Dominie finally acquired for Newark Air Museum

Newark Air Musuem Dominie delivery

After a short set of negotiations the Newark Air Museum has completed the purchase of Hawker Siddeley Dominie T1 XS726 from Everett Aero of Sproughton, Suffolk. Funding for the acquisition has been provided thanks to the generosity of two long-standing museum members, Mike and Kathy Smith.

On Wednesday 24th September 2014 the airframe was delivered to the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, which is close to the border with Lincolnshire by a team from Everett Aero. As part of the purchase agreement the wings were refitted to the aircraft by the Everett Aero personnel.

The Dominie fills an important gap in the museum’s themed display of training aircraft. The type was used to teach the skills of systems management, air leadership, decision making and teamwork to various aircrew members including: weapon systems officers and operators, air engineers and air loadmasters.

Dominie’s were retired from RAF service in early 2011 and at that time the museum was unsuccessful in an attempt to purchase one of the airframes that had been operating from nearby RAF Cranwell. The acquisition of Dominie T1 XS726 fulfils this aim and is in line with one aim of the museum’s stated Collecting Policy of acquiring:

“Aircraft used in a Training role.”

The airframe retains its original configuration and is essentially complete. Once reassembled by the museum staff and volunteers XS726 will eventually be moved inside Hangar 2 at the museum. Here it will be displayed alongside several other training airframes, like the Varsity, Jetstream, Bulldog, Gnat and Jet Provost. XS726 is expected to retain its current training scheme markings.

Dominie T1 XS726 was delivered to the RAF on 25th October 1965 and served at RAF Cranwell and with both 3 and 6FTS. Its final training role was as an instructional airframe (9273M) at RAF Cosford and it was delivered there on 24 June 1997. XS726 was moved to Sproughton in 2007.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Pilots of the Caribbean

african heritage in the RAF

Volunteers of African Heritage in the RAF

Exhibition start date: 6 October 2014

A brand new exhibition entitled ‘Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage in the Royal Air Force’ is due to open at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford next Month. The exhibition opening will coincide with Black History Month, a national event celebrating the achievements of black men and women throughout history.

Curated in partnership with the Black Cultural Archives, the exhibition will tell the inspirational story of these volunteers, commemorating and celebrating their vital contribution to the defence of Britain, her Empire and Commonwealth. Accompanying video footage and artefacts will bring to life the stories of these brave volunteers.

With the outbreak of the First World War, the first black volunteers from the Caribbean, Africa and Britain volunteered to serve with the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the Royal Naval Air Service and from 1 April 1918 the Royal Air Force. And again during the Second World War these brave volunteers fought, and died, for the mother country and for freedom, and thereby helped to preserve the values and the heritage they shared with their white comrades.

The exhibition will look back at the First World War and the thousands of volunteers from across the empire who enlisted out of patriotism and seeking adventure. As well as fighting men, the Caribbean and African colonies provided vital raw materials needed in the war efforts; mahogany used for making aircraft propellers, cotton for observation balloons and foodstuff including sugar and rice. After serving in the war, the ‘colour bar’ to enlistment in the Armed Forces was quietly re-imposed.

Nevertheless, on the outbreak of World War Two, the Empire’s black populations still chose to support the mother country and young black men were again prepared to risk their lives in her defence. Black volunteers served with all UK-based RAF commands, including Bomber Command which saw four-fifths of African-Caribbean aircrew in active service and Fighter Command which saw the first black volunteers selected to train as fighter pilots in 1941. The only exemption was Transport Command, whose personnel visited countries intolerant of integrated crews.

After the war, most black airmen and airwomen returned to Africa and the Caribbean, proud of having played their part in the defeat of Nazism. Their efforts were rewarded when Britain granted her African and Caribbean colonies independence within the Commonwealth in the 1950s and 1960s. As volunteers were fully integrated into the Service and their ethnic origin was not entered onto their personal records, it is difficult to tell how many black personnel served in the RAF. However, official records do show that together the black volunteers constituted a valuable asset to the RAF.

