Aviation Photography by Simon Fenwick http://simonsfotos.co.uk/ 23 rows en-gb 60 Battle Of Britain Open Day, Kemble Airport http://simonsfotos.co.uk/c1600953.html Kemble Airport recently secured the future of the Great vintage Flying Weekend (G-VFWE). Due to this it was decided to extend the usual one day event to a whole weekend and invite participants who would usually attend G-VFWE. So, on the Saturday we welcomed Aeroncas. Luscombes, Austers etc together with a very rare De Havilland Queen Bee. The actual G-VFWE will take place in May 2009 when it is hoped that many hundreds of visiting aircraft will descend upon the Cotswold venue. The Open Day provides an opportunity for visitors to see the many aviation clubs, organisations and business that occupy this immensely friendly and well presented former RAF airfield. Delta Jets had their hangar open to the public with several of their aircraft on show and there was a line-up of unrestored Hunters, along with one of the three Canberra PR.9s, available for close-up inspection. Event sponsors Redrow Homes had two hot air balloons on display and it was possible to take trips in microlights, helicopters and an Air Atlantique De Havilland Devon. There were also tours of the Control Tower available and many local re-enactment groups had got together and brought along displays of all sorts of military vehcles. Outside the entrance to the excellent AV8 Restaurant, two aviation related charities had joined forces for the weekend. The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) & Fly2Help which is based at the airport were raising funds for both organisations through the sale of raffle tickets and a Saturday evening barbecue and auction. Over the weekend a total of over £7000 was achieved and will be split between the two. For full details of Fly2Help, please click on the banner which appears on each page of this website. On the second day, a star special guest was Joy Lofthouse who lives locally. Joy was one of the famous ATA pilots during WWII and flew a large number of types both large and small. She was delighted to be photographed with the Red Arrows who dropped into their old base before and after a special engagement at Rendcomb for Help The Heroes. Later in the afternoon, the airport manager took her for a flight during which she of course took the controls. Each afternoon there was a short flying display, though as usual during 2008 the weather played a large part in the proceedings. Saturday was bright and sunny, but Sunday was claggy to say the least with swirling fog during the morning palying havoc with arrivals. Delta Jets of course played their part with Andy Cubin and Brian Cornes in the 'Black Arrows' and 'Blue Diamonds' Hunter T7s and Brian again was in the air with the 'Raspberry Ripple' Jet Provost T5A. A regular at Kemble is Steven Roberts with his delightful De Havilland Hornet Moth. Surprise participants were three aircraft from Peter Holloway's stable which is based at Old Warden. These comprised the Focke Wulf Stieglitz, Klemm and Bucker Bestmann. It was the first time I had seen these delightful inter-war machines. Sunday's display was enhanced with Peter Teichman in his P-40 Kittyhawk, Andrew Dixon's popular Pembroke, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire IIa and Hurricane IIc and an amazing display by the Air Atlantique Dakota. However, it was difficult to decide whether that was the highlight as earlier in the afternoon, John Fairey flew in from Brimpton in his Percival Provost. Once Brian Cornes had finished his solo slot in the Jet Provost T5A, John got airborne and there followed a series of perfect formation passes from the pair, representing the earliest and last generations of the Provost family. Although not displaying at Kemble, the Red Arrows can always be relied upon to do something a bit special. Following their usual formation departure for their special display at Rendcomb, their return at the end of the afternoon had the assembled crowd chuckling at the 'commentary' from Red 1 as they performed a full 9-ship Parasol Break - a manoeuvre seldom seen these days. During the weekend, the schedule of Kemble events for 2009 was announced: May 9th/10th Great Vintage Flying Weekend Jun 20th/21st Kemble Air Days Sep 20th Kemble Open Day For full all Kemble airport matters please see www.kemble.com Saturday 13 September 2008: Kemble Airport recently secured the future of the Great vintage Flying Weekend (G-VFWE). Due to this it was decided to extend the usual one day event to a whole weekend and invite participants who would usually attend G-VFWE. So, on the Saturday we welcomed Aeroncas. Luscombes, Austers etc together with a very rare De Havilland Queen Bee. The actual G-VFWE will take place in May 2009 when it is hoped that many hundreds of visiting aircraft will descend upon the Cotswold venue. The Open Day provides an opportunity for visitors to see the many aviation clubs, organisations and business that occupy this immensely friendly and well presented former RAF airfield. Delta Jets had their hangar open to the public with several of their aircraft on show and there was a line-up of unrestored Hunters, along with one of the three Canberra PR.9s, available for close-up inspection. Event sponsors Redrow Homes had two hot air balloons on display and it was possible to take trips in microlights, helicopters and an Air Atlantique De Havilland Devon. There were also tours of the Control Tower available and many local re-enactment groups had got together and brought along displays of all sorts of military vehcles. Outside the entrance to the excellent AV8 Restaurant, two aviation related charities had joined forces for the weekend. The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) & Fly2Help which is based at the airport were raising funds for both organisations through the sale of raffle tickets and a Saturday evening barbecue and auction. Over the weekend a total of over _7000 was achieved and will be split between the two. For full details of Fly2Help, please click on the banner which appears on each page of this website. On the second day, a star special guest was Joy Lofthouse who lives locally. Joy was one of the famous ATA pilots during WWII and flew a large number of types both large and small. She was delighted to be photographed with the Red Arrows who dropped into their old base before and after a special engagement at Rendcomb for Help The Heroes. Later in the afternoon, the airport manager took her for a flight during which she of course took the controls. Each afternoon there was a short flying display, though as usual during 2008 the weather played a large part in the proceedings. Saturday was bright and sunny, but Sunday was claggy to say the least with swirling fog during the morning palying havoc with arrivals. Delta Jets of course played their part with Andy Cubin and Brian Cornes in the 'Black Arrows' and 'Blue Diamonds' Hunter T7s and Brian again was in the air with the 'Raspberry Ripple' Jet Provost T5A. A regular at Kemble is Steven Roberts with his delightful De Havilland Hornet Moth. Surprise participants were three aircraft from Peter Holloway's stable which is based at Old Warden. These comprised the Focke Wulf Stieglitz, Klemm and Bucker Bestmann. It was the first time I had seen these delightful inter-war machines. Sunday's display was enhanced with Peter Teichman in his P-40 Kittyhawk, Andrew Dixon's popular Pembroke, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire IIa and Hurricane IIc and an amazing display by the Air Atlantique Dakota. However, it was difficult to decide whether that was the highlight as earlier in the afternoon, John Fairey flew in from Brimpton in his Percival Provost. Once Brian Cornes had finished his solo slot in the Jet Provost T5A, John got airborne and there followed a series of perfect formation passes from the pair, representing the earliest and last generations of the Provost family. Although not displaying at Kemble, the Red Arrows can always be relied upon to do something a bit special. Following their usual formation departure for their special display at Rendcomb, their return at the end of the afternoon had the assembled crowd chuckling at the 'commentary' from Red 1 as they performed a full 9-ship Parasol Break - a manoeuvre seldom seen these days. During the weekend, the schedule of Kemble events for 2009 was announced: May 9th/10th Great Vintage Flying Weekend Jun 20th/21st Kemble Air Days Sep 20th Kemble Open Day For full all Kemble airport matters please see www.kemble.com

Bulldog G-BULL Robinson R22 G-RNGO &G-DGOD Robinson R22 G-BYZZ & R44 G-OMEL Aeronca Champion G-BPFM Auster AOP.9 WZ662 G-BKVK G-VFWE Camping Chipmunk WB569 'R'G-BYSJ Chipmunk WB569 'R'G-BYSJ G-VFWE Camping Auster Alpha RCAF 693 G-BLPG Lancar Z35 G-BSRI Vans RV-9 G-EGBS Piper Cub G-AJAD SNCAN NC854 G-BJEL SNCAN NC854 G-BJEL Chipmunk WG472 G-AOTY Chipmunk WG472 G-AOTY Hunter T7 WV372 R G-BXFI Gnat XR991 G-MOUR Hunter GA.11 'WB188' XF300 G-BZPC Hunter T.8C WT722 878 VL G-BWGN Hunter T.8C WT722 878 VL G-BWGN Hunter GA.11 'WB188' XF300 G-BZPC Hunter GA.11 'WB188' XF300 G-BZPC Gnat XR991 G-MOUR Hunter GA11 XE689 864 Hunter GA.11 'WB188' XF300 G-BZPC Hunter GA.11 'WB188' XF300 G-BZPC Strikemaster Mk80A G-FLYY Hunter Tails Hunter Tails Hunter Unrestored Line Hunter Unrestored Line Hunter Unrestored Line Hunter T.7 XL592 Y Hunter GA11 XE689 864 Hunter GA11 XE689 864 Hunter XL586 Hunter GA.11 'WB188' WV256 G-BZPB Hunter T.7 XL592 Y Canberra PR9 XH131 Hunter T.8C XE665 876 VL Hunter T.8C XE665 876 VL Canberra PR9 XH131 Hunter XL586 Hunter GA.11 'WB188' WV256 G-BZPB Canberra PR9 XH131 Canberra PR9 XH131 Canberra PR9 XH131 Hunter Unrestored Line

