UK Airshow News – Page 38

Online and in the air – Air Festival relaunches website

Bournemouth Air Festival

In celebration of this summer’s 10th Air Festival, organisers have partnered with local digital agency Createful to redesign and build a new look website, bournemouthair.co.uk, intended to embrace the event’s unique festival atmosphere.

For use on mobile, tablet and desktop, the website utilises stunning visuals from past festivals and a striking colour scheme incorporating red, white and blue. The new interface is easy to navigate and user-friendly with tips on how to plan your visit, option to pre-order this year’s bumper souvenir programme, purchase hospitality tickets and, once available, access to the live flying display schedule.

With more than 1.2 million webpage visits during 2016 it is imperative that the site is not only mobile friendly but also built to handle high volumes of visitor traffic. Createful have ensured the website is extremely lightweight to avoid slow loading times by using a number of digital techniques including auto-scaling and caching content.

Kriss Bennett, Createful’s Managing Director, said; “We are delighted to have worked on such a fantastic, high profile event. Our team is proud to have delivered a site which reflects the prestigious nature of the Air Festival, as well as providing visitors with a seamless experience in accessing all of the information relating to the exciting events and activities being delivered throughout the week.”

Jon Weaver Air Festival Director added; “We hope everyone likes the new website, we listened to feedback about the previous site and absorbing Createful’s expertise have created a website which we hope reflects what visitors want. We are really excited about this year’s festival – we are planning to have more aircraft and flying hours than any other year which will include a first for our flying programme!”

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

The Clock’s Ticking For Earlybirds

As the Royal International Air Tattoo’s ‘Earlybird’ ticket offer draws to a close, airshow organisers are predicting that Saturday tickets for the summer event will sell out by next week.

Thousands of general admission tickets have already been snapped up for one of the UK’s most eagerly anticipated annual outdoor events which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 14-16.

This year’s event will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force (USAF) with aircraft including the state-of-the-art F-22 Raptor and USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration team already confirmed to take part in the flying display.

All enclosure tickets for Saturday, July 15, have already sold out and general admission tickets for Saturday are set to follow suit as the Air Tattoo Earlybird discount ends at midnight on Tuesday, May 2. Those still looking to purchase tickets for the airshow can take advantage of last minute Earlybird offers, with a £5 discount on Friday tickets and an £8 discount on Saturday and Sunday tickets. Entry is free for all children under 16 who are accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Head of Marketing Helen Webb said: “The airshow provides is a great day out for the whole family and with the added excitement of the USAF 70th anniversary celebrations this year, tickets are selling at record speed as people don’t want to miss out.”

Also taking part in the airshow’s extensive flying display will be a wide range of international military aircraft from nations including ltaly, the Czech Republic, Austria, Spain, Finland, Sweden and Slovenia who will be joining the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the legendary Red Arrows in demonstrating their capabilities.

In addition to the action in the air there will be a wide variety of entertainment and activities on offer throughout the showground, including the adrenalin-fuelled ‘Wall of Death’ in the Autodrome (as seen on Channel 4 with Guy Martin), the latest engineering technology in the Techno Zone as well as a nostalgic recreation of the 1940s in the Vintage Village.

Helen added: “Tickets for the Air Tattoo sell out year-on-year and I’m confident we’ll see the same result this year. By getting in quick and purchasing your tickets before the end of the Earlybird offer you can not only guarantee yourself a place at the world’s greatest airshow but also secure a great price.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is held annually at RAF Fairford in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust. The Trust funds a wide range of projects and initiatives that Promote the Royal Air Force, Support its people and Encourage in youngsters an interest in aviation.

The Earlybird discount means that up until midnight on May 2, people can purchase Friday tickets at the reduced price of £34, and £47 for Saturday and Sunday. To find out more about the Air Tattoo, and to book tickets please visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456.

Combat Helicopter Showcase at RAF Cosford Air Show

Army Air Corps Apache

The flying displays planned for the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017 were today boosted by the exciting news that the popular Chinook & Apache helicopters would be performing in the skies over Shropshire on Sunday 11th June.

The Royal Air Force has one of the largest fleet of CH-47 Chinook helicopters in the world, primarily used for trooping, resupply, and battlefield Casualty Evacuation, the aircraft can carry up to 55 troops. However, despite its size, the Chinook is an extremely agile aircraft and the flying display will showcase its surprising manoeuvrability to Air Show visitors.

