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Aircraft and Airshows |
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The Yorkshire Airshow - Elvington 2004
By Rachael
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On 21st August 2004 I took to the rails at 5.30am bound for Hull. The reason?
Elvington Yorkshire Airshow. Traveling with anticipation of how the day was going
to unfold; my last experience being sat in the pouring rain at Waddington,
I thought what aircraft I was going to see, a Harrier? Tornado? Spitfire?
The list was endless.
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After the long train ride, I got in the car and took to the road, in the front
Wing Commander Tony and Sergeant Driver Mo.
Approaching the Elvington Airshow I was filled with exhilaration as I had
my first glimpse of the aircraft on the static display.
After strategically placing ourselves among the crowds, with a very distinctive
windbreak (which everyone else seemed to have), our first bacon sandwich loomed
on the horizon, and after a good feed we explored the airbase in greater detail.
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The Utterly Butterly team were showing their Boeing Stearman and giving away free gifts.
The RAF had plenty of stands to choose from; ranging from careers in the RAF to the Red Arrows
flying team who are celebrating 40 years of aerobatic performance.
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The Territorial Army had a few stands, yet again for careers and displaying equipment that they used.
The Blue Eagles helicopter display team was also there handing out free posters and
gifts to the passing public, and answering all of the questions thrown at them, and
when the display was over signed autographs for the youngsters who looked up at them
with great admiration.
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When we had established where things were, we walked on to the Aircraft museum where
in and around there was a great array of old planes no longer in service.
The assortment of aircraft included Harrier (my personal favourite), Canberra
and the most impressive by far, the immense Halifax on display in the hangar.
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Typically, the British weather set in and the heavens opened, and with the fear in my
mind that there would be no fast jet action today I sat on the wet ground; somewhat
reminiscent of the Waddington Airshow a month ago, and prayed to God that there would
be some sort of flying today.
Then the commentator announced that the show would go ahead and that my prayers had
been answered, the fighter jets would be flying!
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The flying program started with the acclaimed British Jet Trainer, the BAe Hawk,
followed by two old piston engined American aircraft, The Avenger and Skyraider.
Other memorable aircraft we saw included the Hawker Sea Hurricane, Boeing B17 (Sally B)
and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Lancaster and two Spitfires.
A wonderful spectacle
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Then the impressive Utterly Butterly wing walkers strutted their stuff high in the sky
performing stunts I could only dream of doing.
Then my favourites came - the fast fighter jets, the sort that make the hairs
stand up on the back of ones neck as they roar past, hitting speeds faster then
anyone could imagine, then WHOOSH, the smell of kerosene, by far the best thing
at an Airshow, hit me and the afternoon reached its peak!
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First off there was the Tornado, then in quick succession the Jaguar,
the Hawker Hunter, and then the greatest aircraft (well at least by my terms) the Harrier.
It soared through the sky like an eagle in flight, then showed us what only the Harrier can do.
It hovered in front of us, it flew backwards and wowed the crowd and myself, and to
finish his display the pilot warmed the wet crowd with a flutter of warm air.
To end the fast jet display the Netherlands Air Force proudly showed off their
F16 Fighter Jet's agility (remarkable).
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To finish the show the Red Arrows stunned the multitude of people as always by
performing their outstanding rolling display at low level, and the 40 years of
hard work and experience showed as it was a great ending to a brilliant day.
As a new RAF enthusiast I would like to thank Wing Commander Tony for giving me
another tremendous day out at my second superb airshow and for encouraging a new
interest for me to take up a career in some way connected to an aircraft environment.
Looking forward to my next Airshow.
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Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Tony thisisUll.com
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Aircraft and Airshows - The Yorkshire Airshow - Elvington 2004 By Tony
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After my recent promotion I was tasked with selecting a team to accompany me to the
Yorkshire Airshow. Sergeant Driver was in charge of transport, a man with the ability
to inspire all to achieve more than you could expect.
Two aircraftwomen Rachael and Scarlet, both good interviewers, writers
Read more...
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Aircraft and Airshows - The Shuttleworth Collection - Military Pageant Air Display - 1st August 2004 By Tony
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I can only say that this was without doubt one of the most enjoyable events I have visited over the years.
Not so much a flying display as a nostalgic happening.
The mood was set as I arrived to hear 17 members of the James Goff Big Band playing a
selection of tunes from the 1930's
Read more...
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Aircraft and Airshows - Waddington International Airshow - June 26th and 27th 2004 By Tony
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I travelled to the Airshow with trepidation, as the weather forecast was for cloud and rain
and the prospect of no flying loomed large.
But here we are and all worries regarding the forecast were forgotten as I entered this hive of activity.
As all aircraft/Airshow enthusiasts know, the noise and smell of fuel excites the senses and
one hurries
Read more...
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Aircraft and Airshows - Appeal - Vulcan to the Sky by Tony
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Please donate now to support the return of Avro Vulcan XH558 to flight.
Donations are needed now to raise the matched funding required by the
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) following the announcement of a Stage 1 Pass
for the project. £2.5million
Read more...
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Aircraft and Airshows - The Charity Affair -
15th March 04 By Tony
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I was invited to this event to meet a host of people who give lots of their time and energies to raise funds and awareness on behalf of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service (YAAS).
The venue was Abbey Lane Primary School, Sheffield, where I was welcomed
Read more...
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Aircraft and Airshows - Aircraft Stamps By Tony
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By popular request, the ballroom dancer is back! I've been urged by email and phone to give you more aircraft stamps from around the world.
So here is a selection of my favourites which I hope will whet your appetites. I'm hoping that other philatelists will come forward and show us what stamps they are collecting.
Read more...
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