The RAF maintains its commitment to recruiting the best personnel regardless of race, creed or colour and it is today considered one of the very best employers of people from minorities. The exhibition will highlight the RAF’s success in embracing diversity and demonstrate how the rich, cosmopolitan nature of modern Britain owes much to the black men and women who wore air force blue.

‘Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage in the Royal Air Force’ will be on display at the RAF Museum Cosford from Monday 6 October 2014 in the Museums Temporary Exhibition Gallery, Hangar 1. Viewing the exhibition and entry to the Museum is FREE of charge. For more information visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org or call the Museum on 01902 376200.

Saftey Announcement for visitors to Duxford Airshow

Ahead of The Duxford Air Show this weekend, IWM Duxford has released some important safety information:· IWM Duxford takes great care to ensure its air shows are as safe as possible for everyone involved.

· It is not safe to occupy the fields immediately south of the runway during the air show. If you do so you are putting yourself and the display pilots in harm’s way.

· In the event of an incident it is imperative that the emergency services have clear, unhindered access to the tracks across this land.

· There is no public access to these fields at any time.

Jointly issued by IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the owners of this land.

 www.iwm.org.uk

See two Lancasters close-up at the Jersey International Air Display 2014

A rare chance to see the world’s only two airworthy Avro Lancasters close-up will be offered as part of this year’s Jersey International Air Display, taking place on Thursday 11 September.

The aircraft, from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, will form part of the show’s static display at Jersey Airport before and after their flying appearance over the Bay of St Aubin’s on Thursday 11 September. For a small fee, in aid of Help for Heroes, it will be possible to get up close to the pair of Lancasters – an opportunity only afforded at very few venues during the Canadian aircraft’s visit.

The arrival of the Lancasters at Jersey Airport is scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday 10 September. They will leave on Friday 12 September.The static display at the airport’s south apron is open during the following times:

• Wednesday 10 September: 14.30hrs to 19.00hrs
• Thursday 11 September: 08.00hrs to 09.30hrs
• Thursday 11 September: 17.30hrs to 19.00hrs
• Friday 12 September: 08.30hrs to 12.00hrs

Admission to the static display costs just £5.00 per person.Visitors are urged also to buy a copy of the show’s comprehensive souvenir programme, as this is one of the major means of funding the display.

The free air display takes place over the Bay of St Aubin’s during the afternoon of Thursday 11 September. Over the years, Jersey has become renowned as one of the most imaginative airshows on the scene – indeed, in 2013 it was the recipient of the prestigious Paul Bowen Trophy, presented by the European Airshow Council to what it considered the previous year’s best European air display.

This year’s list of flying display participants is as follows (correct to 2 September):

• RAF Red Arrows
• RAF Tucano
• RAF Tutor
• RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Lancaster (first Jersey appearance)
• Army Air Corps Lynx AH7
• Swedish Air Force Historic Flight AJS 37 Viggen, J 29F ‘Tunnan’, SK 35C Draken(first Jersey appearance) and SK 60
• Autogyro (first Jersey appearance)
• English Electric Canberra PR9
• Hawker Hunter T7
• Morane-Saulnier MS406 (first Jersey appearance)
• Rockwell OV-10 Bronco
• Polikarpov I-16 ‘Rata’ (first Jersey appearance)
• Curtiss P-40N Warhawk (first Jersey appearance)

Further acts may be added depending on sponsorship.

In addition, a Polish Navy M28 Bryza 1R maritime patrol aircraft will form part of the airport static display, while helicopters on static display there, and in St Helier’s Lower Park or People’s Park on the day of the flying display, will comprise a Royal Navy Lynx, Merlin and Sea King.

www.jerseyairdisplay.org.uk

Experience the virtual skies at Cosford

Cosford Flight Sim exhibition

Saturday 4 October 2014

10.00am to 5.00pm

Advance tickets £5 per person

On the gate tickets £10 per person

Aviation fans can experience the virtual skies next month as the Flight Sim 2014 event heads to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in Shropshire. Taking place on Saturday 4 October, aviation enthusiasts will enjoy a day packed with all the latest flight simulation software and the chance to test out their virtual flying skills.

