September – Page 9 – Airscene News

IWM Duxford features in the exciting new British Airways advertising campaign

British Airways has today launched its biggest brand advertising campaign for a decade. The TV advert showcases the airline’s heritage and highlights the characteristics that makes British Airways so special. Synonymous with heritage in aviation, IWM Duxford was chosen as one of the filming locations for the new British Airways advert.

Filming took place during June 2011 and involved a team of 40 extras and a large film crew. The Museum worked in partnership with a number of on-site flying partners to achieve the complex filming requirements.

The advert shows Duxford Aviation Society’s Concorde cockpit and VC10, Classic Wings’ de Havilland Dragon Rapide and a number of IWM Duxford vehicles, including the Bedford truck on display in AirSpace , the refueller from Hangar 4: Battle of Britain and the BOAC cub and luggage trolley from AirSpace.

A Douglas DC-3 Dakota was flown in from Norway especially for the occasion and several vintage vehicles were brought in from other collections to represent the appropriate historical periods.

The filming involved recreating nostalgic civil aviation scenes from a number of periods during the 20th century. Duxford was transported back to the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s during the filming project.

The stunningly visual advert was launched on Wednesday 21 September on the British Airways Facebook site – http://www.facebook.com/#!/britishairways.

Chance to have a flight in formation with a Spitfire and raise money for charity

A lottery to win a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to fly in formation with one of history’s most iconic aircraft may have ended, but a further place remains up for grabs for one lucky aviation fan.The fly2help charity, which supports people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses, offered two lucky winners the chance to fly alongside a Spitfire.

The names of the winning pair are due to be announced in the next few days and they will take to the skies at Cotswold Airport, on Sunday (September 25th).

However, the charity is now offering another aviation fan the opportunity to bid, via a donation to fly2help, for a third slot outright and see at close quarters the aerial elegance of the Second World War fighter aircraft.

For a minimum donation of £750, the successful bidder will also have the chance to experience a simulated aerial dogfight and a private display by the RV8tors aerobatic display team, whose aircraft are emblazoned with the fly2help logo.

The charity supports families struggling to live with bereavement and disability, isolation or financial deprivation, as well as people who have suffered extreme neglect and abuse.

And fly2help’s Chief Executive Chris Hadlow said all the money from both the lottery and flight donation bid will provide much-needed support for the organisation.

He said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the text lottery and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who entered.

“At the same time, we’re also delighted to be offering a third person the chance to experience what promises to be an amazing day’s flying.

“Not many people get the chance to see a Spitfire in flight at such close quarters and I’m sure this rare opportunity will really capture the imagination of aviation fans.”

For further enquiries, please call fly2help on 01285 770821.

Reno Air Race Disaster

Unconfirmed reports say that perhaps as many as 12 people have died and dozens injured after a P51 Mustang crashed into the crowd yesterday at Reno Air Races, Nevada.

54 people were taken to hospital and it is believed that 15 are in critical.

Eyewitness Dr Gerald Lent, of Reno, told the newspaper: “It’s just like a massacre. It’s like a bomb went off. There are people lying all over the runway.”

With four pilots killed in the 2007/2008 National Air Races at Reno, and another Mustang crashing last year whilst trying to land in heavy crosswinds (on this occasion the pilot survived), it was only a matter of time before a tragedy involving spectators would happen, and perhaps now Reno’s safety record will get an overdue ‘long hard look’.

Airscene’s thoughts are with the families of those killed or injured in this disaster, and we hope that further tragedies of this kind will be avoided in future.

Great demand prompts airshow to extend closing date for online ticket sales

Great pre-show ticket sales for this year’s action-packed Battle of Britain Airshow have led to organisers extending the closing date for internet sales.The event takes place at Cotswold Airport this weekend (September 17 and 18) and, as with previous years, all sales of tickets ordered online were due to cease at midnight on the Monday before the event (last night).

However, demand for tickets this year has been so encouraging that organisers have decided to allow those wishing to attend to continue purchasing tickets online (through www.battleofbritainairshow.com) until midnight on Thursday (Sept 15).

Any ordered online before last night’s traditional deadline will be sent via post, but any ordered after will be collectable on the gate on the day they were purchased for.