Published in Aviation Photography by Simon Fenwick

]]> Sat Sep 13 2008 Cody Centenary, Farnborough http://simonsfotos.co.uk/c1596430.html On 16th October 1908, Samuel F Cody became the first man in Britain to carry out a controlled sustained flight in a powered aircraft when he flew his Army Aeroplane No.1 at Farnborough in Hampshire. To celebrate this important milestone or aviation, the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust, who have a museum just yards form the site of Cody's flight, held a special celebration at which the pavilion housing their full scale replica of Cody's aircraft was officially opened. In front of a specially invited audience including Baronness Thatcher & the Rt Hon Gerald Howarth MP (who later flew the RAE Aero Club's Chipmunk in the flypast), descendants of Cody himslef, together with representatives from Rushmoor Borough Council and many of the volunteers who had worked tirelessly to create the full sized replica, a presentation was given outlining the imprtance of this event. Inside the Pavilion, the recreating of the British Army Aeroplane No.1, in which Cody made the momentous flight, takes prode of place. There is also a full size replica of one of his man-carrying kites. Along one wall there are display boards with many photographs showing the life of Cody and his pioneering aviation achievements, whilst on the opposite wall photographs tell the story of how the replica and Pavilion were built. In the coming months, the working simulator which uses software from Merlin Simulations, will be moved into place so that visitors can experience for themselves what it was like to fly in 1908. At midday, a special flypast of aircraft through the ages took place and was specially routed, not along the path of the current runway, but directly over the place from which Cody took off on that flight. The flypast consisted of: 1 Apache AH.1 ZJ216 from Army Air Corps, Middle Wallop 2 De Havilland DH.60G Moth (Gipsy I) G-ABAG from Audley End 3 De Havilland Dragon Rapide G-AGTM (Aviation Heritage, Coventry) in formation with De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moths G-APLU, G-AHOO, G-AOBX & G-AIXJ 4 Avro 19 (Anson) G-AHKX from the Shuttleworth Trust 5 Hawker Hurricane I R4118 UP-W G-HUPW from Peter Vacher 6 De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 G-BDDD of the RAE Aero Club 7 Avro Vulcan XH558 G-VLCN from the Vulcan To The Sky Trust 8 Bae Hawk T.1A from RAF Valley 9 Eurofighter Typhoon from RAF Coningsby 10 Boeing C-17A Globemaster 3 ZZ174 from 99 Sqn at RAF Brize Norton Thursday 16 October 2008: On 16th October 1908, Samuel F Cody became the first man in Britain to carry out a controlled sustained flight in a powered aircraft when he flew his Army Aeroplane No.1 at Farnborough in Hampshire. To celebrate this important milestone or aviation, the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust, who have a museum just yards form the site of Cody's flight, held a special celebration at which the pavilion housing their full scale replica of Cody's aircraft was officially opened. In front of a specially invited audience including Baronness Thatcher & the Rt Hon Gerald Howarth MP (who later flew the RAE Aero Club's Chipmunk in the flypast), descendants of Cody himslef, together with representatives from Rushmoor Borough Council and many of the volunteers who had worked tirelessly to create the full sized replica, a presentation was given outlining the imprtance of this event. Inside the Pavilion, the recreating of the British Army Aeroplane No.1, in which Cody made the momentous flight, takes prode of place. There is also a full size replica of one of his man-carrying kites. Along one wall there are display boards with many photographs showing the life of Cody and his pioneering aviation achievements, whilst on the opposite wall photographs tell the story of how the replica and Pavilion were built. In the coming months, the working simulator which uses software from Merlin Simulations, will be moved into place so that visitors can experience for themselves what it was like to fly in 1908. At midday, a special flypast of aircraft through the ages took place and was specially routed, not along the path of the current runway, but directly over the place from which Cody took off on that flight. The flypast consisted of: 1 Apache AH.1 ZJ216 from Army Air Corps, Middle Wallop 2 De Havilland DH.60G Moth (Gipsy I) G-ABAG from Audley End 3 De Havilland Dragon Rapide G-AGTM (Aviation Heritage, Coventry) in formation with De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moths G-APLU, G-AHOO, G-AOBX & G-AIXJ 4 Avro 19 (Anson) G-AHKX from the Shuttleworth Trust 5 Hawker Hurricane I R4118 UP-W G-HUPW from Peter Vacher 6 De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 G-BDDD of the RAE Aero Club 7 Avro Vulcan XH558 G-VLCN from the Vulcan To The Sky Trust 8 Bae Hawk T.1A from RAF Valley 9 Eurofighter Typhoon from RAF Coningsby 10 Boeing C-17A Globemaster 3 ZZ174 from 99 Sqn at RAF Brize Norton

Flypast 1: Apache 01 Flypast 1: Apache 02 Flypast 1: Apache 04 Flypast 1: Apache 03 Flypast 2: De Havilland Formation 01 Flypast 2: De Havilland Formation 01 Flypast 3: De Havilland Gipsy Moth 01 Flypast 3: De Havilland Gipsy Moth 02 Flypast 3: De Havilland Gipsy Moth 03 Formation 4: Avron Anson 01 Formation 4: Avron Anson 02 Formation 5: Hawker Hurricane Formation 6: De Havilland Chipmunk 01 Formation 6: De Havilland Chipmunk 02 Formation 7: Avro Vulcan 01 Formation 7: Avro Vulcan 02 Formation 7: Avro Vulcan 03 Formation 8: BAe Hawk Formation 9: Eurofighter Typhoon 01 Formation 9: Eurofighter Typhoon 02 Formation End: Boeing C-17 08 Formation End: Boeing C-17 04 Formation End: Boeing C-17 03 Formation End: Boeing C-17 01 Formation End: Boeing C-17 04 Formation End: Boeing C-17 06 Formation End: Boeing C-17 05 Formation End: Boeing C-17 07 Cody Exhibition Model Cody Exhibition Model Cody Exhibition Model Cody Exhibition Model Cody - Man Carrying Kite Replica - modern Cody - Man Carrying Kite in operation Cody Exhibition Model Cody Flyer Simulator Cody Flyer Simulator Cody - Man Carrying Kite Replica Cody - Man Carrying Kite Replica Cody - The Replica - fuel tank Cody - The Replica - propellor Cody - The Replica - cockpit Cody - The Replica - detail Cody - The Replica - detail Cody - The Replica - propellor Cody Pavilion - Dedication Plaques Cody - reflections of an aviator Cody - The Replica Cody - The Replica - Cody knot Cody - The Replica - Cody knot

Published in Aviation Photography by Simon Fenwick

]]> Thu Oct 16 2008 RAF Odiham Families Day 2008 http://simonsfotos.co.uk/c1595021.html Thanks to an invite from one of the organisers, I was able to attend this event for the first time. I was able to spend the early part of the morning at the threshold to capture the arrivals and to get some taxying shots and then wander freely around the static park which had a very good array of aircraft. The afternoon flying display consisted of the full range of RAF assets commenicng with a flypast from one of Brize Norton's VC-10s. The Red Arrows suffered technical problems which meant that they could only put up seven aircraft. Chinooks of course played a major part in the day firstly offering local rides to family members. The Chinook Display Team amazed as usual whilst there was also a four-ship Role Demo. Falklands veteran 'Bravo November' didn't fly but did take pride of place on the static apron. Delta Jets brought along two of their Hunter T.7s and the 'Yellowjack' Gnat and Peter Vacher's Hurricane Mk.I was displayed in the hands of Stu Goldspink. However, the undoubted star of the show was De Havilland' Aviation's supreme Sea Vixen going through its fast and noisy (or should that be musical?!) routine against a brilliant blue sky - a real rarity in 2008! Massive thanks for the invite. Wednesday 23 July 2008: Thanks to an invite from one of the organisers, I was able to attend this event for the first time. I was able to spend the early part of the morning at the threshold to capture the arrivals and to get some taxying shots and then wander freely around the static park which had a very good array of aircraft. The afternoon flying display consisted of the full range of RAF assets commenicng with a flypast from one of Brize Norton's VC-10s. The Red Arrows suffered technical problems which meant that they could only put up seven aircraft. Chinooks of course played a major part in the day firstly offering local rides to family members. The Chinook Display Team amazed as usual whilst there was also a four-ship Role Demo. Falklands veteran 'Bravo November' didn't fly but did take pride of place on the static apron. Delta Jets brought along two of their Hunter T.7s and the 'Yellowjack' Gnat and Peter Vacher's Hurricane Mk.I was displayed in the hands of Stu Goldspink. However, the undoubted star of the show was De Havilland' Aviation's supreme Sea Vixen going through its fast and noisy (or should that be musical?!) routine against a brilliant blue sky - a real rarity in 2008! Massive thanks for the invite.

