UK Airshow News – Page 58

Tim Prince To Hand Over Air Tattoo Controls In 2014

After 42 years at the helm of the Royal International Air Tattoo, Chief Executive Tim Prince announced today (June 24) that the 2014 airshow will be his last.

As one of the airshow’s founding fathers, Mr Prince has helped build the event into what is widely considered to be the greatest airshow in the world.

He said he couldn’t go on forever and that it was time to stand down and entrust the Air Tattoo’s future to a fresh pair of hands.

Mr Prince said: “For the past 42 years, the Air Tattoo has been my life and I’ve loved every minute of it. During this time I have been fortunate enough to have met some incredible and inspirational people and have made many wonderful friends. It’s now time to pass on the baton.”

The Air Tattoo was first organised by a group of aircraft loving air traffickers at North Weald airfield in 1971.Driven by their passion for aviation, the Air Tattoo grew over the following three decades until, in 2003, Guinness World Records recognised it as the largest military airshow in the world.

The Air Tattoo continues to feature rare aircraft from countries that have never participated in British airshows before. In 2012, Japan, South Korea and Colombia were the latest names added to the list of 54 nations that have been represented at the airshow since the beginning.

Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) Alan Smith described Tim as a “fantastic” leader of the organisation who is greatly admired by the thousands of volunteers,employees,sponsors and customers who have always beenvery happy to follow his lead.

Mr Smith said: “The Trustees,the Directors and myself are hugely grateful to Tim for agreeing to remain with the company for the next 14 months (and two more Air Tattoos) to help both appoint and introduce his successor.

“Tim’s most important legacy will be that, along with Paul Bowen,he created the greatest airshow in the world and subsequently ensured,with the support of many others, its long term presence in the annual aviation calendar. As a result, thousands of people have benefitted from the millions of charity pounds raised.”

Details of the Chief Executive vacancy will be published after this summer’s Air Tattoo on July 20-21. However, the RAFCTE Board of Directors wish to encourage prospective applicants, on their own initiative, to visit the airshow next month if they have not attended the event in recent years.

www.airtattoo.com

Aerial Aerobatics from Apache at Wings & Wheels

Apache Dunsfold Wings & Wheels

The Apache Attack Helicopter Display Team is joining the Wings & Wheels line-up this Bank Holiday on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in, Guildford, Surrey.

Treating visitors to heart stopping aerial-acrobatic manoeuvres as the pilot appears to cheat gravity with a series of heart-stopping barrel rolls, the display team, unlike some other display teams, is not a permanent assignment. It is drawn from a pool of suitably qualified and experienced, operationally ready, Apache aircrew and ground crew, and uses aircraft drawn from the operational Apache Squadrons.

This year the pool of display aircrew has been drawn from 662 Squadron AAC which has recently returned from a successful operational tour of Afghanistan.

The Apache team performs manoeuvres in the helicopter, rather than aerobatics like the Red Arrows team. High hovers, twists, pedal turns, wingovers and flypasts are just some of the team’s signature moves as they give visitors a glimpse of its weapons including the aptly named Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30mm chain gun.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Apache is a truly fierce defender of the skies and it leaves everyone in its path buzzing over the incredible manoeuvres you don’t normally associate with a helicopter. This year’s Show is going to be our best yet – and with this latest addition to the line-up we think our visitors will agree. “

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 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 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The 9th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2013, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 18:00.

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 £65 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 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

School Celebrates A Happy Birthday

Empire Test Pilots School RIAT

TEST pilots from the world-famous Empire Test Pilots’ School at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire touched down at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Tuesday, helping at the launch of this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford, and the EPTS will be marking its 70th anniversary at the event. Pilots past and present flew in aboard an ETPS A109 helicopter to talk about how the school continues to play a role in shaping aviation history.

Flight Test Engineer Tutor Dave Widgington said: “This year will be our biggest presence yet at the Air Tattoo, and it’s a great opportunity to spread the word about what we do while celebrating our 70th anniversary. The aircraft we’re bringing to the show will include an RJ-100, a four-engined mini airliner, and we’re unique amongst the world’s training shows in operating one of these.”