The Army Air Corps will also be bringing their impressive WAH-64 Apache to the Air Show, with the Attack Helicopter Display Team set to wow the crowds, with their flying display complimented by stunning ground based pyrotechnics. The Apache attack helicopter carries a mix of weapons including rockets, Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun, making it one of the Army’s most capable pieces of equipment. As well as performing in the flying display, there will also be an Apache parked in the static displays to allow visitors to get a closer look at the impressive helicopter.

Both helicopter types are attending the Air Show as part of the ‘Battlefield Support’ theme, showcasing aircraft which have proved vital in recent conflicts. The Royal Air Force’s newest support helicopter, the Puma HC2, will also be at the Air Show on static display, as part of the Battlefield Support ground displays.

Air Show Chairman, Wing Commander Chris Jones said, “We’re really excited to have so many combat helicopters from the UK armed forces on show this year, both in the air and on the ground. With Merlin, Wildcat, Griffin & Squirrel helicopters already confirmed to attend, visitors will be able to see a great selection of helicopters from across the UK Armed Forces on Sunday 11th June. As well as the array of military helicopters we are pleased to welcome a selection of civilian helicopters including the last airworthy Westland Whirlwind alongside its current counterpart, the AW189 used by HM Coastguard for Search and Rescue Operations.”

With the Air Show rapidly approaching, those wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase their tickets soon, as they will not be available to purchase at the gate. Air Show Tickets, priced £25.00, are currently available from the Air Show website and selected retail outlets including the RAF Museum. Accompanied under-16s enter the Air Show for free, making the event a superb family day out.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

RAF Aircraft Showcased at Air Show Media Launch

Skymaster

Visitors to this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show can once again be transported back in time as the popular Vintage Village returns on the showground, bigger and better than ever before!

This year’s Village will showcase the 1960s; one of the most defining eras of the 20th century. Marilyn Summers, Air Show Deputy Director, said, “We are very pleased to welcome the University of Wolverhampton back as sponsor of the Vintage Village. Staff and students will be bringing along some exciting displays including a 1960s hospital ward and a fashion show. The Vintage Village always gives our visitors the chance to learn about the history of the time in a fun atmosphere and we have some really exciting things planned!”

This year’s live stage pays tribute to the stars of the 1960s with a great mix of performers. Themed food and drink outlets including Lily’s Secret Vintage Tea Room will help set the atmosphere. There will be a chance to reminisce in the Kids Fun Zone, try a spot of retail therapy with a host of Vintage trade stalls and test your skills at the 1966 World Cup penalty shoot-out!

Traders interested in booking a pitch for the Vintage Fair should email averyvintageevents@gmail.com for further details.

A host of motor enthusiasts will be in attendance with some fantastic vehicles including the RAF Mini Club bringing along some wonderful examples of the iconic 1960s brand.

Aircraft enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the static line-up planned for the Vintage Village including a number of iconic aircraft from the period including an O-2 Skymaster and Jet Provost. New for this year will be a cockpit sections display, with exhibits to include a cockpit from an English Electric Lightning.

RAF Cosford Air Show is a fantastic family day out with something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are on sale now and organisers are encouraging attendees to purchase their tickets soon as the Air Show is, once again, an Advance Ticket Only event. Adult tickets cost £25.00 and accompanied under-16s enter for free.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Aircraft participation is Plane Sailing at new Airshow

PBY Catalina

It’s a bird…It’s a plane…It’s a flying boat!

Get your cameras at the ready as ‘Miss Pick Up’, a 74-year-old Catalina, G-PBYA, will be gracing the skies over RAF Scampton this September as part of the Scampton Airshow’s exciting five-hour flying display.

Spectators at the inaugural airshow will be treated to an extraordinary appearance from arguably the most famous and successful fixed-winged seaplane ever built. Displayed by Plane Sailing, the Catalina G-PBYA is one of only a handful of flying boats still in operation today and, like the Scampton airfield itself, Miss Pick Up is steeped in aviation history.

Rod Brooking, one of the pilot/share-holders of the Plane Sailing team, said: “It is a real privilege to be part of the operation to keep one of the few remaining airworthy examples of this iconic flying boat in airworthy condition and we are proud to be invited to display it at RAF Scampton.”