Chinook_ZH891_HF.jpg Islander_SJCH_Hants_Police Chinook_HC3_ZH902_001 Sea_Vixen_XP924_CVIX_000 Typhoon_ZJ814_001 Tucano_ZF341_001 Tucano_ZF137_001 Sea_Vixen_XP924_CVIX_000a Sea_Vixen_XP924_CVIX_000b Typhoon_ZJ814_002 Hawk_XX285_001 Tucano_ZF341_002 Tucano_pair Griffin_HAR2_ZJ703_001 Tornado_F3_ZE785_HS Tornado_F3_ZE785_HS_001 Tornado_F3_ZE785_HS_002 Tornado_F3_ZE785_HS_003 Tornado_F3_ZE785_HS_004 Jet_Provost_T5_VIVM_001 Jet_Provost_001 Jet_Provost_T5_VIVM_002 Jet_Provost_T3A_XM479_BVEZ_000 Hurricane_R4118_001 Hurricane_R4118_002 Jet_Provost_T3A_XM479_BVEZ_001 Jet_Provost_T3A_XM479_BVEZ_002 Hawk_T1a_XX245_001 Hawk_T1a_XX245_002 Hawk_T1_XX184_19_001 Hawk_T1_XX184_19_002 Hunter_XL577_BXKF__Blue__000 Gnat_T1_XR991_MOUR__Yellow__000 Hunter_XL577_BXKF__Blue__001 Hunter_XL577_BXKF__Blue__002 Gnat_T1_XR991_MOUR__Yellow__001 Gnat_T1_XR991_MOUR__Yellow__002 Static Hawks Static_Hawk_XX184_001 Static_Hawk_XX184_002 Static_Hawk_XX184_003 Static_Jet_Provost_Camo_001 Static_Jet_Provost_Camo_002 Reds_001 Reds_002 Reds_003 Reds_004 Reds_005 Reds_006 Reds_007

Published in Aviation Photography by Simon Fenwick

]]> Wed Jul 23 2008 RAFA Shoreham Air Show 2008 http://simonsfotos.co.uk/c1590869.html The 19th RAFA Shoreham Air Show was blessed with wonderful sunny weather, a real rarity during the summer of 2008! The following is a report written by some friends who were visiting the show for the first time: Maybe I’m just lucky. Maybe the “gods” smile down on me. Who knows? Suffice to say that I’ve only managed to attend two air shows this year, Goodwood and Shoreham, and both times, I’ve gone on the sunniest day. And what a day to be at the oldest licensed airfield in the UK, set in beautiful Sussex countryside just outside the seaside town, with the stunning and well-known façade of Lancing College as a backdrop. This, the 19th Shoreham Air Show raising much needed funds for RAFA (totalling over £1.25m to date) can surely be counted as one of the best ever. So this visit was an opportunity not to be missed, and, despite a later than planned start, we still made it in plenty of time for the first display. Below are my thoughts and impressions of the day. I hope those who couldn’t make it, get a feel of the flavour of the event from this and other sites and photos. From feathered wings with thousands of years of natural ability to the newest and highest-tech man-made equivalent of today’s Eurofighter Typhoon, there was something for all lovers of everything airborne. Christian Moullec with his geese and cranes were a spectacular start to the day. Man and nature working as one. I think the birds got the bigger round of applause. I never tire of seeing, hearing and “feeling” a Spitfire passing by, but Carolyn Grace’s elegant and majestic flying surpassed anything I’ve ever witnessed, sending shivers down my spine. Not content with this, we were also treated to further magnificent displays of various models of Spitfires, Hurricanes and the truly majestic Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Having five - yes FIVE - Spitfires flying formation overhead gave us an inkling as to what civilian England saw and heard in the skies during WWII. It brought a lump to my throat, and, I’m not ashamed to admit it, moistness to my eyes. Made one proud to be English. The mock airfield attack was very well received by the crowd, laughing at the antics of the Dad’s Army brigade. Nice to see that our boys saw off Tommy………… although I did notice a Spitfire and ME flying off together later, all buddies again. Now, I’m not a fan of helicopters, but I have to admit that I was impressed with the displays here. Are Chinook’s really supposed to be able to do that?!?!? We were very fortunate to have a Chinook, and also the Hercules, on display, as our forces abroad need all the air support they can get, so our immense thanks go to the RAF for giving up their time to entertain us. Though the blustery conditions made for an ‘interesting’ landing when the Hercules first arrived! I’m still reeling from the B25 Mitchell flight. Are those Dutchmen mad? Has anyone told them that the B25 is a bomber not a fighter? Following their display, and prior to that of the Hangar 11 P40 Kittyhawk and P51D Mustang ‘Jumpin Jacques’, the three ‘American’ visitors linked up for a formation flypast. A first for this show was having five wing-walking Guinot girls in the air at once. It was a brilliant display, with very close passes and very low to the ground. The excitable commentator got louder and shriller as the display progressed, which was a bit hard on the ears when standing close to one of the PA speakers! I love the display teams and thoroughly enjoyed the Yakovlevs, being a fan of their engine sound. However, I have to say that one of the highlights of my day was The Blades. If awards were to be given at air shows, Kat should win “best commentator” for her vital role in this fast moving, fun packed display. With her excellent instructions, not one wing turn, stall or pass was missed by this fascinated spectator. These tiny Extra 300s hold a much closer formation than the larger Hawks, and the speed, agility and “closeness” of the passes was breath-taking. Amazingly the new, blue colourscheme (thanks to their sponsorship from Barclays Commercial) was easy to see against the cloudless sky, looking better than the old orange livery. And who can’t be moved by the sound and sheer brute force of the jets? Fast, low passes with rapid, almost vertical manoeuvres, from the Typhoon, shook the ground, air and body. So, from the loudest to the quietest with Guy Westgate in his Swift Glider, performing the same loops, passes and “stalls” as his engine’d counterparts. This was the third time I’d seen Guy, but this was the first time for me that the weather was at its optimum to witness the full display. Our day was brought to a close with John Romain giving a poignant display in the gorgeous Spitfire IX owned by Tom Blair. This was in tribute to Brian Brown. While John was flying the wonderful routine, a memorial was unveiled to Brian in front of Shoreham’s wonderful art-deco Terminal Building. We lingered on afterwards to miss all the show traffic and were rewarded with watching some of the participants practicing their art against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset, before heading home, tired but happy. Jan & Jeff Coombes There are not that many images in this report from the second day of the show as the weather really closed in with rain in the morning. Although it did dry up enough for the display to start, the airfield attack had to be cut short due to worsening visibility such that by the time that Team Swift took off, Guy Westgate reported that the cloudbase as a maximum of 550ft! Most aircraft were marooned at Shoreham for a further night, though the Brabant Mitchell and the falcon's Hercules both managed to get out, with some interesting effects. The 20th Anniversary RAFA Shoreham Air Show will take place on 22nd & 23rd August 2009. It promises to be rather special. Updates will be posted on this site as they happen. Saturday 30 August 2008: The 19th RAFA Shoreham Air Show was blessed with wonderful sunny weather, a real rarity during the summer of 2008! The following is a report written by some friends who were visiting the show for the first time: Maybe I_m just lucky. Maybe the _gods_ smile down on me. Who knows? Suffice to say that I_ve only managed to attend two air shows this year, Goodwood and Shoreham, and both times, I_ve gone on the sunniest day. And what a day to be at the oldest licensed airfield in the UK, set in beautiful Sussex countryside just outside the seaside town, with the stunning and well-known fa_ade of Lancing College as a backdrop. This, the 19th Shoreham Air Show raising much needed funds for RAFA (totalling over _1.25m to date) can surely be counted as one of the best ever. So this visit was an opportunity not to be missed, and, despite a later than planned start, we still made it in plenty of time for the first display. Below are my thoughts and impressions of the day. I hope those who couldn_t make it, get a feel of the flavour of the event from this and other sites and photos. From feathered wings with thousands of years of natural ability to the newest and highest-tech man-made equivalent of today_s Eurofighter Typhoon, there was something for all lovers of everything airborne. Christian Moullec with his geese and cranes were a spectacular start to the day. Man and nature working as one. I think the birds got the bigger round of applause. I never tire of seeing, hearing and _feeling_ a Spitfire passing by, but Carolyn Grace_s elegant and majestic flying surpassed anything I_ve ever witnessed, sending shivers down my spine. Not content with this, we were also treated to further magnificent displays of various models of Spitfires, Hurricanes and the truly majestic Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Having five - yes FIVE - Spitfires flying formation overhead gave us an inkling as to what civilian England saw and heard in the skies during WWII. It brought a lump to my throat, and, I_m not ashamed to admit it, moistness to my eyes. Made one proud to be English. The mock airfield attack was very well received by the crowd, laughing at the antics of the Dad_s Army brigade. Nice to see that our boys saw off Tommy____ although I did notice a Spitfire and ME flying off together later, all buddies again. Now, I_m not a fan of helicopters, but I have to admit that I was impressed with the displays here. Are Chinook_s really supposed to be able to do that?!?!? We were very fortunate to have a Chinook, and also the Hercules, on display, as our forces abroad need all the air support they can get, so our immense thanks go to the RAF for giving up their time to entertain us. Though the blustery conditions made for an _interesting_ landing when the Hercules first arrived! I_m still reeling from the B25 Mitchell flight. Are those Dutchmen mad? Has anyone told them that the B25 is a bomber not a fighter? Following their display, and prior to that of the Hangar 11 P40 Kittyhawk and P51D Mustang _Jumpin Jacques_, the three _American_ visitors linked up for a formation flypast. A first for this show was having five wing-walking Guinot girls in the air at once. It was a brilliant display, with very close passes and very low to the ground. The excitable commentator got louder and shriller as the display progressed, which was a bit hard on the ears when standing close to one of the PA speakers! I love the display teams and thoroughly enjoyed the Yakovlevs, being a fan of their engine sound. However, I have to say that one of the highlights of my day was The Blades. If awards were to be given at air shows, Kat should win _best commentator_ for her vital role in this fast moving, fun packed display. With her excellent instructions, not one wing turn, stall or pass was missed by this fascinated spectator. These tiny Extra 300s hold a much closer formation than the larger Hawks, and the speed, agility and _closeness_ of the passes was breath-taking. Amazingly the new, blue colourscheme (thanks to their sponsorship from Barclays Commercial) was easy to see against the cloudless sky, looking better than the old orange livery. And who can_t be moved by the sound and sheer brute force of the jets? Fast, low passes with rapid, almost vertical manoeuvres, from the Typhoon, shook the ground, air and body. So, from the loudest to the quietest with Guy Westgate in his Swift Glider, performing the same loops, passes and _stalls_ as his engine_d counterparts. This was the third time I_d seen Guy, but this was the first time for me that the weather was at its optimum to witness the full display. Our day was brought to a close with John Romain giving a poignant display in the gorgeous Spitfire IX owned by Tom Blair. This was in tribute to Brian Brown. While John was flying the wonderful routine, a memorial was unveiled to Brian in front of Shoreham_s wonderful art-deco Terminal Building. We lingered on afterwards to miss all the show traffic and were rewarded with watching some of the participants practicing their art against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset, before heading home, tired but happy. Jan & Jeff Coombes There are not that many images in this report from the second day of the show as the weather really closed in with rain in the morning. Although it did dry up enough for the display to start, the airfield attack had to be cut short due to worsening visibility such that by the time that Team Swift took off, Guy Westgate reported that the cloudbase as a maximum of 550ft! Most aircraft were marooned at Shoreham for a further night, though the Brabant Mitchell and the falcon's Hercules both managed to get out, with some interesting effects. The 20th Anniversary RAFA Shoreham Air Show will take place on 22nd & 23rd August 2009. It promises to be rather special. Updates will be posted on this site as they happen.

