Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Ashton Court, Bristol, 7-9th August 2015 As with any Lighter-than-air festival the weather is a key component. Safe flying requires calm conditions and a complete absence of thunderstorms. For a pleasant change this was the forecast for all three days; attracting balloonists and the public to this free admission event. Apart from the fairground and retail attractions of the grassed amphitheatre it is early morning and early evening that provide the best launch conditions.

Exercise Indradanush 2015

RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire 17-30th July 2015 When rumours started to circulate of an Anglo-Indian exercise in the UK in July all thoughts immediately turned to RIAT; was there a chance that this prestigious airshow might spring yet another surprise. Sadly it was not to be though, as the three support aircraft were to be stationed at RAF Brize Norton in nearby Oxfordshire, almost every enthusiast chose to 'pass by' this operational base before or after their Fairford visit.

Royal International Air Tattoo 2015

RAF Fairford, England, 17-19 July 2015 2015 heralded the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and was celebrated in style at RIAT. A magnificent selection of Hurricanes and Spitfires were brought together to fly in loose formation, accompanied by a real Messerschmidt 109 and Spanish built HA-1112 Buchon. The crowning glory was the first RIAT appearance of the newly restored Blenheim.

Aero India 2015

Yelahanka Air Station, Bangalore, India, 18-22 February 2015;  Report by Aidan Curley A sitting Prime Minister visited Aero India for the first time in 2015, here Prime Minister Modi’s aircraft takes to the sky after spending several hours at the show on the opening day.