It is well known by many that 118 years ago today powered flight was achieved for the first time by the Wright Brothers with their iconic Wright Flyer (pictured below at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC in 2019. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/49217367931/in/album-72157712199008938/ Over time it seems that this date was also popular with aircraft … Continue reading 17th December – An Iconic Date
In 2019 and 2021 the Shuttleworth July show has focused on the lighter side of aviation, specifically the Light Aircraft Association. This offers a chance for sport and light aviation types to take centre stage and enjoy that typical garden party atmosphere that Old Warden evening shows are famous for. This years event was extra … Continue reading Shuttleworth Collection Flying For Fun Evening Show 17th July 2021
It's another virtual trip to Old Warden for today's 2021 airshow moment. With the sad decline in classic jet operations in the UK on the whole, it has been a real positive to see rotary winged machines from the same era return to flight, with recent seasons providing sights and sounds such as Westland Whirlwind, … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2021 Number 6 – Sea King Return
Another belated review for one of the fantastic Old Warden evening airshows. These events provide a wonderful experience to enjoy a summers evening in the beautiful surroundings of Old Warden and (at least in theory) a chance to enjoy calmer conditions and see some of the collection's lighter machines take to the air. The June … Continue reading Shuttleworth Evening Show “A Scurry of Chipmunks” 19th June 2021
A long held high point in any airshow for me, the few airworthy Miles Gemini in the UK have made relatively few appearances over the years. Thankfully that has now changed with this wonderful example putting on a number of appearances at Old Warden, Little Gransden and East Kirkby. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/51743866842/in/dateposted/ Owner Stu Blanchard puts on … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2021 Number 5 – Miles Gemini
Looking through the record books for notable aviation anniversaries, I stumbled across a couple of lesser known Royal Navy types that had their first flights on or around this date. The fist of which is the unconventional Fairey Albacore. This design flew for the first time on the 12th December 1938. https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/15837361162/in/photolist-q8uBH5-8AWQdr-ErDfpx-8AZW2u-EXP9qW-E3pC5s-F17UFc-8AZW1L The family resemblance … Continue reading Naval First Flights December 1 – The Fairey Albacore
One of the high points of the past two seasons has been the increased regular flying days from Duxford. These events, broadly every other weekend through the summer offer a 1-2 hour flying display from a selection of based aircraft as part of an otherwise standard museum day. I've already covered the May and June … Continue reading Duxford August Flying Days
For many decades now, Hangar 2 south (and at times hangar 3 north, at Duxford has been home to some of the rarest and most remarkable warbirds to ever grace the European airshow circuit. The Fighter Collection have provided some of the best memories for warbird fans worldwide with their typically spirited display flying and … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2021 Number 4 – Return of the Fighter Collection
Another welcome return visit of 2021 was Stow Maries. Another of the few venues to hold an airshow in 2020 but one that I have not visited for a show since 2017. Stow is a great venue and home to a wonderful museum. As one of most original WW1 airfields in the country it is … Continue reading Stow Maries Wings and Wheels 2021
I remember watching in awe as the first videos were released of the Shuttleworth Collection's English Electric Wren performing full circuits above Old Warden airfield in early 2019. This feat was repeated again at the first evening show that year, which I sadly missed. Since then, weather has either meant the Wren was unable to … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2021 Number 3 – Wonderful Wren
Warbird Tails 