Airfield Attack - Bf109 Mk.Is - Hurricane Mk.I R4118 & Spitfire Mk.I AR213 RAF Merlin HC.3 arrival - Friday RAF Merlin HC.3 arrival - Friday RAF Merlin HC.3 arrival - Friday RAF Merlin HC.3 arrival - Friday Static - Tower - Merlin HC.3 Static - Tower - Merlin HC.3 Static - Tower - Merlin HC.3 Static - Tower - Merlin HC.3 Static - Tower - Merlin HC.3 Static - Tower - Merlin HC.3 Static - Tower - Merlin HC.3 Static - Tower - Chinook Static - Tower - Mitchell Static - Bucker Jungmann & Tiger Moth Static - Stampe SV-4C & Harvard Static - Harvard & Hurricane Static - Harvard & Hurricane Re-enactors - RAF Re-enactors Re-enactors - Dad's Army Re-enactors - RAF Re-enactors - RAF Static - Fighter Line - P-51D Mustang 'Jumpin Jacques' Re-enactors - RAF Static - Fighter Line - Spitfire Vb Re-enactors - RAF Re-enactors - RAF Re-enactors - RAF Static - Fighter Line - Spitfire Vb Renactors - Royal Observer Corps Static - Fighter Line - Spitfire Vb Re-enactors - Royal Observer Corps Static - Fighter Line - Spitfires Static - Fighter Line - Spitfires Static - Fighter Line - Spitfires Re-enactors - Dad's Army Static - Fighter Line - Spitfires Re-enactors - Dad's Army Static - Fighter Line - Spitfires Static - Fighter Line - Spitfires Static - Fighter Line - Spitfires Re-enactors - Dad's Army Static - Fighter Line - Spitfires Christian Moullec - Microlight and cranes Christian Moullec - Microlight and cranes Supermarine Spitfire Tr.IX, Carolyn Grace Supermarine Spitfire Tr.IX, Carolyn Grace Supermarine Spitfire Tr.IX, Carolyn Grace

Published in Aviation Photography by Simon Fenwick

]]> Sat Aug 30 2008 Charles Church Memorial Fly-In, Popham http://simonsfotos.co.uk/c1548620.html The name Charles Church is very well known as a firm of house builders. What is not so well known, a least outside historic aviation restoration, is that Charles Church the man, rebuilt and restored Spitfires at a small site only a mile or so from Popham Airfield. The family still owns the land upon which the airfield is based and on 29th June 2008, a Memorial fly-In was held in his name. Charles was killed in 1989 near Hartley Wintney flying one of the Spitfires that he had restored and so loved flying. In addition to a good cross section of flyers from far and wide, there were some special items on this sunny, if blustery day. The London Fire Brigade Parachute Team dropped in and Carolyn Grace gave a couple of spirited flypasts in her Spitfire Tr.9 ML407. The highlight for most though was when Keith Dennison, Chief Test Pilot for BAE buzzed the airfield and then landed in Peter Vacher's beautiful Hawker Hurricane I R4118. Parked close to the Clubhouse for just over an hour, this genuine Battle Of Britain veteran drew crowds of admirers both young and old. It was so appreciated by everyone that, with there being no barriers, they could get so close to this iconic aircraft. Youngsters had their photos taken whilst stood alongside, while those of an older generation stared admiringly perhaps reliving the part that the Hurricane played in saving Britain in those dark days of 1940. Then the time came for Keith to depart. The crowd, of their own volition, moved a safe distance away, but close enough to relish the music of the classic Merlin engine going through the warm up - the full sequence is shown in the photographs. Keith had promised that he would give us all a treat as he left and he didn't disappoint. Taking off from the runway alongside the A303 - which must have surprised a few of the drivers! - Keith flew a circuit out over the Hampshire countryside reappearing in a wonderful low topside pass. Then, with a victory roll he was gone, leaving those left behind with memories that will be cherished for years to come. Sunday 29 June 2008: The name Charles Church is very well known as a firm of house builders. What is not so well known, a least outside historic aviation restoration, is that Charles Church the man, rebuilt and restored Spitfires at a small site only a mile or so from Popham Airfield. The family still owns the land upon which the airfield is based and on 29th June 2008, a Memorial fly-In was held in his name. Charles was killed in 1989 near Hartley Wintney flying one of the Spitfires that he had restored and so loved flying. In addition to a good cross section of flyers from far and wide, there were some special items on this sunny, if blustery day. The London Fire Brigade Parachute Team dropped in and Carolyn Grace gave a couple of spirited flypasts in her Spitfire Tr.9 ML407. The highlight for most though was when Keith Dennison, Chief Test Pilot for BAE buzzed the airfield and then landed in Peter Vacher's beautiful Hawker Hurricane I R4118. Parked close to the Clubhouse for just over an hour, this genuine Battle Of Britain veteran drew crowds of admirers both young and old. It was so appreciated by everyone that, with there being no barriers, they could get so close to this iconic aircraft. Youngsters had their photos taken whilst stood alongside, while those of an older generation stared admiringly perhaps reliving the part that the Hurricane played in saving Britain in those dark days of 1940. Then the time came for Keith to depart. The crowd, of their own volition, moved a safe distance away, but close enough to relish the music of the classic Merlin engine going through the warm up - the full sequence is shown in the photographs. Keith had promised that he would give us all a treat as he left and he didn't disappoint. Taking off from the runway alongside the A303 - which must have surprised a few of the drivers! - Keith flew a circuit out over the Hampshire countryside reappearing in a wonderful low topside pass. Then, with a victory roll he was gone, leaving those left behind with memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Published in Aviation Photography by Simon Fenwick