The Spitfires and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the Tiger Moths of the Tiger Nine display team are among the star attractions this year.

A Jet Provost T3 will also take to skies and, on the ground, there will be a traditional funfair and dedicated trade village, with greater local participation.

People wishing to attend are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance.

Contingency plans have also been made to cope with larger than usual numbers, as was experienced last year.

Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “We’re delighted with the pre-sales so far and it’s shaping up to be another great year.

“We’ve adopted contingency plans to cope with any demand for extra car parking and are also giving people the chance to buy their tickets online until just two days before the show.

“That way, it helps us gauge exactly how many people are coming. However, we will welcome anyone who makes a snap decision to attend on one of the days too.”

Among the other attractions at the event will be a replica Fokker DR.1 triplane, identical to that flown by the infamous/legendary World War One fighter ace the Red Baron.

It will be joined by an old adversary in the Sopwith triplane, while the RedHawks aerobatic duo, the South Cerney-based Renegades parachute team, an Antonov AN2 and a Bucker Jungmeister will also take to the skies.

Meanwhile, crowds will also be offered the chance to fly in a vintage airliner, courtesy of Classic Flight and its stunning de Havilland Dragon Rapide.

Cotswold Airport-based HH Helicopters will be offering pleasure flights too.

There will also be more than 100 classic vehicles, including around 40 vintage Bentleys, and around 50 military vehicles on display.

Tickets for the event are priced at £15, with children 16 and under admitted free.

As well as the airshow website (www.battleofbritainairshow.com); they are available from The Crown public house, West Market Place, Cirencester; Kemble Village Shop; and from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Witney and Burford.

Local traders are also being offered heavily discounted rates for showground pitches.

For more information on trade stand rates, contact Suzannah Harvey at suzannah@cotswoldairport.com.

Charity offers opportunity to win a flight in formation with a Spitfire

Aviation fans are being offered a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to fly in formation with one of history’s most iconic aircraft.And by entering a lottery in a bid to secure the prize, they will be raising much-needed funds for charity.

The fly2help charity, which supports people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses, is offering two lucky winners the chance to fly alongside a Spitfire.

To enter, all entrants need to do is text FLY to 70099, and their names will go into a draw to take to the skies at Cotswold Airport, on Sunday, September 25th, and see at close quarters the aerial elegance of the Second World War fighter aircraft.

The winning pair will then get the chance to experience a simulated aerial dogfight and a private display by the RV8tors aerobatic display team, whose aircraft are emblazoned with the fly2help logo.

The charity also supports families struggling to live with bereavement and disability, isolation or financial deprivation, as well as people who have suffered extreme neglect and abuse.

Charity Manager for fly2help, Sue Bennett, said: “This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. To fly in formation with a Spitfire and actually see one at close quarters while in flight really is an experience to be treasured.

“We’re very grateful to everyone who has supported us and given us the opportunity to offer this fantastic prize.

“We’re now hoping that as many people as possible will enter because money raised through the competition will go to the charity and will help us provide support for those who need it.”

The competition is being supported by both the RV8tors aerobatic display team, whose aircraft are emblazoned with the fly2help logo, and Cotswold Airport-based Ultimate High.

The RV8tors, who have been promoting the competition at airshows throughout the summer, will give the two winners a private display once they have landed.

Entrants will be charged £1 plus the cost of one message at their standard network rate. The charity will receive up to 96p from each text message, with a minimum of 76p from each message, depending on the network operator.

fly2help:
Launched at the end of 2006 and based at Cotswold Airport, fly2help supports those with life-limiting and chronic illnesses; families struggling to live with bereavement and disability, isolation or financial deprivation and people who have suffered extreme neglect or abuse. The charity works to lift the horizons of people dealing with life trauma by sharing the freedom of flight through ‘air smiles’ events. Each bespoke event day, centred around an exhilarating flight, offers a day of escapism, respite and fun for all the family.

Fokker triplane to invoke memories of infamous Red Baron at airshow

An aircraft identical to that flown by the infamous ace German fighter pilot the Red Baron is set to thrill crowds at the Battle of Britain Airshow.The Baron, real name Manfred von Richtofen, was the scourge of allied forces during the First World War and is credited with 80 combat victories.

