Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum
Aviation Events => UK - Ireland Airshows and Events => Topic started by: jasT1981 on December 13, 2018, 01:58:10 AM
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Airwaves Portrush will take place on the 31st August & 1st September 2019
https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/uploads/general/181211_Item_9_Tourism_and_Recreation_Managed_Events.pdf
It does not make for great reading though.
Line up
RAF Tucano (Sunday only)
P47 Thunderbolt
Autogyro
Westland Scout
Aerosuperbatic Wingwalkers
Team Raven
OV10 Bronco
Irish Coast Guard S92 Search & Rescue Demo
Wild Geese Parachute team
Classic Warbirds Yak 3
Catalina
Huey & Loach (Static & Sunday Poppy drop only)
Ulster Gliding Club
Global Stars
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The Northern Ireland airport runway infrastructure is not able to accommodate a range of fast jets that could otherwise perform at Airwaves (if budget was available). Specifically in the absence of the necessary runway cable or arresting gear, display teams from other European countries are unable to operate in Northern Ireland.
Does Baldonnel have runway cable or arresting gear? I'll stand to be corrected but I don't think so yet it can accommodate the Viggen, Draken, Tranchant Jet Team (Fouga jets), Frecce Tricolor, Patrouille Suisse display team etc. Aldergrove, again to my knowledge, doesn't have arresting gear yet can accomodate the Reds, Tornados and Typhoons. While I know it's a mammoth task organising this show and there is the money constraints I think this is a very lame excuse.
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Bal doesn't have arrestor but is within range of Valley
However most Euro display teams don't have aircraft with emergency hooks anyway so it's still rather a lame excuse. Midnight Hawks, Frecce, PdF, Aguilla all.come to mind with little effort.
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To be honest I half expected the arrestor gear thing would come up again this year,after the claim was made that the Swiss F-18 required this for it`s display regulations.
I think we all know here,that this is nonsense for most European fast jets,and certainly the display teams which are mainly jet trainers.
Aldergrove is more than able to deal with fastjets,despite it not having arrestor gear,as mentioned earlier there isn`t that many European fast jets equipped with a hook in any case,some like the Dutch F-16 use a chute to add braking.
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Didn’t the Spanish F18 use Dublin airport for Bray airshow?
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Yes, they used Dublin Int and Baldonnel. However, the regulation is apparently that the airfield must be within 100nm of the display location so even if they had a cable it would be out of range.
Its a weird one which I don't understand myself.
Without sounding critical... It's lazy to already be blaming the Red Arrows tour. There is plenty more that can be booked. The Reds are a great display yes,but I never understood this mentality that a show must have the Reds to be good.
Maybe they should have a theme for 2019. Warbirds on Saturday, Aerobatics on Sunday? Plenty of great civilian displays out there.
A show with Sally B, BBMF, Blenheim and the DC3 from the Swiss? That would have me up in a heartbeat!
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Didn’t the Spanish F18 use Dublin airport for Bray airshow?
Indeed they did,checkout a local spotter getting a wee bit over excited ---warning !!! Language is a bit rough if easily offended...https://www.liveleak.com/view?t=C3Ozd_1520202817
The Swiss F-18 Hornet is the only European Fighter Display I am aware of that supposedly insists on an arresting gear being available as part of it`s display regulations.
So in effect it is only relevant if the Portrush organisers were considering booking it.
Which other European fast jets have an arrestor hook fitted,the only one`s that springs to mind is the Swiss F-5E Tiger II`s,and the French Navy Rafale.I can`t think of others of the top of my head.
All sounds rather negative.
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Show got the go ahead from the council last night.
Kirkcaldy, who are possibly looking to host the Scottish Airshow in 2019,are looking to share aircraft with Portrush also as per usual that weekend according to Fife Today a while ago.
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I have also seen reports that the Scottish 2019 show might head North up the coast from Ayr to Irvine.Just north of Gailes Links Golf Course.
