UK Airshow News – Page 40

Love is in the Air

Cosford Logo

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner treat your loved ones to a memorable day out at RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 11th June 2017. With plenty to see and do on the day you will be spoilt for choice! Why not make the day extra special by purchasing tickets for one of our hospitality chalets or even add a unique twist with a romantic helicopter flight?

Helicopter pleasure flights on the day cost just £39.00 for a 6-mile round trip journey. It’s a great opportunity to get a feel of how extensive the Air Show is and experience first-hand what the display pilots see as they head in to thrill the crowds. The helicopter pilots will point out local landmarks as you enjoy the spectacular views of the local countryside from the sky.

Hospitality packages range from just £60.00 per adult for a centre crowdline enclosure, to £230.00 per adult in an exclusive over-18 chalet from which you can watch the Air Show while being hosted by RAF Officers and enjoy a bucks fizz reception followed by a four course luncheon and an open bar. Air Show Deputy Director, Marilyn Summers, said; “We have hospitality packages to suit every budget. Adding on a helicopter flight to any of our packages would really give your day out at the Air Show an extra special touch.”

The flying display line-up is already beginning to take shape for 2017. Alongside the display offerings from the Royal Air Force, visitors will also be treated to the sight of exciting vintage aircraft such as the Douglas Skyraider which will be performing as part of a special set-piece finale to the six-hour flying display.

Tickets to the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017 are on sale now and organisers are encouraging attendees to purchase their tickets soon. The Air Show will, for the third year running, be an Advanced Ticket Only event. Early bird pricing is available until Tuesday 28th March 2017, with adult tickets costing £22.00 and accompanied under 16s entering free.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Air Tattoo’s ‘super’ offer is just the ticket

RIAT

People planning to attend one of the UK’s most exciting family days out have until the end of January to take advantage of a ‘super’ offer.

Specially priced Super Earlybird tickets to the world-famous Royal International Air Tattoo are available until January 31, offering savings of up to 25 per cent on the price of a standard admission ticket.

This summer’s airshow, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 14-16, will feature exciting aircraft from around the world including the hugely popular Thunderbirds demonstration team from the US. The team, whose last appearance in the UK was in 2009, will be returning to mark the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force (USAF).

Prior to February, Super Earlybird Friday tickets are priced £29, offering a saving of £10 off the standard admission price whilst Saturday and Sunday Super Earlybird tickets are priced £42, representing a saving of £13. 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 an exciting day out for the whole family, with attractions suitable for all ages. Aside from the riveting air displays, youngsters can get to grips with the latest engineering technology in the Techno Zone, while parents take a walk down memory lane in the Vintage Village.

“This year we also have a new adrenaline-fuelled feature coming to the Autodrome called the ‘Wall of Death’, which we’re really excited about. People may recognise it from a Channel 4 programme featuring Guy Martin earlier this year which saw him brake the World Record for the fastest speed travelled around the ‘Wall of Death’ on a motorbike.”

This year the Air Tattoo will have an American theme as it celebrates the 70th anniversary of one of the largest air forces in the world, the US Air Force. The Thunderbirds’ performance will form part of the airshow’s official tribute to the occasion and will be the team’s only UK appearance in 2017.

Helen added: “People expect bigger and more exciting air displays from the show year after year, and 2017 will be no exception. Visitors can experience first-class entertainment, both in the air and on the ground, and we are confident that, yet again, the Air Tattoo will be a sell-out success.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is the world’s biggest military airshow, 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.

Super early-bird tickets are priced at a reduced rate of £29 on Friday and £42 on Saturday and Sunday for a limited time only. All accompanied under-16s are admitted free of charge. To buy your tickets or to find out more about the Air Tattoo, please visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456.

Thunderbirds are go at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2017

Thunderbirds at RIAT

PLANS to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the US Air Force at next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo were given a huge boost this week following the announcement that one of the world’s most popular display teams will make a rare trip across the Atlantic to take part.