Although G-PBYA was originally built for the Royal Canadian Air Force, the type was used in WWII by all the allied air forces, the US Navy and the US Army Air Forces as a submarine hunter, as well as in long range reconnaissance and Air-Sea Rescue roles. After the war, it was used briefly as a freighter before conversion to a water-bombing fire fighter.

Based on some original WWII photos, the racy Miss Pick Up nose art and its light-hearted play on words for a pin up girl and a rescue aircraft are a salute to the Catalina’s rich history.

Scampton Airshow Director Paul Sall said he is thrilled to be able to welcome such a popular aircraft to the Lincolnshire event. He said “As the airshow draws closer we are starting to see a fantastic variety of aircraft confirming their place in the flying display, each with their own exciting piece of history.

“This Catalina was built in what many people still consider to be the golden era of aviation and, 74 years on, it still inspires younger generations with the wonders of aviation. It will be a truly spectacular occasion to see it take flight right here in Lincolnshire and one I’m sure that many people will be eager to come along and witness.”

The Scampton Airshow, staged in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust, will be held at RAF Scampton – the Lincolnshire home of the Red Arrows – from September 9-10. The diverse, family-friendly event will encompass an impressive five-hour flying display, complemented by an array of entertainment on the ground, from a nostalgic Vintage Village through to interactive and engaging STEM exhibits in the Techno Zone.

Tickets for the Scampton Airshow are priced at £39 and must be bought online in advance. Inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts, tickets for under 16s are free with a ticket holding adult. To find out more about the Scampton Airshow, or to buy your tickets, please visit www.scamptonairshow.com or call 01522 396600.

All Aboard the Wings & Wheels shuttle bus with Compass Travel

Compass Travel

Compass Travel (Sussex) Ltd have confirmed their support of Wings & Wheels again by providing their invaluable public bus service from Guildford Train Station to Dunsfold Aerodrome.

The success of last years’ service saw the Compass Team handover a cheque to Help for Heroes for £620 this week and confirm that visitors will have the option of public transport to and from the Show again four times a day.

Presenting the cheque to James Burns, Help for Heroes Regional Manager (London & South East), was Chris Chatfield, Compass Travel Managing Director, and Joe Beckley, Compass Travel Operations Manager.

Chris said, “We are very pleased the shuttle bus service to Wings & Wheels continues to be so popular with the public. Its success has enabled us to donate £620 to Help for Heroes and we look forward to working with the team again to build on this in 2017.”

James Burns, Help for Heroes Regional Manager said, “Help for Heroes is hugely grateful to Compass Travel and Wings & Wheels for the amazing support that they have given us. We rely heavily on the generous public and those attending this event will be directly helping to rebuild lives. We’d love for as many people as possible to support them, have a fantastic day out and help make this year another huge success.”

The bus will run on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August and the timetable is as follows:

• Dep Guildford Train Station: 0830 0930 1030 1130
• Dep Dunsfold Aerodrome: 1600 1700 1800 1900

Tickets can be purchased in advance online through the Wings & Wheels shop (www.wingsandwheels.net/shop). A single fare for an adult is £2.50 and £1.50 for a child aged 5 – 15 years. Each bus carries 44 seated passengers and 27 standing. Seats will be available on a first come first serve basis over the event weekend. All profits from the 2017 service will be donated to Help for Heroes.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “The bus service is an extremely popular addition to Wings & Wheels and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Compass Travel again. The bus service offers visitors an affordable option to join us and enjoy all the fantastic air, motoring and arena displays on offer.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires and Lancaster) air displays. More aviation displays will be announced in May.

For motorsport fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in the Wheels Zone you can expect an array of interactive and static displays as wells four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone and a Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family are available. A family ticket consists of two adults and three child’s tickets. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7, whilst children under the age of 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

RAF Aircraft Showcased at Air Show Media Launch

Cosford Air Show 2017

Various Royal Air Force aircraft were showcased at last monday’s Media Launch of the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017, giving a sneak preview of what’s to come on Sunday 11th June.

