Posts Tagged ‘July’

CC Prizes from Key Publishing

Sunday, July 30th, 2023

Avro Military 1910-63

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Key Publishing are returning to Airscene as a sponsor again this year.

Two years of pandemic and staffing changes did mean I have had to find new contacts, and try to get what is effectively new sponsorship in place.

I was permitted to pick prizes this year from the current catalogue, and so Key Publishing will be providing the following:

1 copy of “Avro Military 1910-63” valued at £15.99 and 2 copies of “Aviation Photographer” – a bookazine valued at £4.99. I had made this pick before the bookazine sold out, and it is not certain it will be back in print when the competition closes, so winners of the bookazine prizes will be given the opportunity to select any alternative bookazine up to £5 in value if this one is not available.

Please support our sponsors where you can, Key’s shop can be found at: Key Publishing Shop: Aviation and Transport Specialists — Key Publishing Ltd

Chinook and Memorial Flight set to fly at Bournemouth

Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

Bournemouth Air Festival Chinook

The popular Royal Air Force Chinook Display Team will be returning to Bournemouth Air Festival for an impressive aerial display this year.

The team have only chosen only eight air shows to display at this season, so their performance of pirouettes and turns over our award-winning coastline, is not to be missed.

The iconic sounds and sights of the World War Two aircraft in the shape of Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster will also make a graceful reappearance across the four days which runs from 31 August – 3 September.

Festival goers can ensure they get the best view by taking advantage of VIP daytime hospitality or VIP live music evenings with dusk flying in the official marquee.

Visitors can also snap up casual reserved seats on the beach with a dedicated ‘Sandbar’ and toilets – all on the central flight line in an exclusive area.

This year’s festival, organised by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council), includes exciting ground events such as a fun fair, performances from the band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and fireworks. There will also be food stalls and the opportunity to meet Armed Forces officers in the RAF, Royal Navy and Army Villages.

Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, said: “Having the Chinook Display Team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at this year’s event is an opportunity not to be missed.

“Make sure you to get the best view of the festival and snap up some of the hospitality seats going. The event promises to be something for everyone.”

This Chinook display appearance is supported by Thales UK

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Shackleton WR977 Work Starts at Newark Air Museum

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

Shackleton at Newark Air Museum

On 25th July, 2023 installation work started on a bespoke scaffolding system around the nose and forward fuselage of Avro Shackleton WR977 at Newark Air Museum (NAM). This will allow teams of museum volunteers to work on this significant restoration and repainting project in safe conditions.

In 2023 NAM successfully installed jacking pads underneath the aircraft, which allowed refurbished jacks to be installed under both wings of the aircraft. This allowed NAM to make the aircraft safe; helped to mitigate issues with the main undercarriage structures; and allowed the visiting public to once again have some access inside the aircraft.

The installation of the new scaffolding by Inspired Scaffolding Services from Bilsthorpe near Newark will allow for restoration work to be undertaken on the front section of WR977 in a safe and secure manner. This work will include: sealing the main cockpit glazing; in-depth cleaning; conservation of, and the painting of this area of the aircraft.

For most of the work period, WR977 will remain as part of the museum’s open cockpit offer. The modest contributions for accessing this iconic aircraft (when possible) will contribute towards the ongoing fund raising campaign to cover the scaffolding hire costs and the cost of the weekly safety inspections.

The current anticipated timeframe for the work is ten weeks; from the end of July through to the first week of October.

In these challenging times NAM is seeking support to help fund the costs associated with the hire and regular safety inspections of the scaffolding. This NAM fund raising campaign can be accessed via the following Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wr977-scaffolding-2023

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Red Arrows Timings Announced at Bournemouth Air Festival

Wednesday, July 19th, 2023

Bournemouth Air Festival Red Arrows

Timings for the world-famous Red Arrows have been announced for this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

The key times the Red Arrows will take to the skies during the air festival are Thursday at 5.30pm, Friday and Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 2.45pm.

As well as the Red Arrows there will be an impressive line-up of air displays from fast jets to aerobatic bi-planes, helicopters and night air pyrotechnic displays.

Buy the official air festival souvenir programme to get free access to the up-to-date display timetable over the four days, exclusive stories about the aircraft and our fascinating local aviation history.

Meet the support teams that keep the display pilots flying in the RAF Village, Royal Navy Village and Army Village.

Discover games and exhibitions from local companies featuring virtual reality, lifeboats that save lives at sea and zero-carbon technology at the Ultra Energy STEM Village (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Organised by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council) this exciting event showcases our beautiful coastline and is yet another reason for visitors to come and explore our unique towns.

Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, said: “Bournemouth Air Festival is a huge event, with much to see and do whether that’s visiting the fun fair, getting inspired at the Ultra Energy STEM Village, or being mesmerised by the aerial acrobatics. It promises to be an exciting four days.”

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

RIAT 2024 Anybody?

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

Royal International Air Tattoo

The Royal International Air Tattoo has today confirmed the addition of a pair of tickets for RIAT 2024 to be added to the prize pot in the Airscene 2024 Calendar Competition.

A bit too early to say what the theme for the Air Tattoo 2024 will be in it’s 28th year with Royal status, but we suspect there could be a ww2 link with it being the 8-th anniversary of D-Day next year. So perhaps we can expect a C-47 or two? No doubt there will be lots of invasion stripes anyway 🙂

Whatever the line up is, the forecast is fine and sunny for the winner of the this years Calendar Competition, as this pair of tickets for the Sunday are allocated to 1st place prize.

Entrants are permitted to send in 2 images for review, so if you are good enough to make the shortlist that will go forward to our panel of judges in October, then do get your first entry in asap!

http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2024calendar.php

Even more aircraft attending #RIAT!

Thursday, June 22nd, 2023

RIAT Ghibli

This week we have made a double announcement with our Italian contingent finally unmasked alongside a host of other aircraft.

Starting with today’s unveiling, the United States have a trio of aircraft joining our static display that are adding to our SKYTANKER23 theme. Next month we will be joined by the USAF’s newest tanker, the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus. In addition, we will also be seeing the U-2 Dragon Lady, and special WC-130J Hercules Weatherbird.

Plus, we have a massive update that includes 14 new civilian aircraft for the static lineup! There are a plethora of interesting aircraft here. For a full look, please click the link below and check on the civilian section on our confirmed aircraft page.

Elsewhere, we also welcome the Hungarian Air Force to RIAT. They will be arriving with a SAAB JAS-39C Gripen for static display.

Earlier this week we also revealed an update from the Italian Air Force, who are treating us to four incredible flying displays.

For those who missed it, we are set to welcome the return of the Reparto Sperimentale Volo with their impressive solo displays of the F-2000A, T-346A and C-27J. Plus, we will see a search and rescue demonstration from their HH-139B helicopter.

The Italians will also be bringing an impressive number of aircraft for the RIAT static lineup, of which, highlights include a pair of U-208A’s, combat helicopters such as the HH-212A & HH-101A, Tornado & Ghibli jets and adding to our theme of SKYTANKER23 we will see both their KC-767A and KC-130J tankers too!

www.airtattoo.com/tickets

Sports artefacts up for adoption

Sunday, July 31st, 2022

RAF Museum PTI badge

In celebration of the Commonwealth Games launching in Birmingham, the Royal Air Force Museum is adding two new sporty objects to the Adopt an Artefact initiative.

The new objects representing sport within the RAF have been specially selected from the Museum’s collection of more than 1.3 million items and join over 60 artefacts in the adoptable collection.

Sported by the apprentices at RAF Cranwell in the 1920s, the Cranwell Boys’ Wing Sports Cap is first of two new sports artefacts available for adoption. Royal Air Force apprentices aged 15-16 would undertake three years of technical training, passing out as highly qualified mechanics. Sports were a feature of an apprentice’s life, with regular afternoon sessions being devoted to games. The cap can be viewed on display at the Museum’s London site and is the perfect adoption for any Cranwell attendees or all-round sports fans.

Formed from three arms bearing gymnastic exercise clubs is the Physical Training Instructor Badge, the second new addition to the Museum’s adoptable collection. The Royal Air Force School of Physical Training was formed on the same day as the Royal Air Force, 1 April 1918. It is responsible for preparing instructors to lead physical training education and activities. This object, circa 1923-1949 recognises the important role sport and fitness has played within the RAF and is an ideal adoption for any trainer, as well as those with a close connection to RAF Cosford. Look out for this artefact on display next time you visit the Museum’s Midlands site.

Adopt an Artefact’ highlights a selection of iconic and unusual objects from the Museum collection which span more than a century of aviation and RAF history. People can browse the items and adopt online at www.rafmuseum.org.

Ella Hewitt, RAF Museum Individual Giving Manager said:
‘With the Commonwealth Games inspiring the next generation of athletes, it’s a great opportunity for the Museum to look back at the RAF’s sporting history and reflect on the role sport has played for service personnel. Adopting an artefact such as the Cranwell Boys’ Wing Sports Cap or the Physical Training Instructor Badge, helps raise funds for the Museum, enabling us to continue sharing the RAF story. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to buy an unusual gift for a budding athlete or sports lover, and to receive something unique in return for your support.’

