The last day of this year's local air show and the weather looks promising. Day 3 was more or less write-off because of the strong winds, but the organisers did manage to arrange a short, truncated, programme starting at 6pm. No mean feat, as amongst other things (availability of aircraft and people to fly them), the airspace needed to be cleared. I nipped along to see the Red Arrows perform, but due to the lack of accurate - and conflicting - information available, I left immediately afterwards... and missed the rest of what had been re-arranged.
So, the last day, and by early afternoon the sun appears in all its glory; the wind drops dramatically and high, wispy clouds create a perfect backdrop for photography... but nothing is flying. As I mentioned earlier, the local airspace has to be cleared for the displays to take place and aircraft need to be available, and no amount of ideal conditions will alter that. Schedules is schedules.
For the most part flying conditions are perfect, but roughly half way through the displays schedule the next weather front rolls in from the West, forcing the fast jets to alter their routines to accommodate the low cloud base.
There were some enjoyable moments throughout the weekend, and I am sure everybody gave their best to entertain, but the line-up of aircraft was weak. The Air Festival is being recognised internationally now, and planning for next year is already under way, but it needs a stronger pool of performers.
Maybe it's just me.
Top to bottom: Swiss Air Force Super Puma Helicopter Display Team (waving at the crowds).
B-25 Mitchell Bomber
B-17 Flying Fortress - Sally B
Breitling Wing Walkers
The RAF Red Arrows - Enid
Spitfire P7350 (Mk IIa). This aircraft flew in the Battle of Britain, and was used in the
1969 film of the same name.
Eurofighter Typhoon
Lenses: 300mm f/2.8 AF-S VR Nikkor with TC-14EII converter
24-70mm f/2.8 AF-S Nikkor
© 2016