The Thunderbirds’ performance at the Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 14-16, will be the team’s only UK appearance next year and will be part of the airshow’s official tribute to mark the US Air Force’s 70^th anniversary. As well as seeing a range of operational and historic US Air Force aircraft in the air and on the ground, Air Tattoo visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the key role the air arm plays in a range of international coalitions and partnerships.

Formed in 1953, the team is renowned as much for its choreographed pre-flight ground routine – performed with pinpoint accuracy – as it is for its stunning aerial displays.

Flying six F-16 Fighting Falcons, elite pilots from the US Air Force will perform a mix of formation flying and solo routines that highlight the maximum capabilities of the USAF’s frontline, multi-role fighter jet. The team, which is based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, has only appeared at the Air Tattoo once before – in 2007.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said the announcement of the Thunderbirds’ participation demonstrated the incredibly strong bond that exists with the US Air Force.

He said: “The history – and success – of the Air Tattoo is inextricably linked to the US Air Force, on whose base the event takes place each year. I am pleased that we’ll have the opportunity next summer to mark their 70^th anniversary.”

Special reduced-price Air Tattoo ‘Super Earlybird’ tickets are available until January 31, priced from £29. Under-16s go free. For details, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456.

Air Show Tickets Make Ideal Christmas Presents

Pitts Muscle Biplane

With Christmas fast approaching, tickets to the RAF Cosford Air Show are now on sale and they make great presents for all your loved ones. With accompanied under-16s entering for free and early bird tickets costing only £22.00, the Air Show is a great value for money day-out for the entire family.

As well as an action packed six-hour flying display there are also a huge variety of things to do and see on the ground at the RAF Cosford Air Show to excite all ages. With six hangars jammed with interactive exhibitions, the 1960s Vintage Village, plenty of military ground displays, vintage vehicles, funfair and over 1km of trade stalls – you might struggle to see it all in one day!

Another reason to buy your tickets soon is that today the Air Show Organisers announced another aircraft which will wow the crowds on Sunday 11th June 2017; dare-devil pilot Rich Goodwin will be flying his unique Muscle Biplane at the Air Show. Rich’s aircraft is based on the world-famous Pitts Special but a special modification programme has given this aircraft enhanced capabilities which means that Rich’s Muscle Biplane can hover like a Harrier, fly the amazing Tower of Power and master high-alpha knife-edge flypasts!

The Muscle Biplane wears a spectacular colour scheme based on the Union Jack; fitting for a man who served in the Royal Air Force as a Tornado GR1 ground attack pilot and flew in combat. Rich said; “As an ex-RAF pilot I’m honoured to be invited back to display the Muscle Biplane and demonstrate my passion for aviation in front of a capacity crowd. I continue to develop the aircraft and at RAF Cosford I will be flying a new enhanced elevator and wing. I also look forward to updating the crowds on the development of the new Anana Jet Pitts which I hope will be ready to display in 2018.”

Those who purchase their Air Show tickets soon will be able to take advantage of the Early-Bird ticket offer, with adult tickets priced at only £22.00. Accompanied under-16s enter the show for free, making the RAF Cosford Air Show a great value for money day-out!

Early-Bird tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017 are on sale now, priced at £22.00 and with free entry for accompanied Under-16s. Tickets are available online from www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Plans for Air Show 2017 Take Off

Cosford Air Show 2017 flyer

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017 are now on sale! The award-winning Air Show, which will be held on Sunday 11^th June 2017, is expected to attract a crowd of 60,000 visitors to the Home of Royal Air Force Engineering.

Accompanied under-16s enter for free, giving families an excellent opportunity to have a fun day out with great entertainment for every generation. Whether it’s children wanting to experience first-hand what it’s like to sit in the cockpit of a fast jet, or a grandparent who wants to reminisce about their childhood while sipping tea in the 1960’s themed Vintage Village, there is something to keep everyone entertained.

For the second year, organisers are offering an incentive to buy your ticket early with early-bird discounted tickets if you buy before Tuesday March 28^th 2017. Tickets are once again Advance Purchase only and will not be available to buy on the gate.

