UK Airshows

Probably everybody out there has seen at least one airshow in their life. For some it is simply a nice day out, for others it is a chance to see man & machine working together to defy gravity in the most exciting way possible. Here in the UK there are a number of regular airshows, mainly in the summertime, with which to thrill us all. Below are some reviews on some of the shows I have attended.

The 1998 show season started on a sad note with the death of a BAe test pilot who died whilst practising for the Biggin Hill airshow. He had finished his practice and was returning home when his Hawker Hunter caught fire. He called "Mayday" twice and brought the stricken aircraft in to land at Dunsfold Airfield. Unfortuantly he lost power on the approach and his wing clipped the ground and the plane crashed and burst into flames, coming to rest to the North of the runway. Witnesses called him a hero for bringing his plane in to Dunsfold so as not to crash on the villages nearby. The Dunsfold Airshow which was to be held the next day was cancelled.

When we go and watch the planes flying through the sky we should spare a thought for the pilots who risk their lives to thrill us with their aerial ballets.

If you want to find out what events are taking place near you try the Flyer Magazine website as they have details of airshows and Fly-Ins around the UK

Royal International Air Tattoo Review of the 1999 show with pictures

Middle Wallop Airshow 2000 - Video clips of some of the aircraft at this years show.

SBAC International (Farnborough) Air Show Review of the 1998 show with pictures

The International Helicopter Museum has regular 'Open Cockpit Days' as well as other events and is involved in theWeston Super Helidays