]]> Sun Jun 29 2008 Kemble Air Day 2008 http://simonsfotos.co.uk/c1540352.html Over the past few years, the Kemble Air Day has become a ‘must do’ amongst fans of classic jets in particular, with this wonderful airfield in Gloucestershire being home to the Delta Jets fleet. This year the Air Day celebrated 90 years of the Royal Air Force and 70 years of Kemble and there was plenty to satisfy both diehard enthusiasts and general public alike. On the ground, the aircraft were split into several sections with a line-up of based Hunters – including the two painted up to represent the original prototype, WB188, in ‘duck-egg green’ and the same aircraft as it was sometime later when Neville Duke flew it to break the speed record in bright red – and the wonderful ‘Fox One’. Also in this line was a Buccaneer which is being lovingly looked after by a volunteer team, together with one of the BAe146s that are prepared in the former Red Arrows hangars. Visitors here included a couple of Jet Provosts, an early Piston Provost and several Bulldogs and Pups. Fly-In visitors included the AN-2 (the world’s largest single-engine biplane) which is based at Popham. In the RAF section over by Kemble Korner (which included aircraft from Ultimate High – Bulldog – and fly2help’s Chipmunk, more of which later) we were treated to one of the early C130K Hercules in the green Special Forces colours, two of the former 39 Sqn Canberra PR.9s which are now based at Kemble and a Squirrel from the Defence Helicopter Flying School at Shawbury. Towering over these was that iconic aircraft the VC-10 from Brize Norton. A real rarity to these shores was one of the Bell 412s that serve in Cyprus in the Search & Rescue role. Many though were delighted to see the sight of both of Martin-Baker’s Gloster Meteor T.7½ aircraft (the ½ comes from the fact that they are T.7s with and F.8 tail section). These aircraft have given sterling service over many years at Chalgrove and are used for live firing of ejector seats from the rear cockpit. Even though they are quite close to the end of their fatigue life, no-one is yet sure what aircraft could replace them By far the largest aircraft on static display was the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III from 99 Sqn at Brize Norton. These days it is very uncommon to see one of these giants at an airshow as their tasking is so overstretched. There was a constant stream of visitors taking a wander into the cargo hold and queuing for a visit to the flightdeck. A unique feature of Air Days at Kemble is the way in which some of the aircraft taking part in the flying display are parked almost within the crowd thanks to the use of one of the former runways. This really makes visitors feel part of the action as the jets are started and taxied from this position before and after their displays. The pilots revel in the applause that they receive as they shut down the engines. So what was flying? The brief morning section commenced with Phil O’Dell, Chief Test Pilot for Roll-Royce, putting their Spitfire PR.XIX through its paces and this was followed by the first three items from the RAF – Chinook, Tucano and Hawk. To complete the morning displays, Peter Teichman in his P-51 Mustang ‘Jumpin Jacques’ gave one of his beautifully flowing routines with the trademark howl which is caused, not by wind in the gun ports, but from the belly mounted radiator. After the lunchbreak which saw a couple of radio controlled jet models take to the air, the flying resumed with the Royal Navy ‘Black Cats’ in their Lynx helicopters. They were followed by Ultimate High with a polished display comprising two Bulldogs and two Extra 300s. Andy Cubin then took up the Delta Jets Gnat and brought back memories of the early 60s when the ‘Yellowjacks’ – the forerunners of The Red Arrows – flew this little ‘flying rollerskate’!. Very appropriate for Kemble, the next item was the De Havilland Hornet Moth. During the years when Kemble was home to the Air Ferry pilots, this type was used to bring the pilots back following their delivering their aircraft all over the country. At one time, a Hornet Moth was chased home by a couple of raiders and this incident was re-created when the airfield was attacked by a couple of Messerschmitt Bf108s. Once the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight had shown off their Spitfire IIa and Hurricane IIc ‘Night Reaper’, the new-style Army Air Corps ‘Blue Eagles’ gave us some rotor delight with a rare full display from the menacing Apache. Many were commenting upon how the gun mounted below the aircraft appeared to have a life of its own! To show the history of the Corps, the Alouette, Scout, Gazelle and Lynx gave a very balletic routine. Two fairly similar types then show the development of twin-engined aircraft through the years. Firstly there was Andrew Dixon in his Pembroke C.1. These were used in the light transport role, but also for communications purposes. This particular aircraft was also used for VIP transport and spent time with RAF Germany. The Pembroke was followed by one of the RAF’s latest assets. This is the first year that the King Air multi-engined training aircraft has been seen in the air at shows and really shows off its manoeuvrability and culminates in a very steep downwind landing. While one of the headline items of the afternoon was warming up, Brize Norton sent over one of the graceful Tristars for a couple of nice fly-bys, but what came next really illustrates what the RAF is all about. This was the much anticipated and improved Role Demo and comprised 2 Tornado F.3s, 2 Tornado GR.4s, 2 Hawks, E-3 Sentry, Chinook and Apache. The Demo commenced with an excellent formation comprising the Sentry and Tornados, which then broke off for the display proper. With the Sentry commanding from above, ground forces were deployed by Chinook with the Apache providing armed support and the F.3s undertaking Combat Air Patrols. Tornado GR.4s then ground attack amidst some of the best pyrotechnics I have witnessed, whilst the ground forces call in close air support. Whilst the ground forces are then extracted by Chinook, Tornado F.3s suppress enemy air activity (Hawks) and the GR.4s neutralise the airfield. The whole of the Role Demo lasts approximately half an hour and is an excellent and entertaining way for the RAF to demonstrate how ‘missions’ are undertaken, with the whole thing being backed up by excellent commentary from Sqn Ldr Andy Pawsey. As the majority of the aircraft departed for their home bases, the two F.3s held off out of sight whilst two of Delta Jets Hunter T.7s lifted off. This was a prelude for something for which Kemble Air Day has become famous. In past years we have been treated to a formation of 16 Hunters to celebrate the Hunter’s 50th anniversary. Then two years ago, the Red Arrows in their Hawks formatted with one of the Gnats that they used to fly. This year it was to celebrate 50 years since the famous 22 Hunter loop by 111 Sqn ‘The Black Arrows’ at Farnborough. With one of the Tornados from the current 111 Sqn (and in special markings with a black tail) and one of the Hunters in ‘Black Arrows’ colours, a special formation of the two F.3s and two Hunters gave one pass in diamond formation followed by an excellent ‘run and break’. With the Tornados landing on, the Hunters then gave their own display in the late afternoon sun. They were followed by a stream of classic jets – the wonderful F86A from Golden Apple at Duxford, Jet Provost from Delta Jets and a formation routine by the Sea Hawk from the Royal Navy Historic Flight and De Havilland Venom FB.50 from the Air Atlantique Classic Flight. Finishing off the flying display, Flt Lt Charlie Matthews left no one in any doubt as to the potency of the RAF’s Typhoon. This year’s display must be the best yet and provides an excellent illustration of the power and agility of this amazing aircraft. To complete the afternoon, and to finish off the RAF’s participation at the event, the Falcons Parachute Display Team dropped in from the Chinook. Prior to the event, I had been advised to what out for a ‘spirited departure’ from something rather large straight after the show. This was to be the mighty C-17A. Following a very short takeoff run, she lifted off into a very steep climbout at which point everyone on the crowdline had to rapidly turn their backs. The outer port engine had been over the grass at the edge of the runway and this turned the C-17A into what must be the world’s largest lawnmower as a dense cloud of grass was blown straight towards us! In closing, a few words must be given to the charity fly2help. This organisation, which is based in the Kemble Control Tower, works hard to ‘lift the horizons’ of those who need a boost in life. Via the medium of flight, they support those with life-limiting and chronic illnesses, families who have suffered tragedy and many others. At the Air Day, they had their own very professional stand at ‘Kemble Korner’ where you could purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to fly in their Chipmunk which was parked alongside. Many volunteers were also there to give out information about the charity, what it does and who we all can help. Thanks to The Britannia Preservation Society, who have the last surviving genuine RAF Britannia permanently on display at Kemble funds and awareness of the charity were raised by visitors being allowed to visit the interior of the aircraft. Also, thanks must go to the Army who had a mobile climbing wall and for a suitable donation to fly2help, kids could have a go. In the VIP area, a separate stand had been set up and many useful conversations were had with a view to looking towards future sponsorships. Fly2help is desperate to raise sponsorship to enable it to progress in this valuable work. If you are able to assist, or know of someone who might benefit, then please click on the banner which is on every page of this site. So ended, yet another excellent Kemble Air Day. My thanks go to Glen Moreman and Dave Harris at Kemble. Sunday 15 June 2008: Over the past few years, the Kemble Air Day has become a _must do_ amongst fans of classic jets in particular, with this wonderful airfield in Gloucestershire being home to the Delta Jets fleet. This year the Air Day celebrated 90 years of the Royal Air Force and 70 years of Kemble and there was plenty to satisfy both diehard enthusiasts and general public alike. On the ground, the aircraft were split into several sections with a line-up of based Hunters _ including the two painted up to represent the original prototype, WB188, in _duck-egg green_ and the same aircraft as it was sometime later when Neville Duke flew it to break the speed record in bright red _ and the wonderful _Fox One_. Also in this line was a Buccaneer which is being lovingly looked after by a volunteer team, together with one of the BAe146s that are prepared in the former Red Arrows hangars. Visitors here included a couple of Jet Provosts, an early Piston Provost and several Bulldogs and Pups. Fly-In visitors included the AN-2 (the world_s largest single-engine biplane) which is based at Popham. In the RAF section over by Kemble Korner (which included aircraft from Ultimate High _ Bulldog _ and fly2help_s Chipmunk, more of which later) we were treated to one of the early C130K Hercules in the green Special Forces colours, two of the former 39 Sqn Canberra PR.9s which are now based at Kemble and a Squirrel from the Defence Helicopter Flying School at Shawbury. Towering over these was that iconic aircraft the VC-10 from Brize Norton. A real rarity to these shores was one of the Bell 412s that serve in Cyprus in the Search & Rescue role. Many though were delighted to see the sight of both of Martin-Baker_s Gloster Meteor T.7_ aircraft (the _ comes from the fact that they are T.7s with and F.8 tail section). These aircraft have given sterling service over many years at Chalgrove and are used for live firing of ejector seats from the rear cockpit. Even though they are quite close to the end of their fatigue life, no-one is yet sure what aircraft could replace them By far the largest aircraft on static display was the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III from 99 Sqn at Brize Norton. These days it is very uncommon to see one of these giants at an airshow as their tasking is so overstretched. There was a constant stream of visitors taking a wander into the cargo hold and queuing for a visit to the flightdeck. A unique feature of Air Days at Kemble is the way in which some of the aircraft taking part in the flying display are parked almost within the crowd thanks to the use of one of the former runways. This really makes visitors feel part of the action as the jets are started and taxied from this position before and after their displays. The pilots revel in the applause that they receive as they shut down the engines. So what was flying? The brief morning section commenced with Phil O_Dell, Chief Test Pilot for Roll-Royce, putting their Spitfire PR.XIX through its paces and this was followed by the first three items from the RAF _ Chinook, Tucano and Hawk. To complete the morning displays, Peter Teichman in his P-51 Mustang _Jumpin Jacques_ gave one of his beautifully flowing routines with the trademark howl which is caused, not by wind in the gun ports, but from the belly mounted radiator. After the lunchbreak which saw a couple of radio controlled jet models take to the air, the flying resumed with the Royal Navy _Black Cats_ in their Lynx helicopters. They were followed by Ultimate High with a polished display comprising two Bulldogs and two Extra 300s. Andy Cubin then took up the Delta Jets Gnat and brought back memories of the early 60s when the _Yellowjacks_ _ the forerunners of The Red Arrows _ flew this little _flying rollerskate_!. Very appropriate for Kemble, the next item was the De Havilland Hornet Moth. During the years when Kemble was home to the Air Ferry pilots, this type was used to bring the pilots back following their delivering their aircraft all over the country. At one time, a Hornet Moth was chased home by a couple of raiders and this incident was re-created when the airfield was attacked by a couple of Messerschmitt Bf108s. Once the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight had shown off their Spitfire IIa and Hurricane IIc _Night Reaper_, the new-style Army Air Corps _Blue Eagles_ gave us some rotor delight with a rare full display from the menacing Apache. Many were commenting upon how the gun mounted below the aircraft appeared to have a life of its own! To show the history of the Corps, the Alouette, Scout, Gazelle and Lynx gave a very balletic routine. Two fairly similar types then show the development of twin-engined aircraft through the years. Firstly there was Andrew Dixon in his Pembroke C.1. These were used in the light transport role, but also for communications purposes. This particular aircraft was also used for VIP transport and spent time with RAF Germany. The Pembroke was followed by one of the RAF_s latest assets. This is the first year that the King Air multi-engined training aircraft has been seen in the air at shows and really shows off its manoeuvrability and culminates in a very steep downwind landing. While one of the headline items of the afternoon was warming up, Brize Norton sent over one of the graceful Tristars for a couple of nice fly-bys, but what came next really illustrates what the RAF is all about. This was the much anticipated and improved Role Demo and comprised 2 Tornado F.3s, 2 Tornado GR.4s, 2 Hawks, E-3 Sentry, Chinook and Apache. The Demo commenced with an excellent formation comprising the Sentry and Tornados, which then broke off for the display proper. With the Sentry commanding from above, ground forces were deployed by Chinook with the Apache providing armed support and the F.3s undertaking Combat Air Patrols. Tornado GR.4s then ground attack amidst some of the best pyrotechnics I have witnessed, whilst the ground forces call in close air support. Whilst the ground forces are then extracted by Chinook, Tornado F.3s suppress enemy air activity (Hawks) and the GR.4s neutralise the airfield. The whole of the Role Demo lasts approximately half an hour and is an excellent and entertaining way for the RAF to demonstrate how _missions_ are undertaken, with the whole thing being backed up by excellent commentary from Sqn Ldr Andy Pawsey. As the majority of the aircraft departed for their home bases, the two F.3s held off out of sight whilst two of Delta Jets Hunter T.7s lifted off. This was a prelude for something for which Kemble Air Day has become famous. In past years we have been treated to a formation of 16 Hunters to celebrate the Hunter_s 50th anniversary. Then two years ago, the Red Arrows in their Hawks formatted with one of the Gnats that they used to fly. This year it was to celebrate 50 years since the famous 22 Hunter loop by 111 Sqn _The Black Arrows_ at Farnborough. With one of the Tornados from the current 111 Sqn (and in special markings with a black tail) and one of the Hunters in _Black Arrows_ colours, a special formation of the two F.3s and two Hunters gave one pass in diamond formation followed by an excellent _run and break_. With the Tornados landing on, the Hunters then gave their own display in the late afternoon sun. They were followed by a stream of classic jets _ the wonderful F86A from Golden Apple at Duxford, Jet Provost from Delta Jets and a formation routine by the Sea Hawk from the Royal Navy Historic Flight and De Havilland Venom FB.50 from the Air Atlantique Classic Flight. Finishing off the flying display, Flt Lt Charlie Matthews left no one in any doubt as to the potency of the RAF_s Typhoon. This year_s display must be the best yet and provides an excellent illustration of the power and agility of this amazing aircraft. To complete the afternoon, and to finish off the RAF_s participation at the event, the Falcons Parachute Display Team dropped in from the Chinook. Prior to the event, I had been advised to what out for a _spirited departure_ from something rather large straight after the show. This was to be the mighty C-17A. Following a very short takeoff run, she lifted off into a very steep climbout at which point everyone on the crowdline had to rapidly turn their backs. The outer port engine had been over the grass at the edge of the runway and this turned the C-17A into what must be the world_s largest lawnmower as a dense cloud of grass was blown straight towards us! In closing, a few words must be given to the charity fly2help. This organisation, which is based in the Kemble Control Tower, works hard to _lift the horizons_ of those who need a boost in life. Via the medium of flight, they support those with life-limiting and chronic illnesses, families who have suffered tragedy and many others. At the Air Day, they had their own very professional stand at _Kemble Korner_ where you could purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to fly in their Chipmunk which was parked alongside. Many volunteers were also there to give out information about the charity, what it does and who we all can help. Thanks to The Britannia Preservation Society, who have the last surviving genuine RAF Britannia permanently on display at Kemble funds and awareness of the charity were raised by visitors being allowed to visit the interior of the aircraft. Also, thanks must go to the Army who had a mobile climbing wall and for a suitable donation to fly2help, kids could have a go. In the VIP area, a separate stand had been set up and many useful conversations were had with a view to looking towards future sponsorships. Fly2help is desperate to raise sponsorship to enable it to progress in this valuable work. If you are able to assist, or know of someone who might benefit, then please click on the banner which is on every page of this site. So ended, yet another excellent Kemble Air Day. My thanks go to Glen Moreman and Dave Harris at Kemble.

