UK Airshow News – Page 62

Love is… A Vulcan at the Air Tattoo

If aircraft received Valentine’s Day cards then Vulcan XH558, which has just been confirmed for this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo in the Cotswolds, would be inundated today!

That’s the belief of the airshow organisers who have chosen Valentine’s Day to announce the participation of an iconic aircraft that continues to inspire strong feelings of passion among its army of supporters.

Vulcan XH558 is the only flying example of this large Cold War bomber in the world having been restored to flying condition in 2007 following a public fundraising campaign by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTTS) that helped raise more than £7 million.

The appeal of the delta-winged Vulcan owes as much to its curvaceous design as it does its sheer size and power. In the air, its thunderous yet graceful display is one of the most eagerly-anticipated on the UK airshow circuit.

As well as watching its display at RAF Fairford on July 20-21, visitors will be able to visit the Vulcan Village within the Air Tattoo’s Vintage Zone to find out more about the aircraft and talk to members of the aircrew.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “It was people’s love for the Vulcan and their desire to see it fly again that enabled the incredible fundraising team to do the impossible and bring this amazing aircraft back to flying condition.”

VTTS Director Michael Trotter said that whilst he hoped Vulcan XH558 would appear at many more Air Tattoos, there was a possibility that this may be her last one. He said: “The engineering team is working with leading aviation industry specialists to ensure that XH558 can continue flying for as long as possible, but there are complex technical issues to be resolved.

“The Air Tattoo audience is substantial and very appreciative. We are always asked if we will be at Fairford as it is important both in the UK and for the aircraft’s overseas supporters, many of whom come over specially to see her fly at the airshow.”

The Air Tattoo is the world’s greatest airshow and is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. July’s event will feature a thrilling seven-hour flying display, a large static aircraft park and a wide range of interactive family entertainment. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase Earlybird tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com – all under-16s go free.

Sensational Family Event Wings & Wheels Returns

The unmissable, sensational summer event for the whole family, Wings & Wheels, returns on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August 2013 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey (home to BBC’s Top Gear). *NEW* attractions will blow your mind and famous favourites in the air and on the ground will keep you entertained and buzzing with delight the WHOLE weekend.

Eyes to the sky as the ‘Wings’ of the event treats visitors to outstanding and diverse 5 hour air displays which has historically included show favourites the Red Arrows, Avro Vulcan, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Team Breitling Wingwalkers, accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots. The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekends visiting aircraft and Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’.

You don’t need to be a petrol head to delight in the ‘Wheels’ of the show as the paddock gleams with perfect paintwork and the deep murmur and reverberation of finely tuned engines fills the air. 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.

We’ve revamped our Wheels Zone which features interactive displays from clubs and a *NEW* crowd line parade. The Stunt Zone not only returns with fast action figure of eights, entwined donuts, a battle competition and rally driving drift display, but hosts gravity defying demonstrations of balance, back flips and somersaults in some hair raising pyrotechnic stunt performances proving two wheels are just as dramatic as four!

The *NEW* improved Military Zone & Paddock adds some classic nostalgia to the ‘Wheel’s, as the regal Military Vehicles complete a cavalcade for spectators before taking their place in our living history and re-enactment displays.

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 1940s Zone will swing to the beat of jive dancing master-classes, while the Hot Rod Zone hosts live rockabilly music, themed retail outlets and a stunning display of nostalgic and ‘kustom’ Hot Rod vehicles. The show arena also boasts laser quest, kids driving, paintballing, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, a Wall of Death, fairground, emergency services demonstration and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts.

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, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, a raffle, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

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 with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Blades Just the Ticket For Air Show

As tickets start to go on sale today for this summer’s Cosford Air Show, organisers have unveiled the first aircraft to take part in the thrilling six-hour flying display.

The Blades aerobatic display team, who perform their breathtaking manoeuvres around the world, have confirmed they will be among a number of star attractions at the air show on Sunday, June 9, joining celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the West Midlands’ RAF station.

