Bournemouth Air Festival: Day 4...

The forth and final day of this year's Bournemouth Air Festival - the largest of its kind anywhere in the world - drew to a close with the almost inevitable cancellations and disappointments, both for the crews and the crowds. Just short of two hours into the display schedule it was announced over the tannoy that the Avro Vulcan was not making its appearance due to a fuel leak. This aircraft was undoubtedly the big pull of the day, and once the news sank in a good many people began to drift away for home. The Sea Vixen was also a no-show at the event, but for reasons that have so far eluded me.

Although the weather remained very good during the four days - Super Saturday (as it has now been dubbed) having the best with perfect flying conditions - today it was very bright but hazy. Now generally this can be very good for photography, but I always try to follow the bird shooters maxim: never shoot under anything but blue skies. It really does need a bit of cloud mixed with the blue for appealing images. After all, there are only so many shots I can use of a fast jet with condensation forming over the wings in a tight turn...


Not that there wasn't plenty to see in the air - as well as the static displays on the sea front - and once again the annual event must be considered a great success. After yesterday's record breaking crowd numbers it was hoped that the weekend's attendance figures would break the one million mark. Not bad for only its sixth staging. Next year's event is already confirmed.



Top: Gerald Cooper in his Xtreme Air XA 41
Second: Royal Navy Merlin helicopter
Third: Gloster Meteor
Fourth: Patrouille Reva French display team, in their home made aircraft (no, really).
Below that: Faiery Swordfish
Last, but not least: The Blades (all ex-Red Arrows pilots).



© 2013

Bournemouth Air Festival 2013: Day 1...

Unlike last year, and certainly the year before - when the opening day of the Air Festival was washed out entirely by rain - this year's weather forecast looks very promising.

Without going into much detail, here is a selection of images from day one.








Top: Avro Lancaster
Second Row: The Battle of Britain fly-past, featuring the Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire.

Third Row: (left) Patrouille Reva (French display team - with a certain je ne sais quoi)
                (right) Gerald Cooper, in his Xtreme Air XA 41

Row 4: The Tigers Parachute Display Team (well, two of 'em)

Bottom two: The Red Arrows




All images - 300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with TC-14EII converter



© 2013