Duxford Flying Finale - Rounding off the season on a high

 

Last weekend I rounded off my airshow season with a trip to Duxford's Flying Finale. Luckily after last year's challenging conditions we were blessed with perfect flying conditions. 

It was an early start and when I got up to feed the buns the moon was still out and looking beautiful.

The sun was coming up as I left the house -

Clearly I need this in Maverick's honour

This is a Mustang which says everything ......

I also feel the Top Buns would enjoy hopping on and off of this

After perusing the shop I went out to the flight line and finally achieved a season-long objective of getting a photo of Corney with the RAF Typhoon Display Team's  Dave The Dragon!

So cute together

Typhoon team pen in hoof

Just as Corney had finished his photoshoot an announcement came over the tannoy that the Red Arrows pilots were doing a meet & greet like last year! I was able to meet them like last year and get their autographs which made my day!

After my autistic fangirling I went and got a spot to sit down ready for the display to begin.

With Corney, Darcy & Mini Dave

The show started with Merlin music with multiple Spitfires & Hurricanes in a formation & tail-chase. 

They were followed by one of Duxford's classic unique formations with the Catalina and Europe's only airworthy Hawker Nimrod. 

Catalina

Nimrod

Another rare sight was this Wildcat pair. 

The volume went up considerably when the Typhoon roared in for it's final display of the season. The Autumn sky meant that it kicked up plenty of vapour for some dramatic photos. 

The Bearcat being prepared

Hawker Fury

Warhawk catching the sun

The Red Arrows arrived to a roar of delight from the crowd as they performed new and old formations much to the crowd's delight.

Tornado time!

The final pass of the Red Arrows season

The finale came with a formation from a Hawker Fury, Bearcat, Thunderbolt, MK9 Spitfire, Mustang & MK14 Spitfire. 

L-R Mustang, Spitfire MK14, Spitfire MK9, Bearcat, Thunderbolt & Fury

Spitfires & Mustang

Here are highlights of the day -

We were treated to a beautiful sunset on the way home.

The London skyline has a Brontosaurus over it!

I can't believe how quickly this season has come to an end, I'll be putting together my season review blog over the next month or so to look back on this fantastic season.

See you then.

Love Jen

XxxX

Duxford Battle Of Britain Airshow Review

 

A couple of weeks ago I went to Duxford's annual Battle Of Britain Airshow for a day full of warbirds and finally seeing a Red Arrows display this season. 

It was an early start on a beautiful September morning. 

The airfield has had a bit of a change around since I was there back in July for the Summer Airshow and there's now a Spitfire greeting visitors as they come in the entrance. Obviously it was the perfect opportunity for a Unicorn & Pegasus photoshoot. 

The show was opened by a pair of Spitfires. 

We were lucky enough to see the rare sight of two Bearcats when the Flying Bulls aircraft example in it's 'Blue Angels' livery stopped off en route home. 

I was so happy to finally see a Red Arrows display this season. Until now I'd only seen them back in June at the Trooping The Colour flypast. It was well worth the wait and they were absolutely fantastic. Being down to a 7 ship team hasn't diminished the display at all. They've been able to bring back formations from over 30 years ago for a new audience to enjoy. 

Synchro Pair

The Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight pilot climbing abroad during the Red Arrows display

A spectacular end to the display

I've had a great year for seeing Sally B especially with her appearances at Airbourne last month. She was bathed in sunshine for her final show of the season. 

She was joined by a P47 Thunderbolt. 

There was a 4 ship display of Hurricanes. 

The Invader 'Sweet Eloise' with a swallow in the background

The sun stayed out to catch this Mustang and make it shine. 

The sun disappeared as the afternoon went on but luckily stayed dry. There was very little wind which meant the Lysander was able to fly.

Blenheim

The Catalina with her flaps deployed.

Continuing with the theme this season of 'aircraft I've never seen before' Duxford hosted a Breguet 1050 Alize, a French carrier aircraft. 

The show had it's traditional 'Big Wing' finale, the always-moving sight of a mass formation of Spitfires & Hurricanes filling the sky. The sound is absolutely amazing as the whole airfield vibrates to the sound of Merlin & Griffon engines. 

The three Spitfires that entertained the crowd as the other aircraft formed up

Just beautiful

You can find highlights of the show here -

The day was bookended by a beautiful sunset.

From Thurrock Services

The view from the QE2 bridge

It was another fantastic show from Duxford and once again we were really lucky with the weather and a great line-up of aircraft. I have one final show of the season next week which is Duxford's Flying Finale. Keep your fingers crossed that it's a bit less windy than last year's show ...

Love Jen 

XxxX