Sarah Padley, from ETPS Sales and Marketing, added: “Our 70th year is something to celebrate, especially tieing in with the recent announcement that one of our graduates, Maj Tim Peake, will be going to the International Space Station as a European Space Agency astronaut. We hope members of the public will come to see us at the Air Tattoo and finds out what test pilots do, as they are the people that test every aircraft, from the airliner that takes you away on holiday to the fighters that protect our country.”

The school was established at Boscombe Down in 1943 and has trained military test pilots,
astronauts and flight test engineers to lead and deliver complex, collaborative experimental trials on all types of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford when, alongside seven-and-a-half hours of display flying each day, the emphasis will be on entertainment for all the family plus an enhanced visitor experience.

Three new zones – the Techno Zone, the Adrenalin Zone and the Vintage Village – will offer attractions and activities; Service Stations will provide everything the customer wants, including shelter, catering, information, merchandise, free Wi-Fi, toilets, seating and cash points; and our Air Tattoo CREW will be on hand to provide information and ensure visitors have a great time.

Held in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, the Air Tattoo has raised over £2 million for the charity since it was formed in 2005: the money is used to give grants to promote the RAF, support its people past and present, and to encourage air-mindedness in young people.

http://www.airtattoo.com/

Supersonic Suzi Launches Air Tattoo

Suzi Perry

FORMULA One presenter Suzi Perry went supersonic on Tuesday, blasting her way into the launch heralding this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in one of the most awesome aircraft in the RAF’s current line-up.

Suzi made the trip from RAF Coningsby in a two-seater Typhoon T3, piloted by Wg Cdr Richard Wells, Officer Commanding 11 Sqn. And after a vertical ‘performance take-off’ and a 90-minute flight during which the aircraft went supersonic – travelling faster than the speed of sound – she touched down in a state of euphoria, helping create a ‘fast and furious’ atmosphere that reflects all the excitement and thrills planned for RIAT 2013.

She enthused: “I can’t remember a bigger adrenalin rush! I’ve flown with the RAF before but this journey was the ultimate. And to go supersonic – I just can’t get my head around watching all the instruments show how fast we were travelling, and it’ll probably take days for it to sink in.”

A flight in an RAF Typhoon is something experienced by very few civilians and Suzi was well aware of the privilege she’d just enjoyed. She added: “I’m delighted to be at the launch of the event as the Air Tattoo really is the world’s greatest airshow, and the work of the RAF Charitable Trust is vital. I’m sure everyone will enjoy the airshow, an event that’s summed up by the Typhoon – fast, furious and fabulous!”

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “It was wonderful to meet Suzi and hear her support what we do. Her presence and her enthusiasm was a great accolade for the volunteer team which makes our great airshow what it is.”

www.airtattoo.com

BBMF Returns to Wings & Wheels

Lancaster Bomber

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight returns in full force to Wings & Wheels on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August with a new Officer at the helm and a face-lift for one of BBMF’s most iconic aircraft, the Lancaster.

With a new Officer in Charge, SQN LDR Duncan Mason who begins his 3 year tour with BBMF, the Flight has also welcomed “Thumper” the new nose art on the Lancaster, which has replaced the “Phantom of the Ruhr”. Thumper MK111 is depicted from the 1942 Walt Disney cartoon “Bambi” and features Thumper the rabbit holding a frothing pint of beer. The nose art has been changed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of 617 Squadron’s “Operation Chastise”, better known as the Dambusters raid which famously breached the Mohne and Edersee Dams with the “bouncing bomb” and also flooded the Ruhr Valley.

Joining the Lancaster at Wings & Wheels will be the Flights Hurricane and iconic Spitfire which celebrated its 77th anniversary in March.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The home of Wings & Wheels is a Second World War Aerodrome with an illustrious history, so it’s only fitting that we commemorate this history with the return of the iconic aircraft which make up the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. It’s an honour to have the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane displaying at the Show and we are delighted to confirm their participation.”

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and is in support of nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Prince Performs For Record Cosford Crowds In World First

Cosford Apache demo Prince harry

As the dust finally starts to settle back over the RAF Cosford airfield, spectators are still talking about the surprise Royal visitor who showed off his flying skills to a record crowd at the Air Show on Sunday 9th June.

Captain Wales, better known as Prince Harry, smiled and waved to the public as he completed the pre-flight checks on his Apache attack helicopter before demonstrating the incredible abilities of the Army Air Corps aircraft.

