Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton, UK, 8-10th June 2023
This annual festival was slightly lower on attendance than previous years. The forecast was for 700 visiting aircraft but less than half arrived and almost none stayed overnight. The hot weather and breezy conditions may have affected Thursday and Friday and thunderstorm warnings, that came to nothing, reduced the Saturday numbers.
The vintage sector included the replica Se5A, a Miles Messenger, a Chipmunk and an immaculate Beech 18 that arrived mid-morning. Compared to the previously located LAA rally, now moved to Popham, there were fewer trade stands in evidence. There was no public access to the airside areas but, with so few visitors, all arrivals were easily seen from the public spaces; crammed full with enthusiasts who must represent a considerable portion of any profit.
Turbo powered executive aircraft dominated the small static display with examples from TBM, Piper and Diamond. A fairly new DA50 visited adding a new shape in the sky with its extra fairings.
Helicopters were represented by a Canadien AW149 fresh from the EBACE event and visiting was an ex French Army Gazelle carrying Hungarian civil marks. There was regular activity from the MD Helicopter servicing company located on the west side.
Slightly out of context but very welcome was a Vision SF50 light jet and a Royal Navy Lynx. Families were queuing to let children sit in the Austrian DA42; a great way to encourage air-mindedness in the young.
Given the superb collection of warbirds housed near the public area where a specialist team restore former Spanish Air Force ‘Me109’ that featured in various films nearly 50 years ago it seems a great shame that these two hangars are unlit and firmly closed so the opportunity to showcase this excellent work is missed. At least the based heritage collection seems to be in good hands with a Jetstream and Hunter on external display.
