Author Archives: Peter Davison

About Peter Davison

Peter Davison is an aviation author and editor from the United Kingdom.

Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons 2019

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GEMAB19, Chambley Aerodrome, Lorraine, France -  26 July - 4 August 2019 Report by Peter and Kim Davison This, the sixteenth such meet, celebrated thirty years since the first in 1989. Metz born Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier was the world's first aeronaut in 1783 and Philippe Pilatre still coordinates the event; supported by the Region Grande Est with a budget of three million Euros though the estimated local benefit is ten fold. Visitor numbers are estimated at 400,000. Although extremely weather dependent, after a rough start, 2019 brought hot dry days with light winds from Sunday onwards. On the morning of the Grand Line 456 balloons lifted within an hour in still conditions; filling the sky overhead and equalling a previous record. Similar conditions heralded the famous 'night glow' on the Wednesday evening.

RIAT 2019

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Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK Report by Peter Davison and Colin Coulthard What a difference a day makes. Friday was almost washed out with very heavy rain and a very low cloud-base. Saturday, however, dawned brighter, not perfect, but fine enough for a full day of flying fully up to global aspirations. The 'special attractions being a joint display from the Red Arrows and Patrouille de France, a British Airways centenary flypast with a retro-schemed 747 leading the reds on their final UK display prior to a three month North America tour. Not satisfied with that, the 70th anniversary of NATO allowed a mixed formation; fairly widely spaced, comprising various NATO aircraft. Add in over 200 visiting aircraft and the show delivered what is widely known as the world's biggest and best military airshow.

Yeovilton Air Day 2019

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RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, United Kingdom, 13th July 2019 Report by Peter and Kim Davison Such is the star quality of this annual Naval celebration that it continues to survive the general reduction in military airshows across Europe. Despite being close to the Air Tattoo the crowds and exhibits continue to converge to celebrate Naval aviation, particularly in regard to rotary and coastal patrol assets. With the co-located Fleet Air Arm Museum and a strong educational agenda it also inspires repeat visits and maritime loyalty from an eager public.

Paris Salon 2019

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Paris Air Show 2019, Le Bourget, France 17-23 June 2019 Report by Peter Davison and Colin Coulthard Following some rather erratic wet weather in the region it was a pleasure to see some sunshine at this year's show. Well attended despite some gloomy forecasts for the industry and the ongoing problems with some engine safety and the numerous issues at Boeing. No 737MAX to show but a public debut for the long awaited KC-46 tanker in Europe. The commercial highlights fell to Europe with new Airbus types dominant and a star turn from the Russian Beriev water bombing amphibian.

Volkel Airshow 2019

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Royal Netherlands Air Force Display, Volkel AB, 14-15 June 2019 Report by Peter Davison and Colin Coulthard The Volkel show always attracts interesting visitors, large crowds and numerous attractions. This year was well up to standard, particularly highlighting the very recent arrival of F-35 Lightnings for the Dutch Air Force. The weather had been wet and changeable but brightened up on cue for Friday afternoon in particular. The based F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons putting up ten aircraft for an airfield attack along with troops and helicopters, flares and pyro-technics.

Daks over Normandie 2019

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Duxford, Cambridgeshire, UK 2-5th June 2019 Report by Peter Davison and Colin Coulthard As the home of the Imperial War Museum and Duxford Aviation Society the venue need little introduction. This rare gathering of airworthy Douglas Dakotas had been eagerly awaited as the setting off location for a re-enactment of the mass air drop of parachutists in Normandy on D-Day to commemorate the 75th Anniversary on 6th June 2019. This airborne and seaborne invasion enabling the allied powers to secure a presence on the European mainland; thereby assisting in the liberation of Europe and the end of World War Two.

EBACE 2019

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EBACE, Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland, 21-23 May 2019 Report by Peter Davison and Colin Coulthard At first it appeared that alpine storms would blight this year's exhibition but, by mid Tuesday the skies cleared to blue and the rain abated. Apart from the understandable absence of Boeing all the majors were well represented. The newest Citation Latitude making a colourful impact in the colours of Norwegian Air Ambulance, Bombardier became a record breaker and Embraer showed their new Protear to an expectant market. Much of the news focussed on the use of SAJF, sustainable alternative jet fuel, particularly as used by 27 of the static display aircraft, assisted by the UK facility at Farnborough.