Posts Tagged ‘Dunsfold’

British Airways 747 Retires to Dunsfold Aerodrome

Thursday, October 22nd, 2020

747 retires to Dunsfold

Dunsfold Aerodrome is delighted to confirm a second 747 will be taking up residence on the airfield from today, Thursday 22nd October, where it will begin its new life as a TV and film set.

The retired British Airways 747, registration G-CIVW, will depart from Cardiff Airport as flight number BA9178E, landing into the Aerodrome in Surrey at 14:15*.

Jim McAllister, Chief Executive, Dunsfold Aerodrome, comments: “The 747 is a unique and important piece of aviation history and we are excited to be taking delivery of this retired aircraft at Dunsfold Aerodrome. Whilst G-CIVW will no longer fly, the aircraft will be preserved and given a new lease of life in the world of TV and film, training and special events.”

The aircraft, affectionately known as the Queen of the Skies, was built in Everett in the United States and entered the British Airways fleet on 15 May 1998. Its last flight was on 11th June 2020 from Bournemouth to Cardiff and, since then, the aircraft has been stored at Cardiff Airport.

G-CIVW will keep its Chatham Dockyard livery which was first introduced in June 1997. The livery takes its name from the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent and was based on the original flag used by Admiral Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The Chatham Dockyard livery was created for BA by the Admiral’s Original Flag Loft factory in Chatham which had made flags for more than 400 years.

The aircraft, like many other 747s, has ties with the world of film, having flown many actors worldwide in its cabins and visited film set hotspots like Los Angeles and New York. In its new role it will feature more prominently in front of the camera, used to mock up interior and exterior shots for TV and film.

With an aviation heritage that includes the development of military aircraft such as the Harrier, Hawk and Hunter, Dunsfold Aerodrome is the perfect fit for the generation-defining 747.

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Aerodrome will not be open to spectators for the 747s final flight and landing.

To watch a live stream of the landing please go to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dunsfoldparkofficial/

Chinook to Showcase New Manoeuvres at Wings & Wheels

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

Not seen at the airshow since 2008, Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm the Chinook helicopter will be gracing the skies above Dunsfold Aerodrome once again on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August.

The Chinook, now synonymous with combat operations in Afghanistan, will have its power and manoeuvrability demonstrated by members of the display team which is made up of personnel from 18 and 27 Squadrons from RAF Odiham.

The captain for 2013 is Flight Lieutenant Paul Farmer. As his second season as the Display Pilot it has given the team a chance to introduce some new impressive manoeuvres that have never been included in the Chinook Display before. This year’s Co-Pilot is Flight Lieutenant Gareth Allen, the Display Manager Flight Lieutenant Kyle Thomas and the Rear Crew are Sergeants Andy Caldwell and Steve Jones.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The skill with which the Chinook is displayed is not to be missed. The giant aircraft is surprisingly agile and versatile and it’s an absolute pleasure to watch in action. We are so pleased to have the team back and added to the phenomenal 2013 Wings & Wheels line-up.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, 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 with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

New Look Tucano Joins Wings & Wheels Line-up

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm the RAF Tucano will be showing off its new desert camouflage design in an impressive aerobatic display on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

Unveiling the new paint scheme at the end of March at their base at RAF Linton on Ouse, its design mirrors the Second World War Spitfire aircraft operated by 72 Squadron in 1943. The scheme was chosen to commemorate the 70th anniversary of 72 Squadron’s involvement in North Africa in support of the Tunisian campaign during World War II. During this period they flew a selection of Supermarine Spitfires including Mk VIII and Mk IX variants.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “Our five hour air display is starting to take great shape and we are excited to have the Tucano at Wings & Wheels. The display of skill and power demonstrated by the pilots never fails to impress and the camouflage design will be a welcome new sight in the skies over the aerodrome.”

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.

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.

