Attendance was down a little down from previous years, but that didn't detract from the fact that everyone seemed to enjoy the event.
At times there was little flying taking place, members being content to hang around in groups having a 'natter'.
To quote one member :- Didn’t do much flying but that didn’t matter. It was FUN and that’s what its supposed to be.
Most of the actual flying was of high quality with relatively few incidents, some coping with the cross wind better than others.
Sunday saw a fly by of a full size Hurricane and Spitfire.
We usually organise another Warbird weekend in September. Perhaps we might change the theme to a Scale(ish) weekend instead of Warbirds only.
Pictures from the Saturday.
The Saturday saw less members participating due to poor weather, however a few braved the elements and even flew. Of course a few beef burgers were consumed!
On the Sunday the weather was good and there were a variety of warbirds on display.
Walter put up a good display with his biplane
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Not everyone enjoyed complete success, although Mick always manages to smile on misfortune!
Hannibal
The following slides show Mick's Hannibal. A big beast it was and it flew beautifully. However the construction of the airframe was probably not up to the power plant that was driving it.
Hannibal
Sea Fury
Dave getting to grips with the Sea Fury. You can see the tidy approach, and the safe landing, flaps and all!
We were treated to two days of good flying weather.
Brian Cole pulled out all the stops to produce a superb, close mown, grass strip. Even the Spitfires managed to take off and land without nosing over (most of the time). Dave Blakemore's spitfire about to land on the perfect surface.
What makes these events special are the impromptu 'scrambles' which can occur at any time.
One of the best ones at this event was the flight of biplanes (at least 5) headed by Walter Line's rebuilt example, resplendent with handed painted lozenge camouflage pattern.
Look at the concentration of the pilots, and they even run out in formation to collect their aeroplanes
A trio of Spitfires also managed a fairly tight formation some of the time, orchestrated by John Putt. The picture below shows John's spitfire flying wingman to Dave Blakemore's spitfire. Both are Mick Reeves kits.
Wayne Applebee's supply of burgers ran out during Sunday afternoon.
The event provided the ideal opportunity to award BMFA achievement certificates to Terry Thorpe (Fixed Wing 'A') and myself (Heli 'A). Thanks to Graham Fox for making the certificates available.
The positive feedback received during and after the event would indicate that this will be a firm fixture in the club's calendar for some time to come.
If you missed the event, why not make a warbird (or pick one up at the swapmeet) in time for the next one in May 2015?
Check out all the photos in the gallery below.
Warbirds May 2014
We were treated to two glorious days of flying.
Many club members kept to the spirit of the event, making a special effort to dust down and fly their warbirds and joining in with the usual 'banter'.
Saturday proved to be more popular than Sunday, the weather turning out to be ideal.
There seemed to be more electric powered aircraft this year, all flown to a high standard.
Sunday was breezy, but flyable. A 4 engined American bomber also managed (eventually) to take off late in the afternoon, dropping a parachutist via it's bomb doors. Thanks to Tony Otter and Spike Conn for their endeavours.
Interested members of the local village were also encouraged to call by for a look at what we are about, one visitor even had a go with the club trainer.
We also used the event to present BMFA Achievement Certificates to two club members. Richard Tombs for his 'A' Cert (fixed wing) and Mick Maclean for his 'B' Cert (fixed wing).
The many members able to take part in our Warbirds Day were treated to something rather special :-
a) Glorious weather.
b) Perfect landing surface (ok, so there was the odd 'nose over').
c) Excellent range of aircraft.
d) BBQ all day.
e) Friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
The highlights were the the squadrons of Spitfires and Hurricanes flying in (loose) formation. What a site and sound they made.
Thanks to everyone who helped in the preparations for the day, cutting grass, providing food, etc.
This is a Mick's video of the loose formation flying!
These are the photographs that John Putt took, if anyone else has some photos especially of the squadrons of Spitfires and Hurricanes please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
