The festive DH88

So Christmas is upon us again, I wanted to take this time to say a massive thank you to every single one of you who has read, shared, liked or commented on any of my pieces put out this year. It has been a really enjoyable experience and I look forward to building this site further as 2016 goes on.

The start of the New Year will see a return from my historical articles looking into some lesser known types as well as an in-depth look at Curtiss. Not to mention the oncoming airshow season which is only 5 months away (not that I’m counting!)

Airshow Moments Votes – The Results 

Yesterday saw me post my personal airshow moments of 2015, earlier in the week I asked readers to take the time to vote for theirs. The resultant top 3 (4 as there was a tie for 3rd place!) are outlined below. Many thanks to all who voted, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

1. Vulcan Farewell 

One final approach.

A truly iconic sight that will never be seen in the skies again after today.

“Finals to Land”

A classic Shuttleworth scene with a twist!

Another view of XH558 in flight.

2. Duxford Spitfire Spectacular 

Brian Smith leads a “Vic” loop above the main action.

The BBMF managed to get all their airworthy fighters up together for an impressive performance.

A sight many will remember from years to come. The first pass from the 15 Spitfires and 2 Seafires.

Sally B sneaks in underneath the first pass of the Big Wing.

Wave after wave of Spitfires took to the sky ahead of the grand finale.

An undoubted highlight of the Spitfire finale, the Seafire III.

Richard Lake’s Mark XVIII is always a welcome addition.

3. Blenheim Debut

Three Hurricanes are led across the Duxford sky by the Bristol Blenheim.

Watching the Blenheim fly out of Headcorn was a real highlight.

SL633 in a wonderful formation with the Blenheim.

John Romain bringing the Blenheim round for a pass.

The Blenheim taxiing back after its display.

One of many memorable passes that John Romain made during his masterful Blenheim display.

The Blenheim looked stunning sitting out on the grass during the afternoon.

Soon enough it was time for the Blenheim to take to the skies.

John Romain put in another polished routine in the Blenheim.

The Blenheim flight crew were joined by a number of distinguished guests, as well as the event organisers for a brief photo call in front of the aircraft.

Two classic Bristol designs side by side.

The Blenheims arrival was one of those great moments in my airshow memory.

3. Shuttleworth Edwardians

The minimalist interior of the Blackburn Monoplane.

The Avro Triplane brought things to a close as the light started to fade,

The gem of the Edwardian collection, the Blackburn Monoplane.

The Blackburn Monoplane

The Edwardian aircraft were a central part of the airshow.

The Boxkite during its extended routine.