During their display, the four pilots, all former members of the RAF Red Arrows, perform 30 separate manoeuvres in their high-performance Extra EA-300s.

The announcement comes on the same day tickets for the popular Royal Air Force airshow go on sale (February 1). Last year more than 38,000 people attended the air show and organisers are anticipating another bumper turn-out at the West Midlands’ largest aviation event.

Air show spokesman Amanda Butcher said: “To mark RAF Cosford’s 75th anniversary, we are working on a special opening sequence to the flying display which I am sure the crowd will enjoy. Visitors will also be able to view a wide range of ground exhibits and displays demonstrating the various activities carried out at the Shropshire base since 1938.”

Air show tickets can be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083. Advance tickets are priced from £20, representing a 20 per cent discount on tickets bought on the day (£25). There’s FREE car parking and FREE admission for all under-16s accompanied by an adult.

Visitors to the website will also be able to view details of the new hospitality enclosures, offering a range of packages to suit all budgets. This includes information on the keenly-anticipated “The Cosford Club”; a dedicated crowd line enclosure designed to keep guests close to the action with an unrestricted view and providing private toilet facilities and refreshment outlets.

One lucky member of The Cosford Club will be chosen at random to win an amazing “day in the life of…” behind the scenes at RAF Cosford including the opportunity to ride in the back of a taxiing Jaguar T2 jet aircraft. Details of pricing and further information can be found on the official air show website.

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

Jupiter enters Air Tattoo orbit

By Jove! Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds have just been told how the Colombian Air Force intends to trump its historic and colourful participation at last summer’s airshow.

The South American country says it is planning to send one of its latest – and largest – military aircraft, a KC-767 ‘Jupiter’ tanker/transporter, to the Air Tattoo on July 20-21. The aircraft will come from 811 Transport Squadron based in the country’s capital, Bogota.

Last year, the Colombian Air Force made its European airshow debut at the Air Tattoo, sending two aircraft: a small T-90 Calima trainer and a colourfully-painted C-130H Hercules on the 5,200-mile trip to the UK.

Colombia has one of the best equipped and trained air forces in South America and, among its many roles, plays an important part in fighting drug-related terrorism.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Last year, the Colombians sent one of the most eye-catching aircraft we have seen at the Air Tattoo for a long while and we wait with bated-breath to see what touches down in July!

“It’s not every year that we get the opportunity to welcome aircraft from South America. I’m delighted that they found last summer’s visit to us so valuable and enjoyable that they are keen to make the long journey once again – with an even more exciting aircraft.”

RAF Delivers Air Tattoo Xmas Gift

Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo have described news of the Royal Air Force’s plans for next summer’s airshow as an exciting, early Christmas present.

In a letter to the organisers this week, the RAF outlined an ambitious programme of involvement at the Air Tattoo, which takes place at RAF Fairford, in the heart of the Cotswolds, on July 20 & 21, 2013.

The RAF’s Air Command said it hoped to send a flying VC-10 transport aircraft and TriStar air-to-air tanker plus a C-17, A330 ‘Voyager’ and C-130J/K Hercules for either the flying display or static park.

Other RAF aircraft earmarked for the airshow include a Tornado, Search & Rescue Sea King helicopter, the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The RAF said it also supported plans by the airshow organisers to bring together all the Typhoon operators of the world in line with its operational theme SkyGuardian.

A number of potential, exciting set pieces for the flying display were also suggested by the Royal Air Force, but airshow organisers said they were keeping these under wraps until next year.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Though we shall have to wait until spring to receive official confirmation of exactly which RAF aircraft will be attending, it’s great to receive such positive news so early.

“It is important for us to make sure that the Air Tattoo provides the most effective engagement opportunity for the Royal Air Force because of the incredible support they give us each year. Having knowledge of their plans so early on is fantastic and gives us a great head start with our planning. It was like receiving an early Christmas present!”