Just Flight and Flight 1 Software, two of the UK’s leading flight simulation software publishers, will be hosting this major gathering in association with PC Pilot magazine to show visitors the very best in desktop flying. Building on the success of last year’s event, organisers are anticipating over 2,000 visitors will attend the one day show.

Visitors will be able to get hands on and fly the latest aircraft, check out the latest flight simulation hardware and chat with leading developers, publishers and other enthusiasts in addition to the many exhibitors at the show.

This show will take place in the Museum’s Hangar 1 from 10am until 5pm, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the wide range of entertainment on offer. So whether you’re a veteran desktop pilot, flight simulation novice, or someone thinking of getting airborne in the virtual skies for the first time, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors attending the Flight Sim 2014 event this autumn will experience the best of both, the virtual world and the real world of aviation, as they explore the world class collection of aircraft and exhibitions on display at the RAF Museum Cosford.

Advance tickets for Flight Sim 2014 are now on sale online for just £5 per person, with free admittance for under 16s accompanied by an adult. Tickets purchased on the day cost £10 per person. For further information on the event or to purchase your tickets in advance, please visit the show’s website www.flightsimulatorshow.com.

To cope with the additional visitors, a free park and ride will run from the Cosford Train Station with regular pickups throughout the day. Entry to the Museum is free of charge and on-site parking is available (charges apply). Entry into Hangar 1 on Saturday 4 October will be for Flight Sim 2014 ticket holders only.

www.rafmuseum.org

Wings & Wheels 10th Show a Sellout success

Dunsfold crowds by Tony Hart

The 10th Wings & Wheels Show basked in sunshine over the weekend as more than 40,000 visitors turned up on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August to enjoy the event.

The Chinook opened the air display both days with their exciting, high energy manoeuvres before the Mitchell soared through the sky in the first of the historical aircraft with close links to the Aerodrome.

Eight aircraft from the Second World War made a fitting tribute to the 70th anniversary of D-Day as the Old Flying Machine Company’s Spitfire and Mustang, Aces High Dakota DC3 and the RNAFHF B25 Mitchell flew in the first part of a unique formation. The crowd fell silent both days as the second part filled the sky led by a once in a lifetime formation made up of the Canadian Lancaster and BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane.

On Saturday a formation by the Vulcan and Gnats display team continued the Show’s tradition of arranging one off and interesting flying combinations. The Red Arrows marked their 50th display season with a faultless performance on Sunday, also marking the Aerodromes’ 40th anniversary of the first time the Hawk flew from the site.

The five hour air displays were not only packed with action from The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, Midair Squadron Canberra and Hunter but also by explosions which rocked the arena thanks to a stunning display of pyrotechnic power by the Apache Attack Helicopter Display Team.

Brooklands Museum took to the Top Gear track with over 220 cars each day including a mix of modern and classic cars from the Porsche, TVR, Ferrari, Ford GT40 to the stunning Napier-Railton Special and Railton Terraplane Sport Tourer.

Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’ opened for tours as visitors also flocked to the newest addition to the Aerdrome, the VC10 owned by Brooklands Museum.

Another new addition to the Show was a morning slot for remote controlled aircraft, including the 1/4 scale Red Arrows Hawk models flown by father and son duo Steve and Matt Bishop.

The Stunt Zone returned with The White Helmets performing spectacular feats of balance, death defying crossover rides and outstanding acrobatics on their hand built British Millennium Triumph 750cc motorcycles supported by modified car club South Evolution.

The military vehicle and car parades showcased the assortment of wheels the event had attracted, whilst the re-enactment battles from the Screaming Eagles went off with a bang.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “We are delighted with the success that Wings & Wheels has become, it has grown tremendously since the first event in 2005. So much so, that for the first time in the Show’s history, we had to make the difficult decision to stop on the day ticket sales on Sunday to ensure the continued enjoyment of those already at the event.

The displays and attractions were first class with the Canadian and BBMF Lancaster’s fly-past just one in a long line of highlights from the weekend. This, combined with great Bank Holiday weather, meant we experienced some traffic delays. Traffic is a challenge for any large event and we will continue to look at a variety of measures to do what we can to improve the flow on and off site for next year’s Show. Our team work tirelessly to put on Wings & Wheels with support from volunteers who donate their time before and during the Show. We owe them enormous thanks for the success the event has now become.”