Multi-Role Typhoon Returns to Wings & Wheels

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013

The RAF’s only Multi Role fast jet will be demonstrating its unrivalled flexibility and war fighting capabilities at Wings & Wheels in August as the Typhoon returns to the skies over Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

The backbone of RAF fast jet operations, the Typhoon’s impressive display of force and grace will wow and humble the crowds as 29(R) Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby, bring their display to the 2013 Show and remind people everywhere of its role in protecting the Falkland Islands and UK airspace 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Typhoon is an incredible aircraft to watch and we are delighted to welcome the team back to Wings & Wheels on Sunday 25th August. There is no other aircraft which can make an audience hum with the vibration of their display or deafening roar of its engines like the Typhoon and it’s a welcome addition to our five hour air display.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, 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 with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Red Arrows to Headline Wings & Wheels Weekend

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

The unmissable, sensational summer event for the whole family, Wings & Wheels, is thrilled to announce the Red Arrows will be headlining both Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August 2013 when the Show returns to Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey (home to BBC’s Top Gear).

Currently undertaking winter training in Greece the iconic diamond 9 formation is back for their 49th display season with three new team members Flt Lt Mark Lawson, Flt Lt Steve Morris and Flt Lt Oliver Parr.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “We are delighted to confirm the Red Arrows are joining us at Wings & Wheels on both days. The aerodrome has a special relationship with the team, not least because this is where their aircraft were built and tested, but also we are one of the few airshows on the circuit where they can land and take-off as part of their display. We’ve also secured some other fantastic air and motoring demonstrations and look forward to announcing more of the line-up over the coming weeks.”

The ‘Wings’ of the event treats visitors to outstanding and diverse 4 hour air displays accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots, a close-up inspection of all the weekends visiting aircraft and a tour of Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’.

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.

We’ve also 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.

Sensational Family Event Wings & Wheels Returns

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

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.

Saturday to kick start Wings & Wheels 2013

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

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.

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Explosive success for Dunsfold Wings & Wheels

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

The most exciting, explosive Wings & Wheels to date enthralled and delighted over 30,000 visitors on Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August. A fantastic combination of new and old aircraft thrilled crowds as the Red Arrows, Vulcan and Battle of Britain Memorial flight took part in the five hour airshows along with unique formation displays from the Meteor T7 and Hawker Hunter, Spitfire and Mustang, Fokker and Apache.

Hearts were pumping and crowds jumping as the Tornado GR4 roared across the sky through fireballs and explosions in a simulated attack before the soothing aerobatics of the Breitling Wingwalkers took centre stage.

Straight from his jump as the Queen at the Olympic Opening Ceremony, stuntman Gary Connery leapt from his helicopter in his wing suit, leaving crowds gasping as he waited until he was metres from the ground before deploying his parachute.

The Wheels Zone was awash with vintage vehicles in static displays and over 100 participants joined in the motoring demonstration run by Brooklands Museum including legendry Formula One and Grand Prix Motorcycle road racer John Surtees in his Formula One car. The Stunt Zone showcased four and two wheeled daredevil performances from Paul Swift and *NEW* act, Learn 2 Wheelie.

The 70th anniversary of the Aerodrome was celebrated in a popular central arena display which charted the historic sites beginnings to the current thriving business and events hub it has now become.

The 32 acre public arena was also bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions from the 1940s Zone, Hot Rod Zone and *NEW* interactive display from the famous Boeing 747 and DC3. Visitors enjoyed 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.

Jamie McAllister, Events Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “Each year the team work tirelessly to improve and introduce new elements to Wings & Wheels and we are thrilled with the success of this year’s Show. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. There was so much to see and do in the air and on the ground, from old classics to new and exciting demonstrations with something for everyone. I would like to thank all of the staff, volunteers and individuals who worked tirelessly to put on the Show and all those who have supported Wings & Wheels through sponsorship, donations and by purchasing tickets.”

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited to help raise funds for nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust, Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust, Help for Heroes and Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.

http://www.wingsandwheels.net

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On Her Majestys Secret Service

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

Following his two celebrated showcase events this year, Olympics opening ceremony aerial stuntman GARY CONNERY will make an exclusive appearance at Dunsfold Wings & Wheels on Monday 27th August.

