When compiling a list of the greatest airshows in the world, I would question anyone that does not place the wonderfully diverse airshow at La Ferté-Alais held each summer. From the earliest designs of the 1900s to some of the most advanced modern fighters, this show had it all. Even more impressively, the 2018 show … Continue reading La Ferté-Alais Meeting Aérien 2018 – 19th & 20th May 2018
2018 is already proving to be an incredibly exciting year for the UK airshow scene and in particular the warbird sector. We have already seen two Buchons return to the skies in the last couple of months alongside two Spitfires making welcome returns to the UK skies (more on which later). https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/40649173280/in/dateposted-public/ The last year … Continue reading Welcome Back, Old Friend – G-THUN Returns
Following on from my previous post featuring my Dad's pictures from the activity at Headcorn in 1988 surrounding the production of the mini series "Piece of Cake", I thought another post might prove popular. I'll try to use a few different images and also try and bring the story up to date with some recent … Continue reading Another Piece of Cake – “Then and Now”
The first Shuttleworth Collection airshow of 2018 took place on the 6th May and marked the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force. Weather conditions were absolutely perfect, with strong sunshine and hardly any wind throughout the afternoon. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/27283395147/in/dateposted-public/ The static display featured some gems to enjoy before the show, including the Bristol Scout replica, … Continue reading Shuttleworth Collection Celebrates 100 Years of the RAF – Season Premiere 6th May 2018
Following on from my visit to the "Meet the Blenheim" open day back in December, I had the pleasure of being given an update on the project by the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust's chairman, Dave Brocklehurst, last week. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/28022760868/in/dateposted-public/ The museum, based on the site of former RAF Hawkinge, is an unparalleled treasure … Continue reading Warbird People – Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust Update
The traditional winter "off" season has historically been a dark, quiet few months for the aviation enthusiast, with aircraft put to bed for winter and very few events appearing on the calendar. Thankfully in recent years this has started to change with plenty of events making the most of the quieter schedule to allow for … Continue reading Historic Aircraft Collection “At Home Day” 7th April 2018
Today marks the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force. Up until this point what would become the RAF had been the Royal Flying Corps, the aviation element of the Army. This key development shortly before the end of the First World War confirmed the aeroplane's importance in warfare and started a … Continue reading RAF 100 – 10 Decades 10 Types
My first "live" aviation event of 2018 was a short trip down to the Gatwick Aviation Museum. It will always be a surreal sight discovering this hidden treasure trove of 1950s and 60s British aircraft just a few hundred yards away from the busy day to day activities of Gatwick airport. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/26240258857/in/dateposted-public/ The museum's first … Continue reading Gatwick Aviation Museum Shackleton and Lightning Engine Run Day 24th March 2018
This May/June marks 30 years since the aerial filming took place for the ITV television series " Piece Of Cake" based on the Derek Robinson Novel of the same name. The show is a classic for any warbird enthusiast with some stunning flying and great characters. Robinson's original novel followed the fictional Hornet Squadron though … Continue reading When Piece of Cake came to Headcorn – 30 years on
Following on from the resounding successful launch by numerous operators of two seat Spitfire flights, along with the exciting prospect of a two seat Buchon in 2018, it is unsurprising that talk of a two seat Hurricane has started to crop up. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/38572374062/in/album-72157688820126531/ Back in October I visited Hawker Restorations who confirmed at that time … Continue reading Warbird People: A Hurricane Built For Two? Hawker Restorations Update