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

 www.wingsandwheels.net

Golden Era Vintage Motorcycles and Rolling Thunder at Yorkshire Air Museum

Rolling Thunder Yorkshire Air Museum

This coming Bank Holiday Monday will provide a real spectacle of sight and sound for visitors to the Yorkshire Air Museum as we stage two events rolled into one!

The event is focused around the now well-established and popular “Golden Era Run”, a gathering of some 60 – 70 pre 1931 Vintage motorcycles, organised by the Yorkshire Branch of the Vintage Motorcycle Club. A good number of these fabulous machines will be over 100 years old and rarities indeed. The entries will gather and register, before departing from 10:30am to go on the run out in the local countryside, before returning from 12:30pm onwards, where they will gather again for display for the public to admire.

But that is by no means all, because, as we have been kindly allowed use of Elvington Airfield’s runway, we are planning to run the three big, live jets within our collection down the runway for some superb “rolling thunder”! The jets are the Fleet Air Arm prototype Blackburn Buccaneer XN974, the BAE Systems Nimrod MR2 XV250 and the eagerly anticipated Handley Page Victor V-Bomber XL231 “Lusty Lindy” will provide the grand finale. In between the Nimrod and Victor runs, we are expecting, subject to weather conditions, the Spitfire flypast allocated to the event by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

These superb jet aircraft always thrill the crowds at our static Thunder Day events, but the fast taxi is something extra special and a chance to hear the full majesty of the Victor’s four mighty Rolls Royce Conway engines. Runway activities commence at 13:00pm.

Admission to the event is at normal museum admission rates of £8 Adults; £6 Concessions and £4 Children, but, for those wishing to access the airfield viewing area for the fast jet taxi runs, a special pass will be available priced at £10 per person. However, as we are aware that families will be attending this event, there will be no charge for the airfield viewing for under 16’s, as long as they are accompanied by an adult with an airfield pass. Proceeds from this go straight towards the purchase of fuel to keep these historic icons of the sky in ground operational condition for the public to enjoy.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

THE FORGOTTEN FIRST WORLD WAR HERO WHO CHANGED THE FACE OF MODERN AVIATION

Sir Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus: A life of a Pioneering AviatorDate: 14th September 2014 – 11th September 2015

Entrance: FREE

A brand new exhibition uncovers one of Britain’s forgotten heroes. Sir Alan Cobham was a true aviation pioneer both in the air and on the ground. Amongst his many contributions was the ‘Air to Air’ refuelling technique still used by air forces across the globe today.

Sir Alan Cobham was one of the biggest celebrities of his day. Brave, visionary and innovative – he was a record setter whose legacy still holds to this day with an aerospace company that provides technology to air forces around the world.

Famous for landing his seaplane on the River Thames in front of the Houses of Parliament, he learned to fly during the First World War and later went on to set many long distance aviation records.

These include becoming the first person to fly from London to Cape Town and back in 1926 for which he received the Air Force Cross, and in the same year to be the first person to fly from London to Australia and back, for which he was knighted by King George V at the age of 32.

Sir Alan Cobham also organised a series of flying tours of the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa which became affectionately known as ‘Sir Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus’. These tours promoted aviation to the public and were a source of inspiration for countless pilots in the Second World War.

This new exhibition will be opening on the Museum’s Battle of Britain Day on the 14th September. It will be a highly visual display of Sir Alan Cobham’s life and his many notable achievements, showcasing some of the ‘treasures’ from the collection including a Union Flag that was flown on Cobham’s de Havilland D.H.50J biplane while on his Cape Town flight. The exhibition will also feature film footage that will show how he made aviation into a breathtaking spectacle.

The ‘Sir Alan Cobham Collection’ forms the basis of this new exhibition. This Collection may be viewed by appointment in our London Reading Room.

www.rafmuseum.org

Vulcan confirmed but with a twist!

Vulcan bomber

The last airworthy Avro Vulcan will be putting on a powerful display as she returns to Wings & Wheels on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August this summer.

She won’t be alone though as on Saturday the Show has another special formation planned with the Vulcan and three Gnats of the Red Gnat Display Team performing a flypast.

