Malta International 2023

Posted on 25 September, 2023 by Peter Davison

Luqa Airport and St Paul's Bay, Malta 23-24th September 2023 Report by Peter & Kim Davison This biennial gathering on a Mediterranean island was disrupted by Covid so had not been held since 2018; hence the local population was ready and waiting in large numbers, particularly with advanced notice that the RAF Red Arrows would grace their skies. With the commercial airport now busier than ever, particularly with low cost carriers, only the static display was held at the airport with an afternoon flying display to the north at St Paul's Bay providing a free show for coast lovers. Sadly, due to extreme winds and concerns for a maritime rescue should there be an incident, the Sunday display had to be cancelled.

Royal International Air Tattoo 2023

Posted on 18 July, 2023 by Peter Davison

RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, 14-16th July 2023 Report by Peter Davison & Colin Coulthard Reputed to be the largest military airshow in the world RIAT certainly lived up to its name this year. Compared to the dry sweltering heat of 2022 the weather this year was disappointing; Friday was almost totally washed out with severe wind and continuous heavy rain, the Saudi display team being the only significant fliers. Saturday and Sunday also had frequent heavy showers but the sun shone occasionally. With numerous surface attractions with some shelter the crowds still came and enjoyed this amazing spectacle.

Royal International Air Tattoo 2022

Posted on 18 July, 2022 by Peter Davison

RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK 15-17th July 2022 Report by Peter Davison and Colin Coulthard Well, what a scorcher! Record temperatures, record crowd and a mind-blowing selection of exhibits both static and flying. After two years off the calendar a memorable return of the World's greatest military airshow. Given the global security situation the amazing gathering of aircraft from across the planet pays tribute to the atmosphere of cooperation and mutual support created by the team behind this inspirational event.

2022 Moscow Victory Day flypast

Posted on 22 May, 2022 by Dmitriy Komissarov, Yefim Gordon

It is now a well-established tradition that the annual 9th May military parade held in Moscow’s Red Square to celebrate the anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany includes an aviation component. The first such flypast was in 1995, but since 2005 it has become annual – weather permitting, of course. In recent years the number of participating aircraft equals the number of years that have passed since the war; this year, the 77th anniversary Victory Day flypast was to include 77 assorted aircraft – 15 helicopters and 62 fixed-wing aircraft.

Polish Armed Forces Day Flypast

Posted on 28 August, 2018 by Peter Davison

Central Warsaw, Poland, 15 August 2018 Report by Peter and Kim Davison Every year on 15th August Poland celebrates with a mass military flypast and armoured parade. 2018 was special as the Polish Air Force; like the RAF and Finnish Air Force was marking its' centenary. The event commenced around 1300 hours and runs north to south. In past years it has followed a main thoroughfare but, in 2018, the route overflew the river, still running north south so the lighting is challenging for photographers but the elevated nature of the old town provides vantage points if you stake out your position. As the hour approaches vast crowds line the river bank. The parade of soldiers and armoured vehicles convene in a city park mid afternoon for families to engage.

Victory Day – 9th May 2014

Posted on 10 May, 2014 by Dmitriy Komissarov, Michael Gordon, Yefim Gordon

In keeping with a well-established tradition, the military parade in Moscow on occasion of the Victory Day celebrations included a flypast by 69 military aircraft, the number reflecting the fact that it is the 69th anniversary of V-Day.

Bastille Day flypast

Posted on 30 July, 2013 by Peter Davison

Sunday 14 July 2013, Champs Elysee, Paris This was my first time at this annual festival and, with bright weather, it did not disappoint. The crowds are enormous and the flypast starts around 10 am with the Alpha Jets of the Patrouille de France running east down the avenue. for photographers I found a good vantage point on the south bank of the Seine near Gare d'Orsay where a pedestrian bridge keeps you clear of traffic. The fixed wing elements are well spaced if a little high flying somewhat into the sun. There is about 40 minute gap before the helicopters come through so I walked west to Invalides as the sun moved around. Once the security teams had decided where the public exclusion zones would be amid general confusion as the hoards moved south from the main drag it was clear that shooting the selection of helicopters due to become static exhibits at Invalides would be difficult due to street furniture and buses blocking the view.