The RAF Cosford Air Show 2016 raised £115,000 which will be donated to the RAF Association, RAF Benevolent Fund, RAF Charitable Trust, RAF Museum and local charities to further support and encourage those who are involved with the Royal Air Force and the local community.

The primary focus of the RAF Cosford Air Show is to give visitors the opportunity to engage with the Royal Air Force, and to better understandthe work they do, not only in the West Midlands and the United Kingdom, but across the world. Air Show Director, Clive Elliott, said “Opening the gates of RAF Cosford is a fantastic chance for the public to see what goes on behind the scenes on an operational Royal Air Force base. With early-bird discounts the Air Show is also a great value for money day out!”

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Scampton Airshow ticket sales take off!

RAF Scampton Red Arrows

Tickets are now on sale for next year’s hugely anticipated Scampton Airshow!

Lincolnshire’s new airshow at RAF Scampton will take place on September 9-10 at the home of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – The Red Arrows.

This exciting event, which will raise funds to support the RAF Charitable Trust, promises two fun-filled family days out eachfeaturing a spectacular five-hour flying display showcasing exciting aircraft from around the globe.

Airshow Director Paul Sall said that whilst it was too early to announce participating aircraft there was one display team he felt confident would star at the airshow. He said: “When looking at which exciting flying display participants we’d like to see featured at next September’s inaugural Scampton Airshow the Red Arrows naturally come top of our list. Like all other airshows, we will confirm next spring which UK and international aircraft will be taking part.”

It won’t all be about what’s going on in the skiesa bove Scampton. On the ground, visitors will be swept along on an aviation journey through the ages, from a nostalgic Vintage Village- offering access to the station’s Heritage Centre- through to interactive and engaging exhibits from across industry in the Techno Zone. There will also be the opportunity to learn about the modern-day Royal Air Force in the RAF Village where serving personnel will be on hand to give an insight into the many roles they perform.

Those looking to attend the show should note that tickets can only be purchased in advance at www.scamptonairshow.com. Tickets are priced at £39 withall under 16s able to enjoy the airshow free when accompanied by an adult ticket-holder.

Paul Salladded:“We think it’s important that every young person should have the opportunity to experience the magic of aviation,whether that’s in the air or on the ground. This is why Scampton Airshow admission will be free for all under 16s so as many as possible can enjoy a truly inspirational day out.”

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2017 Date Confirmed

Pitts Special at Yeovilton Air Day

The annual Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton International Air Day in Somerset will take place on Saturday 8 July. Planning is well under way for this popular ‘Fly Navy’ airshow which will showcase the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, its current capabilities and historic accomplishments.

2017 is set to be an exciting year for RNAS Yeovilton and the Fleet Air Arm as the first Royal Navy aircraft is set to touch down on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth, as she sets sail to begin sea trials. Operational evaluation and testing of the F-35B Lightning multirole fighter continues apace whilst aircraft maintainers and handlers are busily getting accustomed to the new type. The Wildcat helicopter takes over as the wings of front-line destroyers and frigates and the Commando Helicopter Force squadrons,now reunited at RNAS Yeovilton, take part in various exercises in readiness to deploy at a moment’s notice.

The Air Station’s gates will be open to 40,000 visitors, just as they were 70 years ago in 1947 at the first ever airshow at RNAS Yeovilton, providing the perfect opportunity to see our equipment and meet our personnel first hand.

Over five hours of amazing flying displays and an extensive static display will feature historic naval aircraft and their modern day counterparts in spectacular role demonstrations to acknowledge the Fleet Air Arm’s role in Protecting Our Nation’s Interests.UK and foreign military formation and solo display teams have also been invited to participate at the airshow.

www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday

Alongside the magnificent flying display there will also be a huge array of ground attractions, from engineering fairs to the latest defence technology exhibitions, Service displays, trade stalls and arena displays. For the thrill seekers there will be simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights to enjoy.