There is a long straight beach there,with minimal buildings at the coastline,there is an industrial estate well back from the bay (car parking),and the town has rail links which would be useful.
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Which other European fast jets have an arrestor hook fitted,
I think all F-16s have them. Although that has no bearing on the display issue.
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Which other European fast jets have an arrestor hook fitted,
I think all F-16s have them. Although that has no bearing on the display issue.
Yes, Belgian F-16 needs one, or it would have been at Portrush 2017. It's their own operating rules.
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Catalina is booked for Portrush. Based at Derry again. Due in on 30th August.
30 August 2019 - 01 September 2019
Flight Type: Transit & Display
From: Duxford - Derry -- 30 August 2019 - 09:00 (all times local)
To: Derry - Duxford -- 01 September 2019 - 15:00 (all times local)
Display Slot: tbc
http://catalina.cardinal-technologies.com/events.asp
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They are going to have to get different aircraft this year and not the same stuff. With no Red Arrows they will have to get something different that will bring the crowds up to Portrush.
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I could see the Blades ending up being the replacement for the Reds. Would be nice to see the Viggen/Draken assuming they are allowed to display again in UK along with the Vampires and Strikemaster pair.
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When it comes to teams,jets would tend to pull more people I think.Perhaps the Breitling Jet Team for example-they displayed at Bangor a good few years back.
Problem is the Airwaves organisers would have had to make approaches for an alternative to the Red Arrows as soon as their US/Canada Tour was announced,other airshows will be doing the same thing as well,or in some cases have cancelled their shows completely.
I truly hope to be proved wrong,I hope they can pull together a decent lineup with some new displays or aircraft we haven`t seen there,but I suspect Airwaves will be the same old thing;soggy,cold and disappointing.
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Im looking forward to what they come up with.
Its gotta be a jet imo and given that there are so few around I cant imagine anything that hasnt been mentioned on this forum before.
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Sadly it looks like no Swiss classic formation with the DC3 and 3 Beech 18s. They are booked elsewhere in Europe on Portrush weekend. It was the standout display in 2018 for me.
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Wildcat aerobatics have a listing on their website for both days
https://www.wildcataerobatics.com/display-calendar
Edit - Confirmed by Portrush
Edit 2: No Silver wings in 2019
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Great news! the Tucano will be at Portrush both days!
Final ever NI display with the Tucano going into retirement at the end of the year :)
http://www.air-shows.org.uk/2019/04/airshow-news-royal-air-force-shorts-tucano-t1-display-dates-2019/
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Dakota now confirmed for both days
https://www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/battle-of-britain-memorial-flight/displays/
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RAF Tutor confirmed both days
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I would be interested to see the Grob 120TP Prefect instead of the Tutor.
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The Prefect was originally on the 2019 display application and the Tutor wasn't.
Seems RAF are keeping with the Tutor for this year.
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No Typhoon for Portrush or anywhere in Ireland
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OV-10 Bronco down for Portrush on both days.
http://www.broncodemoteam.com/index.php?page=events
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Autogyro confirmed for Portrush.
I think I may sit Portrush out this year. Nothing grabbing my attention so far.
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Think I will be leaving it this year too unless something big comes! Or a few jets lol
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Nothing coming so far that hasn't been before :(
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With no Reds, Typhoon or BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane there's bound to be a bit left in the pot for something bigger/more exciting than what's listed so far.
I am considering a weekend trip to Heathrow to watch the aircraft there on Portrush weekend.
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Classic Warbirds will be at Portrush with their Yak 3.
http://www.classicwarbirddisplays.co.uk/display-schedule.html
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Classic Warbirds will be at Portrush with their Yak 3.
http://www.classicwarbirddisplays.co.uk/display-schedule.html
Ah-ha, something new to see! ;D
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That's got me a little bit more upbeat. Hopefully some more warbirds get added. Sally B and a Sea Fury would go down nicely.
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That's got me a little bit more upbeat. Hopefully some more warbirds get added. Sally B and a Sea Fury would go down nicely.