The Vulcan to the Sky’s Avro Vulcan XH558 is the only flying example of the country’s powerful V-Force. Painted in “anti-flash” white, XH558 was delivered on 1st July 1960, from the factory at Woodford, near Manchester, to RAF Waddington near Lincoln. XH558 was the first Vulcan B.Mk2 to be delivered to the RAF, and she is now the oldest complete Vulcan in the world.

XH558 was also the last Vulcan to leave RAF service, flying on from 1986 to 1993 as the single RAF Display Vulcan, a career spanning 33 years. Her final flight was on 23rd March 1993 to Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome in Leicestershire, having been sold off by the Ministry of Defence to C Walton Ltd, a family firm which purchased and maintained her. In 1997, a small team, headed by Dr Robert Plemming, put together an audacious plan to return her to flight which took place in October 2007.

The Red Gnat Display Team is part of The Heritage Aircraft Trust (a UK registered Charity), dedicated to the restoration and conservation of classic historic aircraft. Its home base is at North Weald Airfield near London in Essex. The team currently consists of three Folland Gnat T. Mk1 aircraft expertly maintained and displayed and is the only civilian supersonic jet aerobatic display team on the air show circuit.

Jamie McAllister, Events Director comments: “As well as solo displays, the Vulcan and Red Gnat Display Team will be performing a one off fly past on Saturday, the second unique formation to take place over the weekend. We are very excited to have these aircraft join the line-up at Wings & Wheels, which is shaping up to be a 10th celebration to remember.”

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.

Airbourne Crowd Records Best Day Ever

Eastbourne beach

Airbourne 2014 enjoyed a record year with its biggest ever crowd this weekend. With higher than usual visitors throughout the four days, the biggest ever crowd proved to be on Saturday with an unprecedented number of visitors.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors lined the seafront to get a glimpse of the Red Arrows 50th anniversary display the world’s first public display of two Lancaster bombers in formation for over 50 years.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “This has been an amazing year for Airbourne and a wonderful showcase for the town after what has been a very difficult few weeks. The Lancaster formation was just awesome and an emotional experience for many people. I am delighted we were able to share this with some very special veterans on Thursday and Friday, as well as the many thousands of people attending the show.”

Programme sellers and the information tent along with various other places were extremely busy as programmes sold out by the end of the weekend, along with car parks around the town which were at full capacity as hundreds of thousands flocked to the seafront for the event.

Airshow fans from more than 60 countries watched Airbourne streamed live on line with over 1,000 viewers at any one time.

As well as record crowds, Saturday proved to be a day for romance with a marriage proposal on the Airbourne Live stage, also broadcast live on the big screen. Paul Neill travelled over 1,000 miles at the last minute to be with girlfriend Emma Cox, and surprised her with a public announcement in front of thousands on the beach. Airbourne was also the favourite photo spot for newlyweds who came straight from their wedding to get a picture with Optimus Prime and the Red Arrows.

Sunday evening saw an impressive crowd as thousands gathered for the Airbourne finale of fireworks sponsored by Frontier Fireworks and Ansvar. Crowds came early to enjoy the O’Briens Flying Circus Display take flight and to watch the entertainment on the new live stage with Heart and acts such as Hot Detroit, The Mend and headliner Luke Friend from X Factor. Fans also enjoyed Canditron before the fireworks, a fantastic dancing robot display.

The live stage was also a hit the rest of the days with Jamie Laing, De’Vide, Fo Sho’s, SS4A Street Dance squad, Steve Hewlett and many others drawing the crowds between flying displays.

Fans were also glad to see a fantastic tri-service area and ground attractions on the Western Lawns, Wish Tower Slopes and beaches as well as the popular BBC World War One at Home village.

Shadow Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure Cllr Phillip Ede said “A stunning and memorable year in Airbourne’s 22 year long history. Some wonderful new attractions have added a great new dimension to the show and attracted many new first-time visitors to the town which is great for business. Our thanks go to the armed forces, emergency services, bucket collectors and many more organisations and volunteers working behind the scenes on this incredible show.”

Airbourne returns from 13 – 16 August 2015. For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com