Getting stuck in traffic outside an airshow does sometimes have its advantages. Waiting to climb the iconic hilly path up to the legendary aerodrome at La Ferté-Alais, the unmistakable outline of a warbird practicing aerobatics in the local area stood out. As I sat waiting for the traffic to move the silhouette moved into focus … Continue reading Meeting Aerien 2019 – La Ferté-Alais 8th June
Following on from last years first instalment, which was widely regarded to be one of the highlights of the season the 2017 Fly Navy airshow at the Shuttleworth Collection built on a well earned reputation. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/35698959730/in/dateposted-public/ The show took place on the 4th June and featured a wide range of displays from collection and visiting … Continue reading Shuttleworth Collection Fly Navy Show – 4th June 2017
It goes without saying that the Fighter Collection's incredible extended sequence at Old Warden in June was one of the highlights of the season. Seeing the rarer aircraft in the Duxford based collection away from their home base is a rare event especially at a venue as intimate as Old Warden. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/28133603295/in/album-72157669047928081/ The slot was … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2016 – Fighter Collection Fly Navy Finale
Ever since the dramatic events at Culdrose in 2014 which saw Chris Gotke successfully save the Fly Navy Heritage Trust Sea Fury T20 following engine troubles mid display, the UK airshow season has been without one of its greatest sounds, the Bristol Centaurus. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/22823451768/in/album-72157676510805636/ Thankfully this all changed in July this year when North Weald … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2016 – Return of the Centaurus
2016 has been an interesting year for Duxford. Following the events of the 2015 airshow season there was always going to be a strong spotlight shining on a venue which has a road as major as the M11 on the end of the runway. As documented in earlier reviews on this site this spotlight resulted … Continue reading Duxford September Airshow 2016 – Meet the Fighters
Well, where to start? This is one airshow that will surely go into the history books. From start to finish this one was straight on the “I was there” list. The Shuttleworth collection team proving once again that if you stick to a well crafted theme you will truly have something special. The list of … Continue reading Shuttleworth Collection Fly Navy Show – 5th June 2016
It is a shame to start February off on a note of regret, but I didn't feel I could let the passing of US Navy ace Alexander Vraciu on the 29th January go unnoticed on this page. Without the brave men who flew these aircraft we love so much into war, we may very well … Continue reading Warbird People: Lt. Alex Vraciu – Hellcat Legend
A hallmark of Duxford airshows during the 1990s are early 2000's was the sight of the Grumman Cats of the Fighter Collection. For many years the cats made up the traditonal opening act of any show. Led by the distinctive Tigercat, with the Hellcat, Bearcat and Wildcat tucked in behind. A formation pass would always … Continue reading Photo Post – Grumman’s Big Cats
It has long been a tradition that every July Duxford plays host to the wonderful Flying Legends airshow. Historic aircraft from around Europe and the world fill the airfield and put on spectacular displays. Flying Legends is of course the brainchild of Stephen Grey, owner of The Fighter Collection. Over the years Stephen and his … Continue reading Airshow Moments – Flying Legends “Joker”
Warbird Tails 