23 RAF Role Demo - Boeing E.3A Sentry, Tornado F.3, Tornado GR.4, Chinook HC.2, Apache 23 RAF Role Demo - Boeing E.3A Sentry, Tornado F.3, Tornado GR.4, Chinook HC.2, Apache 23 RAF Role Demo - Boeing E.3A Sentry, Tornado F.3, Tornado GR.4, Chinook HC.2, Apache 23 RAF Role Demo - Boeing E.3A Sentry, Tornado F.3, Tornado GR.4, Chinook HC.2, Apache 23 RAF Role Demo - Boeing E.3A Sentry, Tornado F.3, Tornado GR.4, Chinook HC.2, Apache 01 Static02 Sea Hawk 01 Static03 Sabre 01 Static04 Line 01 Static05 Line 01 Static07 Sabre & Sea Hawk 01 Static08 Sabre & Sea Hawk 01 Static09 Vampire T.55_.jpg 01 Static10 Canberras 01 Static11 Martion Baker Meteors 01 Static12 Martin Baker Meteors 01 Static13 Martin Baker Meteors 01 Static14 Martin Baker Meteors 01 Static15 Martin Baker Meteors 01 Static16 Martin Baker Meteors 01 Static17 VC-10 01 Static19 Bell 412 RAF Cyprus 01 Static20 Sud Alouette Swiss AF 01 Static21 VC-10 01 Static22 Boeing C-17 RAF 01 Static24 Boeing C-17 RAF 01 Static25 Boeing C-17 RAF 01 Static26 Boeing C-17 RAF 01 Static27 Canberras 01 Static28 Canberras 01 Static29 Canberras 01 Static30 Hercules C-130K 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 03 Spitfire PR.XIX PS853/G-RRGN Rolls-Royce Filton 04 RAF Chinook Display 18/27 sqn Odiham 04 RAF Chinook Display 18/27 sqn Odiham 04 RAF Chinook Display 18/27 sqn Odiham 04 RAF Chinook Display 18/27 sqn Odiham 04 RAF Chinook Display 18/27 sqn Odiham 04 RAF Chinook Display 18/27 sqn Odiham 04 RAF Chinook Display 18/27 sqn Odiham 04 RAF Chinook Display 18/27 sqn Odiham 04 RAF Chinook Display 18/27 sqn Odiham