Air Day tickets are available to order from 12pm Tuesday 1^st November at a discounted ‘Earlybird’ rate with no booking fees for a limited period. These are priced lower than the usual advance tickets which will go on general sale in the New Year.

Air Tattoo to Salute US Air Force

F-35A and P51

THERE will be a distinct American flavour at next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford as it pays a special tribute to one of the world’s largest air forces on its 70th anniversary.

The airshow, which takes place on July 14-16, will showcase the wide range of operational roles performed by the US Air Force (USAF) as well as the strong relationship it enjoys with the Royal Air Force and its other NATO allies.

Over the years the Air Tattoo has staged memorable celebrations marking significant USAF anniversaries, most notably in 1997 when the stealthy B-2 bomber made its first ever landing in the UK and in 2007, with the hugely popular appearance of the USAF Thunderbirds aerobatic display team.

Super Earlybird admission tickets for next summer’s airshow go on sale this week for a limited period.

The £29 cost of a Friday ticket has been frozen at this year’s price whilst the Saturday and Sunday Super Earlybird ticket, priced at £42,represents a saving of almost 25 per cent on the cost of a standard admission ticket. They will be available until January 31, 2017.

The Air Tattoo’s close relationship with the US Air Force stretches back to 1973 when the Americans provided the airshow with a home, first at RAF Greenham Common, and then, in 1985, at RAF Fairford.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “Where better to stage an international celebration of the US Air Force on its 70th anniversary than at a USAF base that happens to be the home of the world’s biggest and most exciting military airshow. I’m confident that once again the airshow will be a sell-out success so I urge people to buy before February and avoid paying top dollar!”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually at RAF Fairford in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. To purchase Super Earlybird admission tickets and to view enclosure options, visit www.airtattoo.com. All accompanied under-16s are admitted free of charge. Free parking.

Wings & Wheels a Soaring Success

Dutch Reunion

Wings & Wheels pulled together the best all round show to date in the air and on the ground for visitors on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August.

Aviation giants showed their precision aerobatics up close to the crowds, dispelling concerns Wings & Wheels was affected by new CAA regulations. Whilst the sun shone down on the Aerodrome Saturday, the rest of the UK faced torrential rain and storms forcing the Reds to cancel their display but they returned on Sunday and triumphantly showed just why they are the best pilots in the world.

Other displays made the most of the blue skies Saturday and mixed weather Sunday to delight crowds as the BBMF Spitfires, Black Cats, Sally B, Blades, DC3, P51 Mustang, Hurricane, Tigers Parachute Display Team, Gerald Cooper, Jet Provost and the Turbulent Team demonstrated their flying skills.

The most popular aerobatics came from the Typhoon Display Team as Flt Lt Mark Long roared on to the aerodrome reminding everyone just how powerful, noisy and fearsome the jet is. The 747, VC10 and DC3 opened up for sell out tours and the Navy spent hours showing people the Merlin and Hawk in the Wings Zone.

Saturday was all about reunions and the team were delighted to welcome the remaining Dutch 320 Squadron with the crew from the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight in their B25 Mitchell Bomber. It was an emotional and heart-warming moment when 97-year-old André Hissink, 94-year-old Edward Hoenson, 92-year-old Eduard Jacob and 90-year-old Camille Stritzko visited the Mitchell. The Surrey and Sussex Wing Air Cadets welcomed the Dutch veterans to their marque with a Guard of honour and pipe band salute.

The Wheels increased in size and volume with the Motoring Paddock managed by Brooklands Museum showing off the limited edition Norton Dominator SS, the only remaining survivor of the French Dieppe 1912 Grand Prix team, the Lorraine-Dietrich 15,000cc G.P., a replica race spec Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe, Aston Martin Vanquish 310, Rolls Royce Phantom 2 Handlye Special and, running on a special racing fuel called nitromethane and methanol, Russ Carpenter’s Daimler V8 Dragster.

The Stunt Zone vibrated to the shows from Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and his Gas Gas stunt Motorbike, Wheelie Joe and his drifting, wheelie displays and Mission Motorsport with their stunt tutorials and Auto Test rides. The NEW Monster Zone was a sell-out success and the kids loved taking part in Scalextric competitions.