Starting at £25.00, adoptions last 12 months from the date they are adopted. Every adoption includes a digital adoption certificate and photo, online recognition with a personalised message, and exclusive updates throughout the year.

Adoptees can view their artefacts during a visit to the Museum. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free, simply pre-book your arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org.

Newark Air Museum Awarded Accreditation Accolade

Monday, July 25th, 2022

Newark Saab Safir

From its humble beginnings in the 1960s, when a group of like-minded aviation enthusiasts set out with a desire to own a Spitfire, over the years the Newark Air Museum has evolved into one of the UK’s leading volunteer managed aviation museums. Open to the public for forty-nine years; the museum is located just to the north of Newark-on-Trent; on part of what is the former World War II training airfield of RAF Winthorpe, which is in eastern Nottinghamshire.

Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries.

It means that Newark Air Museum is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard and shows the museum takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations.

Accreditation opens up exciting funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions and gives access to professional advice and support. It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.

Accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes – from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums – and more than 1,700 museums are currently taking part in the scheme across the UK.

More information about the Accreditation scheme can be found here.

Colin Savill, Museum Trustee said: “The renewal of our Accreditation with Arts Council England has been running throughout the Covid-19 crisis and we are grateful for everyone’s support in us finally being able to secure this prestigious award.”

Liz Johnson, Director Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted that Newark Air Museum has been successful in gaining their Accreditation status. This means that their Collections will be looked after and maintained offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

RAF Museum Recent Aviation Photo Acquisitions

Thursday, July 14th, 2022

RAF Museum Arrow

The Royal Air Force Museum has been fortunate to acquire three significant collections from 20th century aviation photographers. Each adds to the record of aviation in the 20th century, especially the history of the Royal Air Force, and they have been generously donated by their families.

The first collection was acquired before lockdown. Richard Winslade worked with historic aviation organisations, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Royal Navy Historic Flight. He had scanned and cleaned many of his images before uploading them to his Flickr site, About Richard Winslade | Flickr.

The second collection was offered just before lockdown but couldn’t be collected before travel restrictions were imposed. Richard Wilson was one of the foremost aviation photographers of his generation, learning from the masters, such as Charles E Brown, and take their place when they retired. Richard, like Brown, worked closely with RAF PR and was awarded the CP Robertson Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the person considered to have made the best contribution in presenting the work of the RAF to the public. An interview with Richard was published in Supplement No. 7 to Aeroplane Monthly, 1985.

While we were waiting for an opportunity to collect the Wilson collection, the Rentoul and Wakeford collection was offered to us by Tom Wakeford’s widow. The collection is far larger than the other two combined and is more varied in its content. Tom Wakeford was a semi-professional aviation photographer, author and magazine editor. The subject of his books included the Panavia Tornado, Operation Granby and the RAF 75th anniversary. He worked closely with Ian Rentoul whose photographs are included in the collection.

The RAF Museum is grateful to the families of the photographers.

www.rafmuseum.org

Vulcan Repaint Fund Raising Boost

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

Newark Vulcan XM594 repaint

The trustees and volunteers at the Newark Air Museum (NAM) have received a fund raising boost thanks to the generosity of the British Aviation Research Group (BARG). Having been advised about the museum’s much needed refurbishment and repainting work on Avro Vulcan XM594, members of the BARG DVD Implementation Team have kindly agreed to meet the cost of the paint and associated materials.

In December 2021 the museum took ownership of Vulcan XM594 and this was undertaken in the knowledge that some significant structural repairs and repainting work was required on the huge delta winged aircraft.

During spring 2022, the museum received a letter from BARG asking if they had any military aircraft preservation projects that required financial support. In response the museum submitted an application to BARG in relation to the materials required for the Vulcan repaint.

BARG’s history dates back to the 1950s, which is longer than the museum’s. This is when a group of young enthusiast started a monthly publication reporting aircraft sightings at Blackbushe Airport (then London’s second airport). The group expanded and became a byword for military aviation enthusiasts. Eventually BARG transferred their publications and research data onto searchable DVDs, which were sold around the world. The proceeds from these sales have enabled BARG to support projects like NAM’s Vulcan repaint project.

“We are extremely grateful to BARG for their generous support of the repainting work on Vulcan XM594.” Said Newark Air Museum trustee Howard Heeley, he concluded, “Their contribution is being made as and when we purchase the paint, and it allows us to proceed at a steady pace that makes the most of the sometimes changeable British weather.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org