Published in Aviation Photography by Simon Fenwick

]]> Sun Jun 15 2008 Brooklands Centenary Of British Aviation http://simonsfotos.co.uk/c1529525.html To celebrate the first 'hops' by A V Roe in his Avroplane, Brooklands held a special event at the museum and in conjunction with Mercedes Benz World. All the museum buildings were open for examination, though the 'Wellington Hangar' had been cleared of some of the airframes so that their engines could be given a run. It was good to see the excellent progress being made on the Hawker Hurricane that was rescued in terrible condition from Russia. The airframe now seems substantially complete, whilst the engine is being refurbished to ground-running status by Rolls-Royce Heritage. There is still a shortage of a propellor to complete what will be a magnificent restoration. The Vickers Viking airliner had been taken out of the hangar and was sitting alongside Concorde G-BBDG which was a delight to see on this gloriously sunny day. Immediately oustide the doors of the hangar are two of the most recent additions to the collection. These are the fuselage of VC-10 G-ARVM, which came from Cosford and which will eventually become an education centre, and the mock-up of a fuselage of an Avro Lancaster. This was built for use in the BBC drama 'Night Flight'. There were two series of ground runs of some of the museum's aircraft. As if to show that the replicas of the oldest aircraft lived up to the traits of their illustrious forebears (and in spite of the fact that they had run faultlessly the previous night), the Demoiselle refused to start in the morning and the Bleriot refused all efforts to start up. However by the end of the afternoon, the public had witnessed the running of the tiny little Demoiselle, the Sopwith Camel and Kronefeld Drone. We were also treated to the wonderful sight of a frame mounted Rolls-Royce Merlin 32 and a trailer mounted Alvis Leonides both being run up amidst clouds of smoke. At this point though, that vintage motor racing showman, Chris Williams brought up his Bentley which is powered by a Napier Lion engine. This car never runs with silencers but merely has open pipes which are about 6" diameter and only about 12" long! The sound is certainly an assault on the senses. Belching smoke and massive flames on the overrun, the crowd were delighted with this display of power. However, this was not the end of the engine runs. Last on the list was the wonderful Vickers Vanguard (or more correctly Merchantman as this was the cargo version of the airliner). Most, including me, thought that they would just be powering up one of the Tyne turboprops. We were proved wrong! In the morning there was a minor problem with No.2 but the other three were started up to great applause. It was in the afternoon that the hairs were standing up on the back of the neck. The problem had been rectified and we were treated to the sight and sound of all four engines running on full song. Having not heard this wonderful music in what must be more than 25 years, to witness this at such close quarters (no more than 25ft away) made for a very emotional occasion. During the two runs a total of 60 gallons was burnt off, but apparently there are still another 200 gallons in the tanks so more runs are promised. During the break between the two series of runs, we moved to the 'Avroshed' where Prince Michael of Kent cut the ribbon to commemorate the refurbishment of the replica of A V Roe's first aircraft. It was the machine that was sat outside that many wanted to see. This is a running replica of the Avroplane and the engine was started in public for the first time at this event. This beautifully built machine, which was created by a team led by 23-year old Steve Green, has been named the Avroeplane due to the fact that some modern materials have been used. It was planned that on the following day, it would take to the air on the actual centenary of the day that A V Roe made his first 'hop'. At the end of the afternoon, everyone moved to a viewing area overlooking the Mercedes Benz World test track. We were treated to the sight of a few aero-engined cars being put throught their paces. Obviously these included the famous Brooklands owned Napier Railton and also Chris Williams in his Bentley Napier, smoking the tyres as often as possible. In addition there was a Berliet powered by a Curtiss V8 engine and a wonderfully 'original' GN with a JAP motor. The field was completed by several Bentleys and to the delight of many of the children a lovely Ferrari sports car. The day ended with a generally Brooklands themed air display. These included Sopwith Pup and Triplane from the Great War Display Team, Historic Aircraft Collection's Hawker Nimrod II and Peter Vacher's totally authentic Hawker Hurricane I. To relive the days of the barnstorming '20s Team Guinot displayed one of their Boeing Stearmans with Danielle Hughes on the wing. Representing the engine side of Brooklands there was Andrew Dixon's Percival Pembroke. This is powered by two of the Alvis Leonides engines that we saw running earlier in the day. There was one item though which held the crowd in awe. This was the North American P-51D Mustang 'Jumpin' Jacques' owned and flown by Peter Teichman. This was a truly stunning display which brought a huge round of applause and a good few cheers from the spellbound watchers. All in all a great celebration of a momentous event in British Aviation. Saturday 7 June 2008: To celebrate the first 'hops' by A V Roe in his Avroplane, Brooklands held a special event at the museum and in conjunction with Mercedes Benz World. All the museum buildings were open for examination, though the 'Wellington Hangar' had been cleared of some of the airframes so that their engines could be given a run. It was good to see the excellent progress being made on the Hawker Hurricane that was rescued in terrible condition from Russia. The airframe now seems substantially complete, whilst the engine is being refurbished to ground-running status by Rolls-Royce Heritage. There is still a shortage of a propellor to complete what will be a magnificent restoration. The Vickers Viking airliner had been taken out of the hangar and was sitting alongside Concorde G-BBDG which was a delight to see on this gloriously sunny day. Immediately oustide the doors of the hangar are two of the most recent additions to the collection. These are the fuselage of VC-10 G-ARVM, which came from Cosford and which will eventually become an education centre, and the mock-up of a fuselage of an Avro Lancaster. This was built for use in the BBC drama 'Night Flight'. There were two series of ground runs of some of the museum's aircraft. As if to show that the replicas of the oldest aircraft lived up to the traits of their illustrious forebears (and in spite of the fact that they had run faultlessly the previous night), the Demoiselle refused to start in the morning and the Bleriot refused all efforts to start up. However by the end of the afternoon, the public had witnessed the running of the tiny little Demoiselle, the Sopwith Camel and Kronefeld Drone. We were also treated to the wonderful sight of a frame mounted Rolls-Royce Merlin 32 and a trailer mounted Alvis Leonides both being run up amidst clouds of smoke. At this point though, that vintage motor racing showman, Chris Williams brought up his Bentley which is powered by a Napier Lion engine. This car never runs with silencers but merely has open pipes which are about 6" diameter and only about 12" long! The sound is certainly an assault on the senses. Belching smoke and massive flames on the overrun, the crowd were delighted with this display of power. However, this was not the end of the engine runs. Last on the list was the wonderful Vickers Vanguard (or more correctly Merchantman as this was the cargo version of the airliner). Most, including me, thought that they would just be powering up one of the Tyne turboprops. We were proved wrong! In the morning there was a minor problem with No.2 but the other three were started up to great applause. It was in the afternoon that the hairs were standing up on the back of the neck. The problem had been rectified and we were treated to the sight and sound of all four engines running on full song. Having not heard this wonderful music in what must be more than 25 years, to witness this at such close quarters (no more than 25ft away) made for a very emotional occasion. During the two runs a total of 60 gallons was burnt off, but apparently there are still another 200 gallons in the tanks so more runs are promised. During the break between the two series of runs, we moved to the 'Avroshed' where Prince Michael of Kent cut the ribbon to commemorate the refurbishment of the replica of A V Roe's first aircraft. It was the machine that was sat outside that many wanted to see. This is a running replica of the Avroplane and the engine was started in public for the first time at this event. This beautifully built machine, which was created by a team led by 23-year old Steve Green, has been named the Avroeplane due to the fact that some modern materials have been used. It was planned that on the following day, it would take to the air on the actual centenary of the day that A V Roe made his first 'hop'. At the end of the afternoon, everyone moved to a viewing area overlooking the Mercedes Benz World test track. We were treated to the sight of a few aero-engined cars being put throught their paces. Obviously these included the famous Brooklands owned Napier Railton and also Chris Williams in his Bentley Napier, smoking the tyres as often as possible. In addition there was a Berliet powered by a Curtiss V8 engine and a wonderfully 'original' GN with a JAP motor. The field was completed by several Bentleys and to the delight of many of the children a lovely Ferrari sports car. The day ended with a generally Brooklands themed air display. These included Sopwith Pup and Triplane from the Great War Display Team, Historic Aircraft Collection's Hawker Nimrod II and Peter Vacher's totally authentic Hawker Hurricane I. To relive the days of the barnstorming '20s Team Guinot displayed one of their Boeing Stearmans with Danielle Hughes on the wing. Representing the engine side of Brooklands there was Andrew Dixon's Percival Pembroke. This is powered by two of the Alvis Leonides engines that we saw running earlier in the day. There was one item though which held the crowd in awe. This was the North American P-51D Mustang 'Jumpin' Jacques' owned and flown by Peter Teichman. This was a truly stunning display which brought a huge round of applause and a good few cheers from the spellbound watchers. All in all a great celebration of a momentous event in British Aviation.