Yak 3 will be using Eglinton during that Portrush weekend
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Classic Warbirds will be at Portrush with their Yak 3.
http://www.classicwarbirddisplays.co.uk/display-schedule.html
Privet!
That's a plus.
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It would be amazing if Portrush (or Newcastle) was able to get these guys. Ultimate Fighters, a 4 ship display consisting of a P51,P47, Spitfire and ME109
https://www.facebook.com/1785419121510239/videos/429043744542354/
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Huey and Loach added Airwaves Portrush event on their FB page, so looks like they will return.
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It would be good if these guys could be booked...https://www.historichelicopters.com/Pages/1/Home.htm
They have RN Westland Wessex HU5 XT761 G-WSEX and Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 XJ729 – G-BVGE both in airworthy condition.
They also have G-SKNG Westland Sea King HAR3, ex XZ597 which seems to be going through CAA approval.
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The Whirlwind is a good display, saw her last year at Cosford. She was down for Duxford however winter maintenance wasn't complete so was unable to get PDA.
The Wessex and Sea King would be fantastic to see over here.
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The Whirlwind is a good display, saw her last year at Cosford. She was down for Duxford however winter maintenance wasn't complete so was unable to get PDA.
The Wessex and Sea King would be fantastic to see over here.
Would be a nice change to see these instead of Huey & Loach every single year! :)
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Global stars confirmed
https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/news/global-stars-set-to-shine-at-air-waves-portrush
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Another show that just has nothing on the bill that I'd cross the street to see. Various different reasons but sorry, nah.
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Wildcat aerobatics have cancelled all remaining airshows for 2019
It is with an overwhelming sense of sadness and disappointment that, due to a significant aircraft unserviceability issue, one of our Pitts Special aircraft is out of action for the foreseeable future.
Regrettably, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to source a stand-in aircraft which means that we are going to be unable to display for the remainder of the 2019 season.
Wildcat will, however, be displaying at Aylsham Show in August as a singleton.
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Air Waves Portrush returns on the 31st August & 1st September 2019!
The air display schedule for this years event is due to be released very soon... stay tuned for the announcement on its way!
On the ground, visitors can look forward to an extensive range of exhibits headlined by the STEM Village where the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will combine in an interactive and engaging way.
There’ll also be a showcase of the Destination’s artisan sector at the local food and craft market along with themed areas including a fascinating look back in time with the Ulster Aviation Society.
The Pailis Swing Band are set to entertain everyone at this years Portstewart Concert on Saturday evening. Following this, The Global Stars, headed up by Mark Jeffries and featuring three other former British champions, will light up the skies with an exciting mix of close formation air displays and pyrotechnic magic with their trademark WiFi controlled smoke and a fireworks finale!
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Air Waves Portrush returns on the 31st August & 1st September 2019!
The air display schedule for this years event is due to be released very soon... stay tuned for the announcement on its way!
On the ground, visitors can look forward to an extensive range of exhibits headlined by the STEM Village where the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will combine in an interactive and engaging way.
There’ll also be a showcase of the Destination’s artisan sector at the local food and craft market along with themed areas including a fascinating look back in time with the Ulster Aviation Society.
The Pailis Swing Band are set to entertain everyone at this years Portstewart Concert on Saturday evening. Following this, The Global Stars, headed up by Mark Jeffries and featuring three other former British champions, will light up the skies with an exciting mix of close formation air displays and pyrotechnic magic with their trademark WiFi controlled smoke and a fireworks finale!
Sounds like the balmoral show......😂
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Just over three weeks to go and still no line up announced. Not looking good :(
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I think they put all their eggs in the Open Golf this summer and the airshow is an after-thought.
Lots of complaints about lack of communication and updates on their FB pages.
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Just announced on Airwaves Portrush FB
P-47 Thunderbolt
Guessing both days
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Great addition. It does a fine display.
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Nice, but nice enough to travel for? Hmm. Probably depends on the weather for me!
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Very disappointing
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Weather permitting I've decided to take the long trek there and back on the Saturday. Sadly no Tucano that day.
