With 2019 soon upon us, I felt now was the best chance to put together a list of my personal airshow top 5 from the 2018 season. We were certainly spoiled for choice both in quality of flying and the generally perfect weather that endured for much of the summer. My list for the 2018 … Continue reading Warbird Tails Airshow Top 5 2018
For the final 2018 airshow moment (for now) I wanted to go back to the Duxford Air Festival in May which saw the modern debt for a fascinating and unique design. The F+W C-3605, commonly known as the "Schlepp". https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/41980555010/in/album-72157696543458112/ This ungainly looking design is a development of an original 1940s era aircraft, which was … Continue reading Airshow Moment 2018 10 -Schlepp Debut
A long-standing tradition at Duxford shows, particularly Flying Legends has been an "ultimate pistons" segment or similar. This started in the early days of the Fighter Collection's show when Ray Hanna and Stephen Grey used to put on a breathtaking high energy tail-chase sequence in the skies of Duxford. As you'd expect from the people … Continue reading Airshow Moment 2018 7- Legends’ Fury Pair
New Spitfires joining the worldwide population are still an incredibly regular occurrence which is a great testament to those involved in resurrecting these classic fighters. 2018 saw a real resurgence in one of the most elegant variants of the iconic fighter, the Mk V. While none of the aircraft featured were technically "new" restorations, a … Continue reading Airshow Moment 6 – Five Vs “Baby Spit” Revival
Now a clear set theme in the UK airshow calendar, the September show at Duxford features one of the most comprehensive tributes to the Battle of Britain that can be enjoyed in the world. This year saw the event take on the added them of RAF100 and featured a remarkable selection of aeroplanes from throughout … Continue reading Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow 2018
Having made a great impression at shows across Europe, the Flying Bulls made their first appearance in the UK back in 2011, when the P-38 and Corsair first appeared at Duxford. Since then the P-38, Corsair and in recent years, B-25 have been semi regulars at Flying Legends with an additional appearance at RIAT on one … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2018 4 – Flying Bulls Flying Visit
This particular airshow moment took place across the entire 2018 season. I've already featured the excitement of G-THUN's first display back in the UK since its sale over a decade ago, so this post takes a look at some of the other highlight moments. Formerly a Duxford icon, when painted as "No Guts, No Glory", … Continue reading Airshow Moments 2018 3 – Return of the P-47
The de Havilland Canada Chipmunk is well loved by pilots and considered to be one of the finest flying machines every built. The original Chipmunk design is now over 70 years old, with the type first taking to the skies in May 1946. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/45944034981/in/dateposted/ The Chipmunk was designed, developed and initially manufactured in Canada with … Continue reading Aircraft Profile: de Havilland Canada Chipmunk
Always a centrepiece for the historic aviation scene, Flying Legends manages to gather a collection of the finest warbirds and pilots from around the world for an unparalleled airshow experience year on year. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/44984674905/in/dateposted-public/ 2018 was one of the strongest years in recent memory, with plenty of debut displays, or welcome returns across the weekend. … Continue reading Flying Legends 2018
The 2018 Duxford Air Festival continued where 2017 left off in the new style of Duxford May shows. Previously following a set theme the opening show of the year now takes on a “variety show” style format with displays from all avenues of aviation on show. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127965535@N04/29919008328/in/dateposted-public/ Last year was strangely light on warbird displays … Continue reading Duxford Air Festival 2018