People planning to visit the Air Tattoo next summer have until Sunday, January 6 to take advantage of a specially-priced Super Earlybird ticket, which offers a saving of 33 per cent on the price of admission. For full details, visit www.airtattoo.com

Duxford 2013 Air Shows

We are delighted to announce our air show season for 2013.

Tickets for all air shows are now on sale, in good time to solve all your Christmas present dilemmas!

Plus, we’ve got a fantastic Early Bird offer running until Thursday 28 February 2013 – receive a 15%discount plus a free child ticket with every adult or senior ticket purchased in advance.

If you’re purchasing tickets for Christmas presents, we recommend that you make your purchases byTuesday 18 December for UK delivery.

Spring Air Show

Remembering the Mighty Eighth

Sunday 26May

Starting the air show season in spectacular style, the Spring Air Show brings together contemporary and historic aircraft for a fabulous day of flying.

This year, the Spring Air Show commemorates the 70th anniversary of the United States Army Air Force arriving at RAF Duxford in April 1943. We’ll look at the impact of the American Forces on the course of the Second World War in Europe and their cultural influence on the East Anglian community.

Historic US warbirds will take to the skies as we remember the time when the stars and stripes flew at RAF Duxford.

Flying Legends Air Show

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July

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 themand 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.

The Early Bird offer does not apply to the Flying Legends Air Show.

The Duxford Air Show

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September

The Duxford Air Show is the highlight of our programme of flying events, featuring an amazing array of aerial displays. We showcase contemporary jet aircraft, historic warbirds, aerobatics and much more!

With rare combinations of aircraft and show-stopping performances, The Duxford Air Show is a truly entertaining aerial spectacle.

Autumn Air Show

Sunday 13 October

The Autumn Air Show closes the flying season in relaxed and informal style.

We’ll be throwing the spotlight on the historic aeroplanes that are operated by flying partners based at the museum, with displays by some of the iconic aircraft that call IWM Duxford home.

Join us for a celebration of IWM Duxford’s flying heritage, which continues to thrive today.

Early Bird Offer

We’re offering a marvellous Early Bird discount of 15%on IWM Duxford 2013 air show tickets. The Early Bird offer is available until Thursday 28 February 2013. After this date, the normal advance purchase discount of 10% applies.

Tickets can be purchased online at iwm.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01223 499 353. The Box Office is open from Monday to Friday from9.30amto 4.30pm.

There is no booking fee but a postage and packing fee applies per transaction.
Please note that the Early Bird offer does not apply to the Flying Legends Air Show (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July 2013).

Air show tickets will be on sale in advance until:

Spring Air Show

Recommended booking date for overseas postal delivery is Thursday 2 May

Closing date for UK postal delivery is Monday 13 May

Flying Legends Air Show

Recommended booking date for overseas postal delivery is Thursday 20 June

Closing date for UK postal delivery is Monday 1 July

The Duxford Air Show

Recommended booking date for overseas postal delivery is Thursday 15 August

Closing date for UK postal delivery is Monday 26 August

Autumn Air Show

Recommended booking date for overseas postal delivery is Thursday 19 September

Closing date for UK postal delivery is Monday 30 September

VIP Packages for the Flying Legends Air Show

Enjoy a choice of two very special air show experiences with our unique range of hospitality passes which offer the best seats in the house at the Flying Legends Air Show (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July 2013).

The Bremont Flight Lounge, only available at the Flying Legends Air Show, provides guests with an elegant and luxurious location at the heart of the flying action. Join your guests in the tastefully themed luxury marquee where you can enjoy the very best of hospitality, commencing with a champagne and canapé reception, followed by a gourmet delicatessen-style buffet and concluding with a traditional English afternoon cream tea.

Sit back in the comfort and style of the Bremont Flight Lounge garden andmarvel at our world-famous flying display.

Gold Pass offers relaxed entertaining at its best. Enjoy a fine view of the flying action and access to a fully equipped hospitality marquee. Choose a delicious dish fromour in-house Gourmet Deli Bar or bring your own picnic lunch and relax in comfort as you watch the flying display from the heart of the flight line.

Gold Pass can be purchased online at iwm.org.uk.