I've never seen the Yak 3 or Bronco display, and I do want to see the P47 again along with Dakota.
Here's hoping they have a few more unknown announcements (the rest of the Ultimate fighters? :D )
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TBH I'd say that's probably the best enthusiasts line up anywhere on the Island this year. Which is a bit bloody sad.
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So far it looks as if they have enough for about a 2hour display at most, a bit pathetic. Maybe this will the last airshow at Portrush.
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https://www.air-shows.org.uk/2019/08/airshow-news-air-waves-portrush-ready-to-dazzle-with-world-famous-aviation-attractions/
Aerosuperbatic Wingwalkers, IAC CASA, ICG S92, Team Raven, Wild Geese parachute team and Ulster gliding club make up the rest of the lineup.
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So far it looks as if they have enough for about a 2hour display at most, a bit pathetic. Maybe this will the last airshow at Portrush.
I hope it isn't the last one for Portrush. Maybe this year the Open has gotten all the attention/most of the budget? Probably brought in more money than 10 airshows would?
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Westland Scout AH.1 (G-SCTA) has been added to Airwaves Portrush on the Saturday
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Planned running order has been released...https://www.airwavesportrush.co.uk/display-schedule/
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Royal Navy Merlin added to static in the tennis courts.
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Huey and Loach no longer in the flying programme apparently. Will be on static only. Huey will still close the Sunday show with Poppy drop.
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Any one know what time the merlin is due in on saturday, its about the only thing worth seeing.
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From previous experience the helis like to get in early, I would imagine 0930 to 1000 approx., but that is a guesstamate.
I don`t think I will bother, not to see 2 or 3 interesting aircraft,any or all of which could go tech.
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Bit far out, I know. BBC is giving rain in the afternoon.
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I'm sure there will be plenty of gaps this year if they are running the show the same times as last year.
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A tad unsettled looking at this chart for next Saturday but things can change
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48608476338_90830b533b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4n9wf)Screenshot (28) (https://flic.kr/p/2h4n9wf) by Paul Harvey (https://www.flickr.com/photos/8620037@N05/), on Flickr
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With no Ayr show this year, most will be based in Derry which is a good thing.
I really don't see the Dakota making it all the way over though. I'd be very surprised if she shows up.
For me, the only displays that interest me are : Wingwalkers, Yak 3, P47, OV10 Bronco & Dakota. Catalina's a nice display, but seen her a good few times now in the last year.
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Looks like Airwaves booked the good weather for the wrong weekend.
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Hopefully the weather behaves, just upgraded to a 600mm lens from my 300mm. Want to give it a good test.
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Has the Irish CASA cancelled now?
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Looks like it. Not on the list anymore.
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Current forecast is a bit iffy for the weekend, a band of rain is expected on Friday and Saturday morning. This is due to clear around lunchtime at Portrush however it will be over the Irish Sea during the afternoon which could cause a problem for any display items coming from that direction.
https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/portrush
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RAF Tutor now cancelled??
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RAF Tutor now cancelled??
No longer showing on the listings as you say... :(
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Dakota also removed :(
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Going to be plenty of gaps this year i guess if its still going to run the same times as last year.
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wow... just the RAF Tucano on the Sunday then as military involvement in the show.
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Judging by the weather in the Irish sea I would say the YAK and Thunderbolt or parachute display will not happen unless they come over today :(
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The Yak 3 G-OLEG was on FR24 earlier on today - apparently inbound to Eglinton for the Portrush Airshow
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Just as well,because the weather for tomorrow is pretty bad, weather warnings out now for Friday and Saturday on the BBC Weather. I doubt it will be worth the trip.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2640004
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That's the end of the display season for me AT .
Hopefully anyone going up will get some lucky breaks and maybe next year airwaves will hold their display earlier :(
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That's the end of the display season for me AT .