The last 20 of those aerial duels were carried out in a Fokker Dr.1 Dreidecker triplane, and a replica of the machine will take to the skies at the airshow, which takes place at Cotswold Airport on September 17 and 18.

It will be joined by an old adversary in the Sopwith triplane, as well as iconic aircraft from the Second World War, such as the Spitfires and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

Richthofen was eventually shot down and killed near Amiens, France, on April 21, 1918, but his legend has lived on and his aerial prowess has been the subject of numerous films, books and documentaries.

Event operations manager Glen Moreman said: “Although the event clearly commemorates the Battle of Britain, it will be fantastic to see two amazing aircraft from an even earlier era in the skies above the Cotswolds.

“The Red Baron is undoubtedly one of the most famous pilots in history and we’re sure the display of an aircraft identical to the one he flew will really capture the imagination.”

In addition to the triplanes and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Tiger Nine Tiger Moth display team, the RedHawks aerobatic duo, and the South Cerney-based Renegades parachute team will be among the star attractions.

An AN2 and Bucker Jungmeister, will also take to the skies.

Meanwhile, crowds will also be offered the chance to fly in a vintage airliner, courtesy of Classic Flight and its stunning de Havilland Dragon Rapide.

Cotswold Airport-based HH Helicopters will be offering pleasure flights too.

Unlike previous years, when the event was a pure airshow, the 2011 event will also feature a traditional fair, complete with carousel, helter skelter and other rides.

There will also be more than 100 classic vehicles, including around 40 vintage Bentleys, and around 50 military vehicles on display.
Organisers are also inviting local traders to become more involved and use the show to showcase their products and services and create a shopping area featuring the best of local produce.

Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “We’re delighted that more local businesses will be involved this year and showing exactly what the Cotswolds has to offer.

“Of course, the more the merrier, and if anyone still wishes to take part, we would be delighted to hear from them.”

Tickets for the event are priced at £15, with children 16 and under admitted free.

They are available online through the air show website (www.battleofbritainairshow.com); at The Crown public house, West Market Place, Cirencester; Kemble Village Shop; from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester, Tewkesbury; and also by telephoning 08712 301 079.

Local traders are also being offered heavily discounted rates for showground pitches.

For more information on trade stand rates, contact Suzannah Harvey at suzannah@cotswoldairport.com.

The Duxford Air Show Celebrates the Spitfire in Style

Thousands of visitors flocked to The Duxford Air Show this weekend (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire.

In a thrilling flying programme, highlights included the only UK appearance by the F-15-E Strike Eagle in 2011, which produced a rip-roaring display which amazed the crowds. The popular Battle of Britain Memorial Flight presented a display with the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, while a Hispano HA-1112 Bouchon and Hawker Hurricane recreated the dog fights of the Battle of Britain.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron de Havilland Vampire T.55 and FB6 pair displayed at Duxford for the first time, as did the RAF Beech King Air B200.

Aerial excitement was provided by aerobatic masters The Aerostars and the SWIP Twister Duo. Other highlights included the RAF Westland Sea King performing an Air Sea Rescue demonstration, an energetic display by the Apache helicopter and an elegant display by B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B. The grand flying finale was the poignant sight of seven Spitfires in the skies over Duxford, showcasing the technological development of the Spitfire aircraft. An appreciative silence fell throughout the audience when this finale display took place.

The Second World War was brought to life by living history groups who provided an authentic 1940s atmosphere. Ops 1939-45 recreated an RAF Fighter Pilots’ dispersal point and reconstructed a Second World War Bomber briefing with which visitors participated. The Military Equipment Collectors recreated the role of RAF ground crew, while the March Re-enactors recreated a Home Guard checkpoint.

Colonel Richard Graham hosted his ever-popular talks about the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum next to the SR-71 spyplane that he flew. There were many fun family activities across the museum, including the Parachute Regiment’s Airborne Forces Jump Tower.

In addition to providing a superb flying display, the F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team were also mingling with and chatting to visitors.

Duxford Radio Society had displays of Second World War radio equipment where visitors could get hands-on and have a go at receiving and transmitting messages.

