october – Airscene News

World land speed record holder inspires young innovators at Brooklands

World land speed record holder Andy Green OBE encouraged young people to be curious, work together and take on ambitious challenges when he delivered a keynote speech at Brooklands Innovation Academy (BIA) LIVE on Wednesday 7 October 2026, at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey.

The event brought over 500 pupils from 42 schools from across the South East to Brooklands Museum for a full day of practical workshops, talks and conversations with people working in science, technology, engineering and maths. Moving between sessions across the Museum, students tested ideas and solved problems inspired by the work of researchers, engineers, healthcare professionals and businesses.

They explored challenges spanning robotics, satellite design, aerospace, healthcare, sustainable energy and precision engineering. Activities included coding robots, designing and launching rockets, learning how products such as toothpaste and medicines are developed, and investigating the science behind flight. Speaker sessions and an apprentice panel opened up conversations about the different routes into STEM careers.

Andy’s appearance carried a particular connection to Brooklands – his selection as the driver of ThrustSSC was announced at the Museum in 1995. Two years later, he became the first person to break the sound barrier on land.

Andy Green OBE said: “Coming back to Brooklands Museum to speak with these brilliant students has been a real pleasure. This was the place where I was announced as the driver of ThrustSSC, so I know how a moment here can mark the start of an extraordinary challenge.

“I hope students take away from today that a world record is never one person’s achievement. It takes people with different skills asking questions, testing ideas, learning from setbacks and working together. I saw plenty of that spirit in the workshops today.”

Now in its fifth year, Brooklands Innovation Academy connects young people with industry and education partners at events run throughout the year. Before today’s BIA LIVE event, its 2026 programme had welcomed over 300 pupils from more than 20 schools, with sessions covering real-world maths, sustainable fuel production, accessible engineering and women in STEM.

Jamie Youles, Head of Science, Jubilee High School, Addlestone said: “We’ve been bringing students to Brooklands Innovation Academy every year because we see the difference it makes. It takes science beyond the classroom and shows young people where their curiosity, ideas and skills could take them. Meeting people who are working at the forefront of science, technology and engineering, and then getting the chance to take part themselves, makes those careers feel real and achievable. “For some students, a day like this can genuinely change how they see their future. They come back to school excited, asking questions and talking about possibilities they perhaps hadn’t considered before. That’s why BIA has become such an important date in our school calendar.”

Alex Patterson, CEO of Brooklands Museum said: “Brooklands has always been a place where people turned bold ideas into real achievements. Today, students did more than hear that story – they worked alongside people solving challenges in the world around us. “Andy’s achievements show what determination and collaboration can make possible, and our partners have helped young people discover just how many paths there are into STEM. We hope every student leaves knowing that their ideas and skills could shape what comes next.”

Brooklands Innovation Academy LIVE is presented by Brooklands Museum in partnership with Bourne Education Trust as part of the National Science Summer School programme. Lead sponsor Haleon, sponsors BAE Systems and Stanhope-Seta, and a wide range of workshop providers and supporters helped bring the day to life.

Preeti Roy, Global Innovation Research Lead – Oral Health and STEM Sponsor at Haleon, said: “At Haleon, innovation and scientific expertise are at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re proud to be the lead sponsor of the Brooklands Innovation Academy, an initiative that helps bring STEM to life for the next generation of talent. Programmes like this give young people the opportunity to experience STEM in a practical and engaging way, helping them explore the many career paths available to them.”

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

See RIAT27 from a whole new perspective

There’s something special about watching the flying display unfold, and with RIAT27 planning well underway, now is the time to choose how you want to experience it.

Join us from 16–18 July 2027 for three days of incredible aircraft, spectacular flying and unforgettable aviation action.

Whether you’re a lifelong aviation fan or simply looking for an incredible day out, there’s plenty waiting to be discovered.

BOOK TICKETS

Take your seat at Viewing Village Grandstand

Want to make sure you have a great spot to sit back and enjoy the flying?

Viewing Village Grandstand gives you your own allocated seat, providing a comfortable place to enjoy the spectacular displays throughout the day.

Take the opportunity to sit back, relax and watch the action overhead, while still having all the excitement of RIAT happening around you.

It’s a great way to make your day more comfortable – without missing a moment of the action.