Hopefully anyone going up will get some lucky breaks and maybe next year airwaves will hold their display earlier :(
Same for me, was hoping to do Portrush, but with the weather and cancellations, I can't justify a 7/8 hour round trip this year. Too much standing around the last few years with 2 big gaps in the displays lasting an hour each last year was too much, and sadly looks the same this year.
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Brietling Jet team were approached to replace Reds but didn't work out as they as were booked elsewhere. Another foreign military team was looked into but would have cost too much and only left room for 2/3 more displays.
Huey & Loach have no display authority for 2019.
life is never that simple. Post Shoreham there is much greater scrutiny on the flying display industry and separation criteria. Yes we knew very early in the year there would be no Red Arrows and I did go looking for foreign civilian display teams - the Breitling Jet Team were not available due to other commitments and another team was far too expensive. If we had gone for the second team I mentioned the show would have been them and possibly 2 or 3 other items - a 4 item show I suggest would not go down well or even thought good value for money. Ramore Head was closed last year but it will be open this year apart from when the static helicopters are positioning (arrival and departure) to the tennis courts - a safety requirement. If you can suggest new and exciting items I'm definitely open to suggestions and can try and source them but bear in mind we have limited budget and anything suggest has to comply with the current regulations - CAP403 and the Air Navigation Order.
the display world is a completely different place from what it was when the display was in the West bay and it was me that suggested the move to East Bay with no affiliations with anyone in that area - I'm definitely not local. On the east side the CAA view on the golf course has also made getting jets into the area a problem (unless you close the golf course for the whole weekend) - unfortunately we are not in a position to change the Air Navigation Order. You mention the Huey and Loach, this year they do not have Display Authorisation so they cannot be a flying display item - an example of how the number of available assets are reducing. I think you will find the P-47 Thunderbolt is new - it only became available again in May of last year. As there is no display at Ayr this year we are battling against what we can offer, 'twinning' with Ayr definitely offered a better option for display assets - hence we got the Swiss Classic Flight last year. In Northern Ireland there is also the problem that a number of foreign fast jet displays now require an approach end cable to be within 100nm of the display site. We would have got the Swiss F-18 last year if that was available; unfortunately, now the foreign F-16 displays also have this requirement.
The Red Arrows and Typhoon attendance at the show is not under the control of the organisers. The Red Arrows are missing from many UK shows due to the tour of America. The Typhoon was requested but not allocated this year, in previous years other shows have missed out as it has been at Portrush. It is a fact of the air display industry that there are fewer jets available as display items and if you go looking for overseas jets the cost is prohibitive - the complete display programme would be about 60 minutes long at the most. The bonus of the aircraft that will be attending is they can get in closer to the public than jets can.
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Was debating going this year but with cancellations I dont think im going to go with the inevitable gaps between acts now.
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Below is a list of Display Teams, many of which have never been to N. Ireland:
https://britishairshows.com/british-uk-airshow-display-teams-aircraft-schedules.html
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I was wondering when the golf course would get a mention--by the sound of things, Portrush is no longer a suitable venue for an airshow, either in the west bay or east bay.
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What was the reasoning behind the move from West strand to the East strand?
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I am guessing it was to get spectators closer to the action,but that seems to be the opposite of what the CAA want now.
Maybe they should move it back to West Bay, then Joe Public could watch from the beach and have all the sideshows to distract them and their prams, and the airshow enthusiasts could use Ramore and Black Rocks as before.
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The Bronco is in the Provence,it over flew Moria about 16.30 this afternoon
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Yak 3 & Bronco both arrived at Eglinton on Thursday. Catalina & Thunderbolt are due into there on Friday.
Thunderbolt is due to display at Bournemouth at 15:55 on Friday so if it does make it over here today it will be later on in the day.
Team Raven have delayed their transit over until Saturday due weather.
Huey & Loach transit also delayed until Saturday.
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I can see a Newcastle 2018 happening in Portrush at the weekend! Possibly their only saving grace being a two day event.
I notice that even some "normies" on social media are commenting on the lack of fast jets.
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Team Raven have delayed their transit over until Saturday due weather.