With RAF Cosford hosting the Royal Air Force’s only official Air Show, it comes as no surprise that all the RAF display teams are scheduled to perform at the show, including the world famous Red Arrows flying their nine Hawk jets. The Eurofighter Typhoon is also scheduled to perform a thrilling solo display, with Flt Lt Ryan Lawton showcasing the power and agility of the combat aircraft. The RAF’s Grob Tutor is returning to the Air Show circuit for 2017, and Sqn Ldr Andy Tagg was on hand at the Media Launch to show off the Tutor aircraft. Displays from the RAF Falcons and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also form part of the six-hour flying display.

As well as dazzling displays in the air, there will also be an array of aircraft on static display across the airfield on Sunday 11th June which visitors will be able to get up close and personal with. Two of the aircraft types which are scheduled for static display at the Air Show, a Tucano T1 and Squirrel HT1, were present at the Media Launch today. The organisers said that more aircraft would be announced over the coming weeks.

With the Air Show fast approaching, and with no tickets available at the gate, those wishing to attend are being encouraged to purchase their tickets soon. Air Show Tickets, priced £25.00, are currently available from the Air Show website and selected retail outlets including the RAF Museum at Cosford and Hendon. Accompanied under-16s enter the Air Show for free, making the event a great family day out.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Belgian Air Force on board for the Scampton Airshow

Belgian F16

An F-16 fast jet from the Belgian Air Force has become the first international aircraft to be confirmed in the flying display at the inaugural Scampton Airshow in September.

The aircraft, which is performing at the dynamic new airshow at RAF Scampton from 9-10 September, will join the RAF Red Arrows and Typhoon in the five-hour flying programme.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been flown by Belgium since 1979. Although its examples are among the oldest still in service, a series of major upgrades mean that they remain very capable fighters.

Two Wings of the country’s Air Component operate a total of 54 F-16s, comprised of single-seat F-16AM and two-seat F-16BM (mid-life upgrade) models. They have taken part in coalition air operations over the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, as well as the Baltic Air Policing initiative.

Paul Sall, Airshow Director, said: “We have already received fantastic support in the UK from the RAF and we’re thrilled to see support for the show coming in from beyond these shores.

“We have extended invitations to a number of nations, in Europe and beyond, and are working hard to secure a variety of impressive flying and static aircraft to display throughout the weekend. Belgium is the first overseas Air Force to confirm their attendance in September, and I am looking forward to announcing the involvement of more countries in due course – watch this space!”

The 2017 display aircraft, provided by 31 and 349 Squadrons from the 10th Tactical Wing at Kleine Brogel, will be flown by Cdt Tom ‘Gizmo’ De Moortel in his third season as the demo pilot. He said: “I’m really looking forward to displaying the power and agility of the F-16 during the Scampton Airshow. 2017 will be my third and final year displaying the Viper for the Belgian Air Force. I’ve always enjoyed working with the best display team in the world so flying over their home base is a real honor for me. As a display team we really appreciate the warm welcome we get from the UK audience. See you in September!”

The Scampton Airshow, staged in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust at the Lincolnshire home of the Red Arrows, is a diverse, family-friendly event. It will encompass an impressive five-hour flying display, complemented by an array of entertainment on the ground, from a nostalgic Vintage Village through to interactive and engaging STEM exhibits in the Techno Zone.

Paul Sall added: “We are putting together what’s shaping up to be a truly spectacular show, with a real family feel. The wide variety of ‘on-the-ground’ activities, mixed with what’s happening in the air, means there will be something for everyone. The Scampton Airshow will see guests from across the central and north of England, as well the traditional support from ‘RAF Lincolnshire’ – this is shaping up to be the premier outdoor event in the area. I look forward to welcoming our international guests in style and showing them what Scampton and Lincolnshire has to offer!”

The Old Buckenham Airshow – Return of a Family Favourite

Yoyo - O'Brien's Flying Circus

The Award Winning Old Buckenham Airshow is delighted to announce the return of arguably the most successful and entertaining pilot in history, Brendan O’Brien.

O’Brien last visited Old Buckenham in 2014 where he successfully landed his Piper Cub on top of a trailer moving along the runway. This feat forms part of his legendary “Flying Circus” a firm family favourite on the Airshow circuit for decades. Brendan’s display, aside from being fabulous entertainment, relies on his unrivalled skill and experience. He has over 200 FAI Aviation Records, more than anyone in history. His has a license to fly every type of machine capable of being airborne, from balloons to airliners. His list of aircraft flown includes over 300 types and he has operated aircraft on every continent, including Antartica. Along the way he’s hosted his own TV show, syndicated worldwide and become one of the most admired spokesmen for Aviation flying today.