DISCOVER VIEWING VILLAGE GRANDSTAND

Exclusive Screening Comes to Army Flying Museum

An exclusive preview film screening is set to take place at the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire on Remembrance week.

The award-winning British First World War feature – The Fallow Few – starring Tony Robinson, will be screened in the stunning surroundings of the Museum before moving onto the wider cinema circuit.

The film, which is based on a true story, is set on the Western Front in December 1916, when the average lifespan of a British soldier was just six weeks. Fortunately for Corporal George Hansen, his childhood friend and Assistant Provost offers him a way off the deadly front lines: A seemingly cushy job guarding British deserters the night before their dawn executions by firing squad.

George leaps at the opportunity, but it isn’t long before shepherding broken teenagers to their officer-sanctioned murders crushes his spirit. It is the ultimate form of survivor’s guilt – the knowledge that he lives, only because he is a willing participant in the unjust deaths of his brothers-in-arms. As he forms a bond with one of those awaiting execution, George is forced to confront his own conscience and decide how far he is willing to go to save a fellow soldier.

The film, which was financed and shot in Hampshire, is now returning to Hampshire from Hollywood ahead of its wide release!

In this very special screening at the Museum, there will also be a live Q&A with members of the cast and crew, with insights into the film’s making, its historical inspiration and its journey from Hampshire to the screen.

The special screening will take place on Monday 9^th November. More information and tickets are available from www.armyflying.com/what-s-on/events

Pucará A-515 Joins the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum

The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum are pleased to announce the arrival of ex Argentinian FMA Pucará ‘A-515’ to join our Falklands War display ‘11 Weeks in 1982’ – the UK’s largest permanent display dedicated to the conflict.

Flying with the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina) from the Falkland Islands, A-515 took part in a number of missions throughout the war against British forces, including the final Pucará mission on the 10th June. During this sortie, the aircraft was lightly damaged by small arms fire and would not fly again before the Argentine surrender on the 14th June.

Captured by British forces at the end of the conflict, the Pucará was returned to the UK for trials and evaluation work with the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at MOD Boscombe Down. After extensive work to assess the aircraft and ensure its airworthiness, A-515 was allocated the RAF Serial of ZD485 and flown for approximately 25 hours in the UK, the only captured Pucará to be flown in the UK.

After completion of the trials work, A-515 was flown to the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford on 9th September 1983, A-515 remained part of the RAF Museum collection until being transferred to the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in October 2025.

Joining the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum’s ‘11 weeks in 1982’ display, Pucará A-515 is now displayed alongside a number of other veteran aircraft from both sides of the Falklands War1 and a memorial dedicated to the 255 British servicemen and 3 islanders killed during the war. The Pucará has been rebuilt by our dedicated volunteers and is currently displayed outdoors pending future museum development when it will be moved indoors.

South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum curator Naylan Moore said “The acquisition of the Pucará is a fantastic addition to our ‘11 Weeks in 1982’ display, joining a number of other aircraft that flew on both sides of the conflict. This will allow us to further share the story of the Falklands War with our visitors and honour those that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Dr Harry Raffal, Head of collections and Research at the RAF Museum said: “The RAF Museum’s gifting of the Pucará A-515 will provide the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum with an exciting new exhibit. The Pucará was operated by the Fuerza Aérea Argentina during the Falklands War, although not in direct contact with the RAF. The gift will share the Pucará story with new audiences and expand the wider understanding of the Falklands War. “

www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk

Royal International Air Tattoo announces theme for next year’s event

Next summer a series of fast jets will soar through the Gloucestershire skies as the Royal International Air Tattoo confirms next year’s show theme is ‘Fighter Meet’.

Every July, RAF Fairford transforms into a hive of activity as the Royal International Air Tattoo attracts thousands of visitors to the Cotswolds for the aviation showcase. This year, event organisers announced the show had attracted a record crowd of over 178,000 people, following a year that saw ticket sell at a record pace for the third year in a row.

RIAT26 will have an operational theme of ‘Fighter Meet’ highlighting the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and hope to include examples of modern fighter aircraft used across the globe. In addition, 2026 also marks 30 years since Royal status was granted to the event, and in recognition of this next year’s event will have a sub-theme of Royal Flight, which will be marked with a gathering of aircraft used for VIP transportation.