The Military History Hands On History Zone offered the chance to meet costumed interpreters acting the roles of wartime characters, and to hold and handle historic objects.

A fantastic weekend’s flying and fun activities on the ground ensured that the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire was celebrated in unforgettable style!

Historic biplanes make rare and nostalgic airshow return to Cotswolds

One of the world’s most famous aircraft will make a nostalgic return to the Cotswolds when a display team takes to the skies at the Battle of Britain Airshow later this month.Nearly every UK-based Tiger Moth was based at RAF Kemble (as Cotswold Airport was formerly known ) at the end of the Second World War.

And a large selection of beautifully-restored examples will return to the site for the show, on September 17 and 18, in the form of the Tiger Nine aerobatic display team.

The team only performs a handful of shows each year, which means airshow crowds will get a rare opportunity to see them at close quarters.

Event operations manager Glen Moreman said: “It will be great to see the team at the airshow and I’m sure that, for some of our older visitors from within the local area, it will be very nostalgic too.

“Most civilian aircraft were compulsorily taken over by the RAF during the war and a large number of Tiger Moths were based at Kemble towards the end of the conflict when they were then sold back for regular use.

“It’s almost certain that most of the Tiger Moths in the Tiger Nine team will have been among those based here and for them to choose the Battle of Britain Airshow as one of the few they perform at throughout the year is fantastic. I’m sure the crowd will love them.”

In addition to the Tiger Nine team, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster) will perform.

There will also be a display by the South Cerney-based Renegades parachute team and the RedHawks aerobatic display team, and an AN2, Chipmunk and Bucker Jungmeister will also take to the skies.

Meanwhile, crowds will also be offered the chance to fly in a vintage airliner, courtesy of Classic Flight and its stunning de Havilland Dragon Rapide.

Cotswold Airport-based HH Helicopters will be offering pleasure flights too.
Unlike previous years, when the event was a pure airshow, the 2011 event will also feature a traditional fair, complete with carousel, helter skelter and other rides.

Organisers are also inviting local traders to become more involved and use the show to showcase their products and services and create a shopping area featuring the best of local produce.

Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “The Cotswolds offer so much and we are really keen to showcase exactly what local businesses and individuals provide.

“We truly want local people to feel part of what we are trying to achieve at the airport and through our events and have been very encouraged by the interest shown so far.”

Tickets for the event are priced at £15, with children 16 and under admitted free.

They are available online through the air show website (www.battleofbritainairshow.com); at The Crown public house, West Market Place, Cirencester; Kemble Village Shop, Windmill Road, Kemble; from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester, Tewkesbury; and also by telephoning 08712 301 079.

Local traders are also being offered heavily discounted rates for showground pitches.

For more information on trade stand rates, contact Suzannah Harvey at suzannah@cotswoldairport.com.

Al Murrays Spitfire Adventure at IWM Duxford

Comedian Al Murray visited Imperial War Museum Duxford yesterday (1st September) for a flight in a Spitfire to promote The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) which will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire.

He took to the skies in Aircraft Restoration Company’s Spitfire TR9, piloted by John Romain.

On landing back at Duxford, a beaming Al said, “That was the most extraordinary thing. I haven’t had time to digest it yet. It was just mind-boggling.”

Al is a huge fan of Duxford and a great enthusiast of aviation and Second World War history generally.

About Duxford, he said, “Duxford is brilliant because it’s a historic site where history is being kept alive with an amazing collection of aircraft and dedicated people keeping them going.”

The Duxford Air Show on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire at the home of this iconic aircraft.

A spectacular flying display includes the only UK appearance in 2011 of the United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, a thrilling aircraft to watch in action and a true highlight of the flying programme. On Thursday 1 September, the F-15E Eagle rehearsed its flying display in the skies over Duxford. (Photo attached).

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire, Duxford marks the technological development of this legendary fighter with static and aerial displays by a range of Spitfires, from the original Mark I Spitfire through to the Mark XVI.

Never-seen-before displays at Duxford include the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron de Havilland Vampire T.55 and FB6 Pair and the RAF Beech King Air B200.