Brendan will be appearing both days at the Airshow and everyone will get a chance to see his extraordinary antics aboard the venerable Piper Cub. He’ll try once again to land on a trailer, a feat which requires ultimate skill. It’s small wonder that Brendan is the only pilot performing such an act in Europe.

This year, show goers will get a chance to see even more of Brendan’s skill than before. The Airshow will see the debut in Norfolk of Brendan’s latest acquisition, Otto the Helicopter. A fixture in the US, Brendan managed to acquire Otto in 2016 and bring him permanently to England. Otto, in the hands of a master aviator like Brendan, is capable of simply extraordinary and entertaining feats. Otto, by way of example, is the only helicopter which likes to play with a yoyo; in this case a specially made toy with 3ft diameter.

The Airshow is also delighted to confirm that a 1943 Beechcraft Staggerwing will display on both days. The Staggerwing is often voted as being one of, if not the most beautiful aircraft of all time in surveys. Only the Supermarine Spitfire appears as routinely in such surveys. The aircraft is also one of the most advanced for its time ever built. Capable of taking off from small grass landing strips, it can cruise for a thousand miles at 200mph before landing on another small grass strip. The example displaying is named High Maintenance. Once affectionately described as the most effective means of turning money into noise, the aircraft earns her name not least because she is fitted with (and needs) six fuel tanks.

On the ground the Airshow, the EDP Hoseasons Tourism Awards ‘Family Event of the Year’ in 2016, continues to make improvements. New facilities for families, including baby changing facilities are being planned. An improved site layout will add more viewing space and more entry lanes will limit queues at peak times.

The Airshow is also delighted to announce a new alliance with Brasteds, one of the regions’s foremost catering companies. Brasted’s will be bringing their unrivalled expertise to the extremely popular VIP Enclosure during the show. Brasted’s is a multi award-winning catering and events company, with over 30 years’ experience serving royalty, dignitaries, celebrities and guests across Norfolk.

Matt Wilkins, Airshow Organiser: “ The English Language contains 171,476 words. None of them are good enough to begin to describe Brendan O’Brien, statistically the greatest peacetime pilot there has ever been. We’re therefore thrilled to have him back and offer Otto the helicopter his East of England debut; sure to be a massive hits with the kids here as he has been in the States. With all the improvements we’re making we hope to continue to be worthy of our award as Family Event of the Year. “

www.oldbuck.com

RAF puts its full force behind Air Tattoo

RIAT Lancaster

Reflecting its close relationship with the Royal Air Force, the Royal International Air Tattoo has confirmed that this summer’s flying display will feature some of the Service’s most iconic aircraft, including the world-famous Red Arrows.

The world’s premier aerobatics display team will once again colour the skies over Fairford with red, white and blue on all three days of the Air Tattoo. The nine BAE Systems Hawk T1/T1A jets, which comprise the renowned Red Arrows, will perform their trademark combination of close formations and precision flying under the leadership of Sqn Ldr David Montenegro.

Also joining the flying display line-up will be the RAF’s leading multi-role combat aircraft, the Typhoon FGR.4. Capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, from policing and peace support, through to high intensity conflict, the Typhoon shows the enormity of present-day UK air power. Displayed by Flt Lt Ryan Lawton of 29(R) Sqn at RAF Coningsby, the incredible agility and power of the Typhoon is set to thrill spectators.

Taking a step back in time, the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will display two of its most famous and successful WW2 aircraft – the Lancaster and Spitfire – as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. A regular and hugely popular inclusion in recent Air Tattoos, the heavy bomber and fighter aircraft will evoke memories of Britain’s aviation history.
This summer’s Air Tattoo (14-16 July) will pay special tribute to the US Air Force on its 70th anniversary, having a distinct American theme with a special performance from one of the world’s most popular display teams, The Thunderbirds.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually at RAF Fairford in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Earlybird admission tickets are available until midnight on May 2, starting at £34. All under-16s go free. To buy tickets, or for more information about aircraft participating at this year’s show, please visit www.airtattoo.com