Speaking on the theme announcement, Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch said: “Our Fighter Meet theme is an exciting opportunity to showcase a myriad of aircraft types, particularly fast jets, which are always popular with our visitors. As always, our aspiration is to provide an eclectic mix of aircraft from around the world for our visitors to view in July.”

All proceeds from the annual aviation showcase are donated to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), whose purpose is to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.

In the last three years, grants from the charity have enabled over 750,000 young people aged 5 – 25 years to be engaged in STEM activities, which have been delivered by leading UK charities and powered by the airshow’s sustained popularity. In addition, the show’s flagship ground attraction, the Techno Zone® will again be a hive of activity with a range of interactive activities for entertain visitors of all ages. Aircraft participation is set to be announced early next year, with tickets available via www.AirTattoo.com.

RIAT success supports ¾ million young people across the UK in STEM

In response to the acute STEM skills shortage facing the UK and building on the success of their Royal International Air Tattoo, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) grants have now enabled over 750,000 young people to be inspired via life changing STEM educational programmes delivered by some of the UK’s leading STEM education charities.

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), hosted annually at RAF Fairford, is delivered as a not-for-profit event and powers the RAFCT’s grant making. RAFCT invests in leading UK charities to help build the strategic delivery capacity the UK needs to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.

In 2022, the Gloucestershire based charity published its intention to reach 500,000 children by July 2026 but with more than a year to go they have now announced that they have already surpassed their target, much to the delight of Director Dr Kevin P Stenson.

He said: “The RAF Charitable Trust is uniquely positioned to enable young people aged 5-25 years to explore how STEM explains and shapes the world around them, and to inspire them to change the world by pushing boundaries in aviation and space exploration.

“We see the achievement of ¾ quarters of a million engagements as a launchpad for more collective action across the UK to help address the acute STEM skills shortage holding back the United Kingdom and preventing too many young people from fulfilling their potential.”

In support of the Trust’s purpose to promote the RAF and inspire young people, this year’s airshow saw over 178,500 people visit the event in what was its third successive sell out. The aviation showcase continues to grow, with 224 aircraft from 27 different nations on display in July including the Egyptian Air Force which became the 59th participating nation when they provided an aircraft for the first time this summer.

In addition to highlights in the air, the event also boasted plenty of STEM inspiration on the ground with the show’s Techno Zone® and Inspire Stage hosting exhibits from the aerospace industry plus inspirational sessions from the likes of British astronaut Tim Peake, TV’s Rachel Riley and everyone’s favourite, the iconic Red Arrows.

In addition to maintaining its current partnerships, RAFCT will provide grants to at least five new partners in the 2025/26 Academic Year.

“Thanks to the incredible support afforded by the public, UK and International Defence Air and Space, and of course the RAF, the Trust can be ever bolder in its ambition to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology,” he added.

www.airtattoo.com

POV: Shuttleworth Only Do Air Shows… Think Again!

Shuttleworth is highly regarded for its spectacular annual season of air shows, but if you were under the impression that air shows were where the events stopped, you’d be missing out. Today Shuttleworth have announced their 2026 ‘Events & More’ season – basically, any and all events outside of their air shows – and boy are there some exciting things going on at the Biggleswade based estate.

2026 will see 20 (yes, you heard right, 20!) non-air show events taking place across the year – and that’s before you even consider their annual Shuttleworth in Lights winter trail and festive offering. Of those 20, there will be six brand new events specifically focused on letting the general public into Shuttleworth House on a more regular basis. The Jacobean style mansion house is primarily an award-winning wedding and private hire space.

So, what are the new events? On 9 January, the inaugural Comedy Night at Shuttleworth House will take place with more to be announced throughout the year. Also kicking off a new series will be the String Quartet: Spring Sessions on 24 April. Whether is live comedy or live classical music, these events promise world-class entertainment in an opulent yet intimate setting. Continuing the theme of glamour and decadence, visitors are invited to take inspiration from Bond and dress up for a Casino Royale night at Shuttleworth House on 28 March. You can walk the red carpet, enjoy something “shaken, not stirred” from the bar and use fun-money to place your bets! For 2026, Shuttleworth is also introducing new themed tribute music nights. At their ABBA night (11 April) and Blues Brothers night (28 August) you can enjoy all your favourite hits performed live by fantastic tribute artists before dancing the night away with an after party. Then, for the very first time, you’ll also have the chance to celebrate the beginning of the 2026 air show season with a Season Premiere Pre-Show Party on 9 May.