Gary will combine his wing-suit world record achievement with a deployment by canopy in front of a thrilled audience. Arriving in a James Bond-esque pursuit in an AC Cobra, Gary will make good his escape by helicopter, before exiting to make his trademark wing-suit flight, deploying the canopy just in time to make a target landing in front of the audience. He’ll then return to the wheel of the Cobra before joining the crowd for meet and greets and photographs.

Garry Connery comments: “I have always had a passion for flying and cars. To be involved in a show that brings the two together is wonderful and I can’t wait to share my wingsuit flight with so many people in one day at Wings & Wheels. The visual experience will be awesome.”

Over 1 billion people worldwide watched Gary’s last performance as he stood in for the skydiving ‘Queen’s’ dramatic arrival at the Olympics Opening Ceremony with James Bond on Friday 27th July 2012. It was the most talked-about sequence of Danny Boyle’s stunning three hour ceremony.

Gary made his first parachute jump as an Army recruit at the age of 23 and has since become a professional stuntman. The 42-year-old daredevil is a veteran of the skies with over 880 sky dives, 450 base jumps and dozens of film and television roles, as well as having leapt from famous buildings including the top of London’s Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Nelson’s Column and the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are thrilled to announce that Gary is joining our Wings line-up on Monday 27th August with his unique wing-suit display. He’s renowned for his world record attempts and more recently his stand in role as the Queen at the Olympics Opening Ceremony and is a welcome addition to what is shaping up to be our most exciting Wings & Wheels Show to date.”

http://www.wingsandwheels.net/

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World Records and Flying Machines Launch Wings & Wheels 2012

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

The Wings & Wheels launch got off to a flying start yesterday (Tuesday 14th August) as two Hawks swooped in to help the team with their Guinness World Record attempt.

Having looked long and hard at the thousands of recent records, discarded the longest distance to squirt milk from your eye and the most forward rolls in one minute, the team at Wings & Wheels created the longest ever line of toy cars.

The world record attempt, which saw 3,737 cars lined up over 258.2 metres, was completed on the Top Gear track with a little help from Hawk pilots Flt Lt Phil Bird and Flt Lt Bruce Poole, volunteers from Help for Heroes, Brooklands Museum, Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance and Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust, as well as 14 Sussex Wing Air Cadets and 17 families and fans of Wings & Wheels.

Two independent officials, Richard Newsam of Curchod & Co and Lt. Col. Bill Carling were also on hand to oversee proceedings and make sure everything was in order. The Wings & Wheels team now have a tense seven day wait to hear if they have succeeded and beaten the current world record of 3,001 cars and a length of 239.1 metres.

Nancy Edwards, Wings & Wheels Event Manager comments; “Each year at the show we major on the diverse range of displays and attractions we have available for the whole family to enjoy. The launch was a little taste of this and we were thrilled with the reaction we got from the public and press on our world record attempt, it really captured everyone’s imagination. We’ll be displaying the cars from the record at Wings & Wheels on Sunday 26th & Monday 27th August 2012 where we also hope to announce our record result.”

As well as flypasts from the Hawks, journalists and guests were taken back in time by Brooklands Museum to compete in an adrenaline pumping pit-stop challenge on a 1928 Bentley 4 ½ litre Le Mans car. Teams of two raced against-the-clock to get into their 30s race suits, remove and replace wheels, check oil levels and clean windscreens with aviation journalists Mike Rivett and James George eventually being crowned overall winners.

The launch was just a taster of what a sensational summer event for the whole family Wings & Wheels is. Bursting with the unmissable sound of roaring jet engines, the twisting and turning trills of death defying stunts, the iconic beauty of vintage and classic machines and the joyful buzz of delighted spectators, the Show will blow your mind!

The 8th annual Wings and Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Sunday 26th & Monday 27th August 2012, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 18:00.

Tickets start from £18 for adults, £40 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £5 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 tickets call 08712 305572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust, Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust, Help for Heroes and Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.

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