In his first Air Show performance, Captain Wales flew alongside an RAF Chinook helicopter in the humbling Medical Emergency Response Team demonstration, highlighting how the two aircraft work together out on operations in the life-saving role. He then went on to take part in the individual Apache display, showing off the agility and grace of his deadly attack helicopter.

The Prince couldn’t have picked a better day for his debut on the Air Show circuit, as the record crowds enjoyed glorious summer weather with initial estimates indicating an attendance in excess of 50,000.

The 28 year old Royal co-pilot gunner has been drawn from a pool of suitably qualified and experienced, operationally ready, Apache aircrew and ground crew and therefore may be selected to display at other Air Shows throughout the summer.

Other highlights of the 2013 event included a special formation display between the RV8tors and Vulcan XH558 as well as inspiring performances from the RAF Red Arrows and Typhoon jets.

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).

Post Show Announcement From The RAF Cosford Air Show 2013

The RAF Cosford Air Show saw record attendance on Sunday 9th June. The highlights of the show included an appearance by the Vulcan XH558 accompanied by the two Rv8s, the RAF Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Typhoon display. On the ground a whole range of new exhibits and interactive displays provided entertainment for all the family.

An appearance by Captain Wales (Prince Harry) flying the Apache took the crowd by surprise and was a first for the Air Show circuit. On the ground a visit from Carol Vorderman helped launch the Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics area and her visit and the programme signing session by the Red Arrows both proved popular with the public.

Unfortunately the large crowd numbers led to congestion on the roads and many people were delayed getting to the show. On the day organisers introduced contingency parking spaces and everybody who arrived at the show was able to get in. Air Show Spokesman Amanda Butcher said “We worked hard with the Civilian Police and the Highways Agency to try to manage the huge volume of traffic trying to get to the show and we thank the vast majority of the members of the public for their patience. We did ask those without tickets not to come but many did still travel and that added to the volume of traffic.”

Anybody who was unable to get to RAF Cosford and wishes to apply for a refund should visit the Air Show website for further information on how to do so. Applications will be addressed on an individual basis.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

State of the art Wildcat at Wings & Wheels

Wildcat Lynx

Wings & Wheels is thrilled to announce that visitors to the airshow will get an exclusive look at the Royal Navy’s new helicopter, the Maritime Wildcat Attack Helicopter, as it performs a flypast on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

The new £26million Wildcat combat helicopter was unveiled in July 2012 and will be deployed to fight the Taliban, pirates, drug-smugglers and terrorists. The state-of-the-art multi-role chopper – so powerful it can blow a submarine out of the water – will play a vital role in military operations for the Royal Navy and Army from 2014.

The sophisticated aircraft’s primary task will be to protect soldiers on the battlefield and the Royal Navy’s fleet around the world. It is also designed to carry out a raft of other missions including cargo transport, casualty evacuation, troop carrying, surveillance and search and rescue.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “As one of the only UK airshows debuting the new Wildcat helicopter it’s a real coup for Wings & Wheels and our visitors. We have the strongest aviation line-up on the events calendar with more to announce over the coming months.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Typhoon, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 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 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Record Ticket Sales Promise Bumper Turnout At Air Show

Red Arrows Break

With pre-show ticket sales already breaking records, the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show looks ready to provide an excellent day out this Sunday 9th June.

The advance ticket sales from the website, the 24 hour telephone hotline and the various outlets across the West Midlands are already more than double the figure sold in 2012 with still 4 days to go until the event.

Organisers are therefore expecting a mammoth turnout and car parks could reach capacity. People that have purchased tickets in advance are advised to make their way to RAF Cosford early to minimise the possibility of disappointment later in the day.

Members of the public are reminded that rail travel is extremely convenient to the Shropshire base with Cosford railway station situated right next to the airfield, dropping passengers off just a short walk to the pedestrian entrance. Those travelling on Arriva Trains Wales can also benefit from the discounted ‘advance’ ticket price, even on tickets purchased on the day, when purchased alongside their rail ticket. Arriva Trains Wales have also placed more services in their timetable for the 9th June to cater for the expected increase in numbers.

The RAF Cosford Air Show team have implemented a robust traffic management plan which aims to ease any congestion and have also put together contingency plans should more car parking space be required.

