RAF Waddington International Air Show.

A Merlin MK2, from 824 Naval Air Squadron performed in the air for the first time in a public arena. Also on the ground for a static display, was a Merlin MK2 from 814 Naval Air Squadron (the Flying Tigers), a Beechcraft Avenger T1 from 750 Naval Air Squadron and a Sea King ASaC Mk7 from 849 Naval Air Squadron.

Aircraft from Fleet Air Arm, past and present, will also be present at a variety of other air shows throughout the display season and the general public will also get an opportunity to see the Navy’s aircraft on their home tuft at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose’s Air Day on Thursday 31st July 2014.

Air shows that Culdrose aircraft will display at include:

• Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford
• Farnborough Air Show
• Sunderland Air Show
• RNAS Yeovilton Air Day
• Blackpool Sea Front Air Display
• Dawlish Air Show
• Bournemouth Air Festival
• Jersey Air Display
• Lands End Air Sea Rescue Day
• Dartmouth Royal Regatta
• Prestwick World Festival of Flight
• Duxford Air Show
• Southport Air Show

Culdrose’s Air Day on Thursday 31st July promises to fill the skies of Cornwall with magnificent sights and sounds from across the world of aviation, both past and present. From high above the Air Station, down to mere feet above the runway, there will be gravity defying displays that Culdrose Air Day is famous for.

Commander Peter Munro-Lott, Commander Air at Culdrose or ‘Wings; as he is known at the Cornish Naval Air Station said: “This year we have a fantastic air display with over four hours of flying planned. The highlight of the show for many will be the return of the mighty Vulcan, which will fill the skies with its massive delta wing and thunderous noise. We also have aerobatic display teams, and a variety of other historic jets visiting, such as the Canberra, Hunter and the supersonic Sea Vixen. Of course no Air Day at Culdrose would be complete without the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm attending in force. Demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of maritime helicopters, the Lynx, Merlin and Sea Kings will be put through their paces, while the nimble Hawks of 736 Naval Air Squadron will show off their agility and speed.”

Advance tickets at a reduced price (£14 for adults, £5 for children and £35 for families – children under 5 are free) are now on sale online (www.ticketzone.co.uk), by phone (08444 99 99 55) and over the counter through the following outlets:

• Bodmin Visit Information Centre
• Fal River Tourist Information Centre
• Hayle Tourist Information Centre
• Liskeard Information Centre
• Lostwithiel Tourist Information Centre
• Newquay Tourist Information Centre
• Padstow Tourist Information Centre
• Perranporth Information Centre
• Plymouth (Barbican) Tourist Information Centre
• St Austell Tourist Information Centre
• St Ives Visit & Information Centre
• Truro Information Centre
• Helston Community Centre
• Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
• Heathercraft, Helston
• Pictures and Things, Helston

All advance ticket holders will automatically enter into a prize draw and the owner of the ticket number picked at random, will get the chance to visit the Royal Navy’s Sea King Simulator and take the controls of a helicopter similar to those currently serving overseas. The multi-million pound, state-of the-art Simulator is used to train aircrew for their overseas deployments and is not usually open to members of the public – this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

*One ticket holder plus one guest only will be allowed entry to the simulator and at least one person must be aged 18 years, or over. See www.culdroseairday.com for more details.