The Military Zone was full with re-enactors, military vehicles and tanks firing and battling as well as offering passenger rides. The recruiting teams from the RAF, Army and Navy brought along some spectacular demonstrations of their equipment and training required to join their ranks.

There was a glitter bomb explosion in Sid’s Zone as our littlest guests enjoyed free arts and crafts and fun activities before mobbing Siddeley with cuddles and laughter during the many meet and greet sessions.

The new craft marquee was full to over flowing along with our loyal traders and attractions offering a variety of shopping opportunities and delicious food and the glamorous trio that make up Champagne at The Blitz brought the house down at the end of the weekend with demands for an encore as crowds didn’t want the show to end.

But the event had to end, and the new parking measures implemented inside and outside the Aerodrome were an overwhelming success ensuring people were off site within 30 minutes.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “We couldn’t be happier with the success of this year’s show. The air display demonstrated just how fantastic the RAF and private display teams are, the motoring buzzed all weekend with the sound of so many different engines, our Military Zone showcased the Aerodromes history and Siddeley popped up everywhere delighting young and old alike. We finished up with some fantastic evening entertainment which left the crowds wanting more. We couldn’t put on the show without a huge team effort from everyone involved and it is all made worthwhile when we see so many happy and smiling visitors leaving at the end of the day.”

www.wingsandwheels.net

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 assisted the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Douglas DC3 in the air and on the ground at Wings & Wheels

DC3

We are delighted to confirm that Aces High’s Douglas DC3 will not only be open for tours at Wings & Wheels on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August, but will also be displaying as part of the five hour airshow.

The Aces High DC3 was constructed in 1942 in Long Beach California and delivered to the RAF at Netheravon as TS423 in 1944 and shortly before the end of the war transferred to 436 Squadron to the RCAF at Down Ampney. It was part of the Heavy Glider Unit and took part in the Arnhem D Day landings and Berlin Airlift.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “We are very fond of the Aces High DC3. Located on the aerodrome we have the pleasure of seeing her in the air throughout the year and are delighted to be able to bring her to Wings & Wheels for our visitors to watch. They’ll not only be able to see her in the air, but also to pop down to the Military Zone for a tour inside her airframe.”

The DC3 went to Short Brothers, Scottish Aviation, Marshalls and Ferranti, where at Ferranti, she acquired a non-standard nose that would have been the envy of Jimmy “Schnozzle”

Durante! Inside this nose, which singled her out from her eleven thousand sisters, Ferranti fitted air pass radar for the Lightning fighter and an hydraulically operated gun turret. Underneath she acquired Sonar buoy dropping equipment.

In 1969, with a surprisingly low number of hours on her airframe (around 3000 hours) TS 423 was delivered to the Ministry of Technology at RAE West Freugh, where, nine years later, named “Mayfly” she was still stored. The decision was taken by the MOD to scrap her on the Catterick fire dump.

Mike Woodley of Aces High managed to rescue her from this fate with the aid of the Imperial War Museum and Lord Onslow. On 14th September 1979 TS423 was officially christened G-DAKS and given extensive cosmetic surgery to restore her Douglas nose at Duxford.

G-DAKS made her debut with Yorkshire Television as “Vera Lynn” of Ruskin Air Services in the series AIRLINE in 1979. Her film and television credits have ranged from Poirot to Tenko, Indiana Jones, Dirty Dozen, Memphis Belle, Da Vinci Code, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers and many others too numerous to mention.

She remains a young lady of 74 years! With over 3,600 hours total flying time N147DC is probably the lowest houred Dakota flying in the world. Aces High still operates her almost 35 years later and she is still being used in films and, as you can see if you visit the aircraft and take a tour at the show, she still has her unrestored, original WW2 cockpit and interior.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Sally B and the Tigers Parachute Team. Supercars, classics and race cars 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 our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 12^th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 27^th & Sunday 28^th August 2016, 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. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 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 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.