Air Show spokesman Amanda Butcher says “With the great British weather finally emerging this week, we are preparing for potentially the largest Air Show we’ve held over recent years and therefore encourage members of the public to exploit the extra services on offer from Arriva Trains Wales. We hope that the weather forecast stays in our favour and that everybody attending this year has a truly splendid family day out.”

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

Anybody with a query relating to the Air Show are prompted to check out the FAQ on the website before contacting the Air Show Office due to the incredibly high volume of calls currently being received.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).

A worldwide debut and some 1940s nostalgia at the Flying Legends Air Show

Manhattan Dolls - Duxford

The Flying Legends Air Show (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July) sees a welcome return by The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team, best known for their masterful handling of P-51 Mustangs which they flew at Flying Legends in 2009 and 2011.

At this year’s Flying Legends Air Show, The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team presents the worldwide debut of their thrilling new display in a trio of Supermarine Spitfires.

The Bremont Horsemen are Steve Hinton, Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley, highly-skilled warbird pilots who share a passion for showcasing historic aircraft.

Following the success of the Vintage Village at the Flying Legends Air Show 2012, it makes a welcome return this year in all its bygone charm!

Situated on the historic hangar base next to Wing Co Joe’s Café, the Vintage Village offers a nostalgic destination for rest and relaxation. Enjoy a glass of fizz or two from the stylish Prosecco Bar and watch the world go by in our traditional deckchair seating area.

Enjoy authentic thirties and forties songs, sung in true Andrews Sisters style by The Manhattan Dolls, direct from New York. The Manhattan Dolls have wowed the crowds at Flying Legends over the past two years with their stylish and glamorous performances. Sing along with them as they perform instantly recognisable wartime hits or cut a rug with a jitterbug on the hangar base.

Accompanying The Manhattan Dolls, and playing musical interludes, will be the Wilmslow Concert Band. They will perform swing and big band hits of the thirties and forties for your listening pleasure.

Enjoy a unique living history experience aboard the Home Front Bus. This classic double-decker bus contains detailed reconstructions of a 1940s living room, a wartime shop, a bombed-out street and an air raid shelter. Containing period features and artefacts, the Home Front Bus replicates the sights, sounds and smells of the Home Front, creating an authentic trip back in time.

Also on display in the Vintage Village will be a replica Supermarine Spitfire. Why not complete your day of nostalgia by having your photograph taken next to this iconic British aircraft?

Enhance your vintage experience by pre-ordering an IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper. Soak up the atmosphere in the Vintage Village and sink back into a traditional deckchair as you enjoy a perfect ration-free picnic lunch for two, including a scrumptious red onion and goats cheese tart, homemade bloomer sandwiches, hand-cut crisps, a seasonal salad, mixed olives, a refreshing Pimms summer berry jelly and traditional lemonade, all served in a disposable hamper which includes cutlery, plates and glasses. Forties food never tasted so good!

The IWM Duxford picnic hamper for two costs £26.50. To order, please email duxfordevents@elior.com or call 01223 497 501. Please give a minimum of three days notice for your picnic order. Picnics are then collected from Wing Co Joe’s Café on the day.

Join us for some forties fun in the Vintage Village!

Flying Legends

Over 50 historic aircraft are already booked to appear at the Flying Legends Air Show 2013. In addition to the first ever performance by The Bremont Horsemen Spitfire display, there will also a rare chance to see two iconic British Gloster Gladiator aircraft display over IWM Duxford’s historic airfield.

A worldwide following has ensured that the Flying Legends Air Show is the heritage air show event in the aviation calendar. Each of the historic aircraft on display at the Flying Legends Air Show is a living tribute to the outstanding skills of the people who built, maintained and flew them and to the dedication of those who have brought these stunning aircraft back to life.

The Flying Legends Air Show presents these iconic aircraft in a spectacular display that honours their history and aerial achievements. The flying display promises an unmissable fusion of power, sound, excitement and nostalgia as a series of rare and unique piston-engined aircraft perform their breathtaking flights over the historic airfield at IWM Duxford.

Buy now and save!

Purchase your tickets for the Flying Legends Air Show by Monday 1 July at our advance booking rate and enjoy 10% off our ‘on the day’ ticket prices.

To purchase your tickets go to www.iwm.org.uk