Huey & Loach transit also delayed until Saturday.
That sounds oddly like last year.......
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G-IIYI & N74189 both Stearman of Aerosuperbatics have arrived at Newtownards and staying overnight
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That's good. One of my favorite displays.
I might be a little crazy.. But I topped up my ILink card and decided to give tomorrow a go. It's a day out at the worst, and at best some of an airshow ;D
Word is the Dakota was 'Misbehaving' after last Sundays display.
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AFAIK she did Bournemouth this afternoon. Maybe just don't want to risk her going tech over here.
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I had a look at the BBMF Twitter Feed, no mention of the Dakota flying this weekend,or any mention of Portrush,so I think we can safely say no Dakota.
https://twitter.com/RAFBBMF/status/1167427013482897408?s=20
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Flying schedule
SHOW UPDATE! ✈️
The weather is due to clear around noon today so we’re all systems go for a great day.
Due to prevailing high winds, things are still subject to change, but at present we are planning to start the flying display shortly after 1pm, as follows:
Wild Geese Parachute Display team
Ulster Gliding Club
Autogyro
Glider Dep
Bronco
Irish Coastguard S-92
Yak-3
WingWalkers
Scout
Catalina
IAC CASA 235
Team Raven
Thunderbolt
Global Stars
On ground activities are up and running from 11am including the Ulster Aviation Society, our impressive STEM Village, RAF static aircraft displays and Helicopter displays.
Unfortunately the Naturally North Coast and Glens artisan market has had to be pulled for today due to overnight winds.
Please note the flying display is still subject to change; our first priority is safety and we are watching the weather closely.
Watch this space for updates as we have them.
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blue skies in portrush but a bit blustery. Slight spots of rain
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Team Raven currently over Ballymoney at 1500ft
to add....
Haven't been to Portrush in a few years now due to other commitments, but this is definitely the worst lineup I have ever seen there. It used to be the highlight of my airshow calendar (locally anyway)
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Thunderbolt is unable to safely transit to #AirwavesPortrush today but should be here tomorrow depending on weather and service availability. 🤞 :(
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One of the Globalstars on FR24 G-IIRP OTT Blackpool..Mudry Cap 232.
Another has popped up G-EXIL Extra 300/S.
Also with no reg given on FR24 is Extra EA 330/SC.
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There is also an Extra 200 all white, G-TWOO, does not appear to be connected to any team in the show, it`s at 8000ft east of Bangor
...https://www.flightradar24.com/GTWOO/21eaf668
UPDATE East of Larne now at 8275ft
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By the time the Globalstars get to where ever it is they are planning to refuel,it`s going be late on. Not sure if they would use Causeway Airfield after all the rain.
https://www.flightradar24.com/GIIRP/21eb1595
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Left on 4pm.train. Vrry low attendence and baffling that Portrush are saying typhoon has had to pull out due to engine issues since itwas never coming
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They are getting some ear bashing about that on their Facebook page, people are not happy being fibbed to.
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OK, show was very hit and miss. Again, long periods of waiting around (mostly weather related due to no parachute display) But by 1:50pm I had seem 30 seconds of a glider.
The bad
Static displays - As usual the Spitfire and Heli's from UAS as well as the UMVC (smaller collection than normal) and the RN Merlin parked up on its own at Tennis courts. Huey and Loach no show for 2nd year in a row due to weather. Nothing overly inspiring that we haven't seen before.
Stalls - Non existent. Very few vendors selling things.
Programmes - Non existent, none produced this year.
Crowds - I am not a crowd expert, but if there was 25,000 there today then its a result. Very poor turn out.
Social media -Baffling - Telling people the Typhoon had to cancel when it was never booked is shocking.
It was always going to be a troubled year with no Reds or Typhoon.