2026 will see the welcome return of some audience favourites too. For the last weekend of the February half term (21 & 22 February) Shuttleworth throws open it’s engineering hangar doors for Engineering Open Workshop. Last year’s event saw record attendance and you can expect a fantastic introduction to how the Shuttleworth team restore and maintain their remarkably unique Collection of aircraft, vehicles and wider exhibits – complete with interactive activities for the whole family. As spring makes a welcome return, 4 & 5 April will see the Easter Bunny flying into a classic Shuttleworth event. Packed with family entertainment, an egg hunt and so much more, if you’re looking to change things up this Easter, look no further. Then, following the huge success of the past two years, Shuttleworth’s Summer Fete Open Weekend returns on 4 & 5 July. For just £7.50 per adult with kids going free, you can enjoy a massive array of activity across the entire Shuttleworth site. From live music to a craft and gift market, fun fair, demonstrations from the Shuttleworth Fire Service, a showcase of models plus full access to the Collection hangars and nine-acre Swiss Garden there’s plenty to explore across the weekend. All this for just £7.50!

But that’s not all, you’ve then got the ever-popular Murder Mystery events to enjoy, a world record attempt, the 150th anniversary of Shuttleworth House itself, Wedding Shows and some brilliant third-party events to boot.

Rhys Horan, Operations Manager at Shuttleworth, said, “We’re so excited to be dramatically expanding our wider events offering for 2026, particularly with our exciting new events at Shuttleworth House. We can’t wait to welcome even more to experience what we do so well at Shuttleworth next year.”

www.shuttleworth.org

Cooler weather, hot merch

As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, now is the ideal time to update your wardrobe with warm, practical layers.

The official RIAT merchandise collection offers a range of comfortable, high-quality products designed to keep you warm while you reminisce over another unforgettable year of RIAT.

Whether you’re layering up, cuddling up to a RIAT teddy bear, or keeping your pets warm – there’s something for everyone.

Explore all Merch HERE

Enclosure ticket price update – don’t miss out on the best savings!

Current Discount: 15%

New Discount (from midnight Sunday 12th October): 10%

This applies to Sunday Tickets:

• Aviation Club

• First Class Lounge

• Viewing Village Grandstand

Book before midnight on Sunday 12th October to secure the best price!

Book Tickets HERE

Elevate RIAT26: Secure your enclosure package today!

Whether you’re after a front-row seat to aircraft take-offs, a family-friendly space packed with activities, or an all-inclusive fine dining experience complete with a private garden, our wide range of enclosures and hospitality options have everything you need to elevate your RIAT26 experience.

Please note: Flight Deck on Saturday 10% off discount is ending Sunday at midnight! From Monday, it will be 5% off. Buy now for the best price.

Book your Enclosure Tickets HERE

RAF Museum hosts Remembrance Service to honour fallen heroes

RAF Museum Midlands Remembrance Service

Date: Sunday 10 November
Time: 10.30am arrival / 10.45am service commences
Cost: FREE (pre-booking required)

On Sunday 10 November, the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands will host a Service of Remembrance to honour members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty.

Visitors are warmly invited to join the service, led by RAF Cosford’s Station Chaplain, John Mbayo, and reflect on the sacrifices of service personnel past and present. The service will begin with a formal welcome from RAF Cadets and a marching contingent from the School of Physical Training, RAF Cosford. This moving ceremony will include readings, hymns, and the traditional sounding of ‘The Last Post,’ followed by a two-minute silence in tribute.

Throughout the service, attendees will be treated to hymns performed by the Cosford Military Wives Choir. Wreaths will be laid in respect by representatives from the Museum, RAF Cosford, Cosford Military Wives Choir, and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, in memory of those who have fallen in service to their country.

The service will be held in the Museum’s Hangar 1, set against a backdrop of historic aircraft. Admission is free, but to ensure a place, guests are encouraged to book one of the 450 available tickets in advance at rafmuseum.org/midlands. Visitors are asked to arrive by 10.30am in preparation for the service, which will begin promptly at 10.45am.

The RAF Museum Midlands is open daily from 10.00am, with free admission. After the service, visitors are encouraged to explore the Museum at their leisure. For more details or to book your free ticket, please visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.