Museum Aircraft - Concorde model formerly at the entrance to London Heathrow Airport Around the Clubhouse - Berliet Around the Clubhouse - Berliet Around the Clubhouse - Berliet Around the Clubhouse - Ferrari Around the Clubhouse - Ferrari Around the Clubhouse - Berliet Around the Clubhouse - Chris Williams' Napier Bentley Around the Clubhouse - Bentleys Avro Exhibition - Avro Triplane replica under construction Around the Clubhouse - Bentley UW7644 Avro Centenary - A V Roe's original workbench Museum Aircraft - Vickers VC-10 1101 G-ARVM - fuselage. Awaiting restoration Museum Hangar - Hawker Siddeley Harrier T.2 G-VTOL Museum Hangar - Hawker Siddeley Harrier T.2 G-VTOL - cockpit Museum Hangar - RAF SE5a replica F5475/A '1st Battalion Honourable Artillery Company' - built on site Museum Hangar - Gliders - Willow Wren 162, Slingsby Gull 3 ATH/642 & Scud I replica HFZ/3922 Museum Hangar - Avro 504K replica G-AACA Museum Aircraft - Hawker Fury I FSM K5673 - created on site in 1sqn 'A' flight colours Museum Aircraft - Hawker Fury I FSM K5673 - created on site in 1sqn 'A' flight colours Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 01 Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 02 Museum Hangar - Hawker Hurricane II Z2389/XR-T - rescued from Siberia and now awaiting it's engine and propellor to somplete the restoration to taxiable condition Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 03 Museum Hangar - Hawker Hurricane II Z2389/XR-T - rescued from Siberia and now awaiting it's engine and propellor to somplete the restoration to taxiable condition Museum Hangar - Hawker Hurricane II Z2389/XR-T - rescued from Siberia and now awaiting it's engine and propellor to somplete the restoration to taxiable condition Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 04 Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington walk-through exhibit Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington walk-through exhibit Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington walk-through exhibit Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington walk-through exhibit Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 07 Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 06 Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 05 Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 08 Museum Hangar - Barnes Wallis bomb exhibition - 'Dambuster' bouncing bomb Museum Hangar - Barnes Wallis bomb exhibition - Tallboy & Grand Slam Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 09 Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 10 Museum Hangar - Vickers Wellington Ia N2980/R - The Loch Ness Wellington 11 Museum Hangar - Rolls-Royce Kestrel engine as used in the Hawker Fury biplane Museum Hangar - Avro 504K replica G-AACA Museum Hangar - Vickers Factory door lintel Museum Hangar Museum Hangar - RAF SE5a replica F5475/A '1st Battalion Honourable Artillery Company' - built on site Museum Aircraft - Vickers Viscount 837 XT575 nose - formerly with RAE Bedford Museum Aircraft - Vickers Viking I G-AGRU 'Vagrant' 1 Museum Aircraft - Vickers Viking I G-AGRU 'Vagrant' 2 Museum Aircraft - BAC Concorde 100 G-BBDG Museum Aircraft - Vickers Viking I G-AGRU 'Vagrant' 3

Published in Aviation Photography by Simon Fenwick

]]> Sat Jun 7 2008 De Havilland Fly-In, Popham http://simonsfotos.co.uk/c1520222.html Many must have wondered if an event at the delightful grass airfield of Popham would actually take place in 2008. The Jodel fly-in was lost to hailstones the size of golfballs and the Microlight Trade Fair & Bank holiday Fly-In had to be postponed due to the torrential rain in the week before the event which led to the ground becoming saturated. However, all were delighted that the De Havilland event took place in glorious sunshine. Even the presence of Pooley's own fly-in taking place less than an hour's flying time away didn't stop a good number of aircraft, and not just De Havillands, taking part. Gipsy and Tiger Moths took pride of place of course but the ever popular Chipmunk wasn't forgotten and there were also a couple of lovely Hornet Moths in attendance. Other visitors included various Piper Cubs, Jodels and others. This was the first time in many years that I had seen one of the tiny Tipsy Nippers - one of the few aircraft that I have seen being warmed up with prop going, whilst the pilot stood outside having a final chat! However perhaps the most unusual visitors were a pair of Staaken Z-21A Flitzers. These tiny biplanes are plan-built and are powered by 1800cc VW engines. Although roughly the same size as a Pitt Special (18ft wingspan and 14ft 9ins long), they are 109kg lighter. They obviously provide a fun alternative for those wanting to be a bit different. Dick Richardson and his team always give an excellent welcome to visitors, whether they fly in or turn up by road. This event was no exception. It is always a delight to be able to attend and photograph events in this lovely part of Hampshire. Sunday 11 May 2008: Many must have wondered if an event at the delightful grass airfield of Popham would actually take place in 2008. The Jodel fly-in was lost to hailstones the size of golfballs and the Microlight Trade Fair & Bank holiday Fly-In had to be postponed due to the torrential rain in the week before the event which led to the ground becoming saturated. However, all were delighted that the De Havilland event took place in glorious sunshine. Even the presence of Pooley's own fly-in taking place less than an hour's flying time away didn't stop a good number of aircraft, and not just De Havillands, taking part. Gipsy and Tiger Moths took pride of place of course but the ever popular Chipmunk wasn't forgotten and there were also a couple of lovely Hornet Moths in attendance. Other visitors included various Piper Cubs, Jodels and others. This was the first time in many years that I had seen one of the tiny Tipsy Nippers - one of the few aircraft that I have seen being warmed up with prop going, whilst the pilot stood outside having a final chat! However perhaps the most unusual visitors were a pair of Staaken Z-21A Flitzers. These tiny biplanes are plan-built and are powered by 1800cc VW engines. Although roughly the same size as a Pitt Special (18ft wingspan and 14ft 9ins long), they are 109kg lighter. They obviously provide a fun alternative for those wanting to be a bit different. Dick Richardson and his team always give an excellent welcome to visitors, whether they fly in or turn up by road. This event was no exception. It is always a delight to be able to attend and photograph events in this lovely part of Hampshire.

Piper J-5A Cub Cruiser G-BRLI Staaken Z-21 Flitzer G-ERIW