Tactical Leadership Programme 2012
This was the first flying day of this exercise; the base itself is home to the Spanish Air Force, flying Mirage F1EE and Typhoon aircraft. Spain was not participating in this exercise and it was mid afternoon before briefings were complete and...
Centenary of Serbian Aviation
Originally billed as a weekend event this airshow only opened to the public on the Sunday in temperatures approaching 40 degrees. With private cars banned from 8 am the special buses soon became hot houses crammed with eager visitors who showed extreme...
Centenary of the Russian Air Force
This spectacular event was to be the highlight of the Summer of 2012, even though the numerous Air Forces announced in the pre-publicity failed to arrive in any quantity. Had they arrived then I know not how they could have been fitted...
Farnborough International Airshow 2012
Every two years industry giants and minnows flock to Farnborough to sign and announce contracts and size up opportunities for the future. 2012 was no exception though the appalling wet weather clearly dampened their spirits if the world wide recession was not...
RIAT – Royal International Air Tattoo 2012
RAF Fairford This years Air Tattoo will be remembered first for the wet weather though this failed to spoil the event for thousands. The aircraft component was possibly the best for many year following lots of intense effort from the organisers. Highlights were...
AeroExpo 2012
Sywell, Northampton 25-27 May 2012 The AeroExpo is primarily a general aviation trade event but also describes itself as ‘the UK’s Festival of Aviation’. This year it was blessed with blue skies and bright sunshine; fortunately the strong wind was fairly down...
EBACE-2012 trade show in Geneva
May 14-16th Geneva Palexpo Mixed May weather greeted participants and visitors to this year’s European Business Show in Geneva. All the major players were represented, this year parked in areas specific to each manufacturer. Gulfstream unified their exhibits with vivid blue circular...
Yeovilton Air Day in Somerset
This established one-day event always has a maritime theme. This year it was a celebration of the Westland Lynx helicopter being the 40th anniversary of its first flight and still in production as the ‘Wildcat’. Numerous versions were on display including overseas...
RIAT – Royal International Air Tattoo – 2011
16-17 July 2011 The prospects for this year’s 40th Anniversary Tattoo were bleak, a wet weather forecast and continuing NATO commitments in north Africa effecting attendees. However, the show was spectacular as ever. Any doubts were offset by the anticipation of the...
Duxford Flying Legends
Arrivals Day 8 July 2011 The famous Flying Legends weekend needs no introduction, each year brings together a host of warbird fanatics and their machines. This year the star visitors were a pair of Mustangs, new to Europe, and an Australian P-40...