Flying Legends – two words which instantly evoke the very best of classic aircraft displaying atIWM Duxford in one of the world’s most celebrated air shows.

For further details on the Bremont Flight Lounge, please email: flyvip@fighter-collection.com

VIP Packages for The Duxford Air Show

Enjoy a very special air show experience with our range of hospitality passes which offer the best seats in the house at The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September 2013).

Our PlatinumPass offers seats at the heart of the flying action, together with access to a sumptuous hospitality marquee where you can enjoy a delectable two-course lunch before enjoying a thrilling flying display from the comfort of a private garden enclosure. Platinum Pass is perfect for corporate entertaining or a special family celebration.

Following its successful debut last year, the Silver Pass enclosure is available at The Duxford Air Show 2013. Enjoy all the atmosphere and activities that the air show has to offer from the convenience of the Silver Pass marquee, specifically created with families inmind. There will be activities to entertain all the family and a refreshment point selling drinks and snacks.

Book your Gold or Silver Pass before Thursday 28 February 2013 and enjoy up to £20 off the standard ticket price.

Tickets for Silver, Gold and PlatinumPass can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk.

Airscene Awards 2012 results

Eastbourne “Airbourne” Airshow supporters have voted en masse in this years awards, pipping Bournemouth to the title of Best Free Airshow by a ratio of almost 2 to 1.

Both airshows are always very well received, and are two of the biggest draws each airshow season – to be fair the airshow itself is pretty much the same throughout at each venue. Airscene wouldnt like to pick a favourite – the beaches are similar, as is the weather, and once you have had one hot dog, then you have had them all. Perhaps the secret is in the hospitality, and very likely in the organisation – Eastbourne is certainly very good at rallying its support, calling on the following to tick their box a full 3 weeks before Bournemouth did.

For the second year running the Red Arrows have won Best Display Team, and by a whopping margin – receiving 77% of the votes, beating airshow newcomers “The Korean Black Eagles” into 2nd place.

The iconic Vulcan Bomber achieved the same number of votes in the Best Solo Display category – and Yes, it would appear these were mostly the same people who voted for the Reds.

In the Best Aviation Museum category Duxford Imperial War Museum storms ahead with 69% of the vote against just 31% for RAF Museum Hendon.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, last years winners of Best Airshow (RIAT) were just squeezed out by Duxford Flying Legends. All three airshow nominated in this category are regarded by many (well Airscene anyway) as the Big Three, so the result is no surprise – just 14 votes difference (from a total of 454 cast in this category). Waddington Airshow did not fare as well, receiving just 60 votes – Airscene thinks it should have been a 3-way tie with each scoring 33% – but then who will cast the deciding vote?

Thankyou to everyone who took part, and to see the full results from this years awards please visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/airscene-awards-2012.php.

RAF COSFORD TO MARK AVIATION MILESTONES

The 75th anniversary of RAF Cosford will be one of three special milestones marked at the RAF Cosford Air Show in June 2013.

The announcement was made by Air Show Chairman Wing Commander Mike Wilson at the launch of next year’s event, which will take place on Sunday, June 9.

Also being celebrated will be the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire entering RAF service and the 40th anniversary of the Jaguar aircraft.

Taking centre stage at the launch were four former RAF jets: two Jaguar GR3s, which taxied into position alongside a Jaguar T4 and a Harrier GR3. The Jaguar first entered RAF service in 1973 and was decommissioned in 2007.

Wg Cdr Wilson said he planned to build on the Air Show’s achievements in 2012 by making the event even more exciting in 2013.

He said there would be more military displays, a bigger exhibition area and hospitality areas catering for families and corporate guests. A special ‘Cosford Club’ will also be established, offering up to 200 visitors a unique opportunity to see behind-the-scenes and enjoy the Air Show from a prime viewing area. One lucky club member will also get the chance to take a ‘taxi’ ride in the back of a Jaguar.

