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 and budding photographers made up the squad.

We arrived in good time and set up our headquarters on the flight line in anticipation of an afternoon of a spectacular flying program.

The sun was shining bright as the first aircraft took to the air, an RAF Jet trainer, the BAE Hawk performed a smart routine. This aircraft is built in Yorkshire at the BAE Systems factory at Brough, near Hull and is acclaimed worldwide. The Hawk has been a major success in overseas markets, more than 860 flying with 17 air arms including the USA Navy where it is known as the Goshawk. It's a welcome return of the Utterly Butterly Barnstormers to Elvington, who just managed to complete a faultless performance before we were hit by a heavy shower. But on with the show and we are entertained with two aircraft from the now defunct Hawker factory, the WW2 Sea Hurricane and the wonderful Hunter of the 1950's vintage.

More nostalgia came in the trio from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, two Spitfires and the venerable Lancaster. I was pleased to get good photographs of these 60 year old aircraft. The Americans were represented here by the B17 Bomber (Sally B) from her home base of Duxford and with the Mustang fighter, both important aircraft of the 1940's.

Will Curtis again made a return visit to the Yorkshire Airshow flying the Honda Dream Team Sukkoi SU-26, with an exciting and exhilarating aerobic display.

Next on the scene came the jets, a Tornado F3, Jaguar, Harrier GR7 and a General Dynamics F16 of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. With speed and the roar of the engines they thrilled the crowd and for those of us on the flight line, the smell of burning jet fuel in the nostrils was a panacea to paradise. We finish with the Red Arrows, without doubt the best aerobatic team in the world celebrating 40 years since their creation in 1964. Nine bright red Hawk aircraft going through manoeuvres with precision soon had the spectators applauding with delight.

So ended a fine Airshow and my team were well pleased with the full day's entertainment. For further comments on our day at Elvington, be sure to see Rachael's exceptional first write-up, you'll hear more from her in the future, I'm sure. See you at the next Airshow Tony

One complaint from many..

Why, Oh why is there no bus laid on for the many enthusiasts who arrive by train at York station? - A question put to me during the airshow by spectators who paid £24 in taxi fares.

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Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Tony thisisUll.com

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