Fun is not just to be had in the air as there are plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy throughout the day, including living history groups bringing the Second World War to life; Colonel Richard Graham hosting talks next to the SR-71Blackbird in the American Air Museum; an Airfix Make and Paint zone and more fun activities for all the family.

With the Museum open as usual, this fun-packed day out will ensure that the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire is celebrated in unforgettable style!

Al Murray is one of the most recognisable and successful comedians in the UK with his alter-ego The Pub Landlord. His British Comedy Award-winning ITV1 series Al Murray’s Happy Hour has delighted both viewers and critics alike with his no-nonsense treatment of his celebrity guests.

Out of character, Al has hosted Al Murray’s German Adventure (BBC Four), a historical series about the art and culture of Germany, as well as appearances on What’s So Funny… (Channel 4), That Sunday Night Show (ITV), Frank Skinner’s Opinionated (BBC 2), Have I Got News For You (BBC 1) and The Road to Berlin, a 10-episode documentary series on the Second World War for Discovery.

Tickets for The Duxford Air Show can be purchased on each day of the air show (advance booking has now closed). For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

Polish & Czech RAF Veterans Honoured

Brothers in Arms:

Poles and Czechs in the Battle of Britain & Beyond.

Free Exhibition – 16th of September to 4th March 2012

During the Battle of Britain one fifth of Fighter Command’s aircrew came from overseas with 16 nations represented in its many squadrons. Arguably the RAF’s most prolific and successful pilots of the campaign were the dispossessed Polish, Czech and Slovak pilots who had fled their homelands to fight, as brothers in arms, against the tyranny that dominated most of Continental Europe. The Royal Air Force Museum will honour the efforts and sacrifice of these selfless individuals in a new multi-media exhibition, ‘Brothers in Arms’, which will be on display to the public in the Museum’s new temporary exhibition Gallery from 16th September onwards.

In this exhibition, created in association with the Polish Institute of National Remembrance, visitors will be invited to explore through drawings, archive film footage and sculpture the bravery of the men of No 303 Polish Squadron and individuals such as Czech Fighter Pilot Josef Frantisek. Sadly, many of those who survived the war were later deemed criminals and outcasts in Poland & Czechoslovakia for fear that they might oppose the new communist regimes of Eastern Europe

As well as historic uniforms, personal documents – including original combat reports and private diaries – and other artifacts, the Museum will also have on display the remains of the first German aircraft shot down by No 303 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, as well as exhibition panels created by the Polish Institute of National Remembrance.

To engage younger visitors, a giant board game commemorating the role of No 303 Polish Squadron, the top scoring squadron of the Battle of Britain, will be on display in the Museum’s Reception Area. Created by Dr Tomasz Ginter & Karol Madaj from the Institute of National Remembrance’s Public Education Office in Warsaw the game’s aim is to engage children with the history of No 303 Squadron through play – inspiring them to learn further about all the nationalities who contributed to the Royal Air Force during World War 2.

Peter Dye, Director General of the Royal Air Force Museum stated, “It is important to remember that the ‘Few’ contained many nations, including pilots from across occupied Europe. These brave men died defending their adopted country while those that survived were often unable to return home and, if they did, found themselves treated as criminals. It is vital that their efforts and sacrifices are not forgotten and that their example continues to inspire a new generation to work together in defence of democracy and our shared values. The Royal Air Force Museum is honoured to host this exhibition and to recognise the debt owed to those thousands of Polish, Czech and Slovak veterans who fought for Britain in its darkest hour.”

As a companion piece to this exhibition, the Museum has also created an online exhibition ‘For Your Freedom and Ours’ which narrates the History of 303 Polish Squadron and other Polish Pilots who served with the Royal Air Force during World War 2 together with a Polish language podcast on this topic. Polish & Czech RAF Veterans, their families and friends are invited to contribute to their stories to this exhibition through an online form. To visit this online exhibition please go to www.rafmuseum.org.uk/online-exhibitions

The Royal Air Force Museum London is open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm with last admission to the Museum being at 5.30pm. Admission to the Museum, and to ‘Brothers in Arms’, is free of charge. For further details about this exhibition please call 020 8205 2266 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.uk