Reinforcing the Air Show’s commitment to support local industry and business, Wg Cdr Wilson said that where possible, he will be looking to increase the £1.5 million boost given to the local economy by this year’s event.

He added: “If you come to RAF Cosford in June 2013 you will see respect for our heritage, the integrity to get the job done, an attitude that puts service before self and a desire for excellence in all that we do.”

During the launch, the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Royal Air Forces Association were each presented with a £15,000 cheque, the proceeds from this year’s Air Show. A further £5,000 went to local charities.

Among the guests at the event was Master Aircrew Chas McHugh, an aviation artist, who has designed the artwork for next year’s Air Show. Chas, who lives in Shropshire, has served in the RAF for 35 years. He is currently a helicopter crewman instructor.

Chas said: “It was great to learn that my design had been chosen as the official poster for next year’s RAF Cosford Air Show. It was a challenge to come up with the finished artwork but I am pleased with the results and I hope it will encourage the public to come along.”

Tickets for the air show, priced £20 in advance or £25 on the gate, will be on sale at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk from January but Gift Vouchers and enclosure places can be bought now. Standard admission tickets are free for children under 16 when they are accompanied by an adult.

AIR TATTOO OFFER IS JUST THE TICKET

People planning to attend next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, who purchase their tickets before January 7, will enjoy a saving of up to £14 on the price of admission.

Special Super Earlybird tickets go on sale tomorrow (November 21) for next summer’s event, which takes place on July 20-21.

In a bid to keep tickets as affordable as possible for its many supporters, organisers have decided to cap the price of the Sunday admission ticket, adding just £1 on to the 2012 admission price. This means that a Super Earlybird Sunday ticket will be available until January 6, priced just £30.

This compares with the £35 cost of a Super Earlybird Saturday ticket.

Between January 7 and April 3, Earlybird tickets will be available priced £40 for the Saturday and £35 for the Sunday.

After April 3, the standard advance ticket will go on sale, priced £45 (Saturday) and £40 (Sunday). Each order after April 3 will be subject to a £4 admin fee.

The Air Tattoo’s Head of Marketing Helen Webb said: “We’ve introduced the new pricing structure to reflect the growing number of people who are looking for extra-value in these challenging times.

“By introducing specially-priced Sunday tickets and enabling all accompanied under-16s to come in for free, visitors can enjoy one of the UK’s greatest outdoor events next summer at an extremely competitive price.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo 2013 will bring together air arms from around the world in a celebration of aviation excellence.

Helen added: “Last summer’s Air Tattoo was a great success with new aerobatic display teams taking part, stealth aircraft and three new countries participating. We’re planning to match all that excitement with an equally thrilling airshow in July.”

For full admission ticket details and to see the wide range of optional upgrades designed to enhance your enjoyment of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2013, visit www.airtattoo.com.

Saturday to kick start Wings & Wheels 2013

It’s fast, it’s furious and it’s back! Wings & Wheels is delighted to announce its return to Dunsfold Park in Surrey for a spectacular weekend of aerobatic and motoring thrills which will entertain thousands over the August bank holiday weekend. Sticking to the two day format the Show’s confirmed dates for 2013 are Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August.

No sooner had the last jet departed from Wings & Wheels 2012 than the team were already hard at work planning for the 2013 Show. Taking pride in the event’s development as a result of visitor feedback, next year’s airshow will once again strive to make positive changes which ensure that visitors continue to experience the very best entertainment since the show’s inception eight years ago.

Securing its calendar slot on the August bank holiday weekend, the more noticeable change to the 2013 show will be its move from Sunday and Monday to the *NEW* format of Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August.

Jamie McAllister, Wings & Wheels Event Director, comments; “Wings & Wheels has evolved enormously over the last eight years and key to this has been our willingness to listen to our visitors and in turn adapt and improve the event’s format. Our decision to move the show to Saturday and Sunday of the Bank Holiday weekend has been based on visitor feedback and we are confident this will enable more families to attend the event.”

Watch this space for the official line-up announcement in March. Updated show information will be available via the Wings & Wheels website www.wingsandwheels.net.