The good
The air displays - Yes, no real star power but I did enjoy them. Never seen the Bronco or Yak 3 (though Yak was too far out) and Wingwalkers/Catalina as good as always. Only others I saw was S92, Glider & Autogyro. I left at 3.45pm after the Catalina to get the 4pm train. P47 had cancelled, and no disrespect to Mark Jefferies or Gerald Williams, but I've seen Team Raven and Global Stars so many times now. I also didn't fancy a long wait with the cancellations so packed up and went home.
Weather cancellations can't be helped. That is out of the organizers control. But with the reduced stalls etc and the lack of anything different on previous years it seems Portrush went all out for the golf and this year's airshow was an after thought.
I don't mean any of the above in a disrespectful manner. It just didn't have an airshow feel to it today.
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The good
The air displays - Yes, no real star power but I did enjoy them. Never seen the Bronco or Yak 3 (though Yak was too far out) and Wingwalkers/Catalina as good as always. Only others I saw was S92, Glider & Autogyro. I left at 3.45pm after the Catalina to get the 4pm train. P47 had cancelled, and no disrespect to Mark Jefferies or Gerald Williams, but I've seen Team Raven and Global Stars so many times now. I also didn't fancy a long wait with the cancellations so packed up and went home.
Weather cancellations can't be helped. That is out of the organizers control. But with the reduced stalls etc and the lack of anything different on previous years it seems Portrush went all out for the golf and this year's airshow was an after thought.
I don't mean any of the above in a disrespectful manner. It just didn't have an airshow feel to it today.
I'd have to agree, although there was no "big draw" this year. The displays were all of a good standard with plenty of variation on previous years. The CN235 was a nice site (albeit, it was only a short lived encounter.)
It is very evident however that the money was poured into the Open which is completely understandable this year. However going forward they need to find the balance between attractions of the ground and actual displays, something I haven't personally seen found since 2011.
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What time is the Catalina due to display today? She's suppose to be landing at Enniskillen after so might take a race up for that.
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Catalina left eglinton around 1250pm
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Catalina now on way to Enniskillen. Just left eglinton
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I'm glad to see today went a good bit better for Portrush. However a rethink is needed. Organizers can't be blamed for no Reds or Typhoon, but they had no plan B given how much notice they had of no Reds or Typhoon. They delivered essentially the same show as every year without the RAF assets. Certain displays were not even inquired about that should have been that are real crowd favorites.
Newcastle on a lot smaller budget produced a better 1 day show.
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There was a report just on BBC1 NI and it showed a few clips from the show, the report showed and mentioned the Huey doing the Poppy Drop, did it make it over after all,
or were the Beeb using old stock footage and telling fibs?
Also I see quite a few folk saying that the Open golf took away from the airshows funding.I thought the two events were entirely separate, does any one know?
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Huey and Loach where both there today on static display and Huey did the Poppy Drop.
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Budget was apparently £220k without sponsorship. Don't think anything was diverted but I do think the airshow was still a throw together afterthought this year.
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Huey and Loach where both there today on static display and Huey did the Poppy Drop.
Thanks for confirming this.
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The good news for Portrush (And Scotland) is Bournemouth is moving the date of their show for 2020 and will now be the 20-23rd August.
This was an issue over the last few years of having 3 major shows on the 1 weekend (Typhoon etc) Hopefully that means more RAF aircraft can be allocated to Scotland and Portrush and more aircraft are available for 2020 instead of being spread from the North and South of the UK on the one weekend.
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Jeff Brownhut was buried on Sunday. Jeff and his wife organised the Derry shows, which became the Portrush shows in 2002. His last show was in 2013.
He had his own hypnotist show and blindfold driving stunt show in the 70s and 80s, represented many household names of that era and made about 300 visits to NI over the years. Even in the bad old days.
He knew everyone in the display industry and built Portrush into something way bigger and better than anyone else could have. His black book of contacts was priceless. In the good old days he could phone a base commander and order up a Nimrod or Vulcan. The last few shows were frustrating for him for health reasons and for banging his head against all the new regs.
He was a great man.
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Sorry to hear that, I can imagine his frustrations of budgets, and at what the CAA have done to airshows. RIP.