Fond memories of Newtownards airshow

[greglloyd]

Like many on this forum, I'm sure.. I have such great fond memories of some of the airshows that were run at Newtownards.


In particular, one of the last displays to be run there in 2005 was among my very favourites. A combination of excellent line up, great location with clear views in all directions, and the perfect late May weather which was a nice 18c and clear skies on the day (ensuring a suntanned face lol!) combined to produce my most fondest memories of ANY airshow ever in NI.


The Harrier that year just 'sang'! Just listen to the video below as it gets ready to take off. Also, the Lynx of the Blue Eagles was just the business!!


Some videos for the rest of you to remember (I'm sure you were all there!)


http://www.flightlevel350.com/Aircraft_BAE_Systems_Harrier_GR_7-Airline_United_Kingdom_-_Air_Force_Aviation_Video-3369.html


http://www.flightlevel350.com/Aircraft_Westland_Lynx-Airline_Untitled_Aviation_Video-3303.html


Share your thoughts on one of the most epic shows we ever got to see here in NI!

[greglloyd]

I must add by the way.. I just love the sound of the Rolls Royce Pegasus engine. It will be sorely missed..

[casper]

Very nice. The Harrier will be sorely missed on the airshow circuit. I have some photos that I took many years ago (not sure of the year) of a Mosquito at Newtownards. Must dig them out.

[Angry Turnip]

Newtownards is a great venue;the weather was always a bit unpridictable,you either got roasted or soaked.

The Mosquito was early ninties Casper;I have pics of it as well,sadly it was destroyed in a fatal accident at an airshow in England.

If I remember rightly the pilot attempted a barrel roll at low level with one prop feathered;not a great idea especially in such a rare aircraft.

[RNASMU]

Remember 2005 very well, coupon burnt off me.    Can anyone remember which year the Harrier burst a tyre on landing?

[acw347]

Im not sure which year the harrier burst a main wheel on landing. But i remember the IAC cessna 172 was dispatched to pick up a replacement wheel and a techie.

The first weekend in august next year might be worth a trip to newtownards 

[Dave]

Newtownards was a fantastic airshow, it was great having Duxford's Catalina (G-PBYA) across each year for it. As compared to Portrush, having a runway useable by the majority of display aircraft was a huge bonus.
 

Im not sure which year the harrier burst a main wheel on landing. But i remember the IAC cessna 172 was dispatched to pick up a replacement wheel and a techie.
The first weekend in august next year might be worth a trip to newtownards 

Was that a hint of a possible airshow in 2012?    Do tell more!
 
I did a little search on yahoo and came up with this link which is a summary of a meeting held by a comitee in Ards. Commencing page 10 until 12, it summarises;
 
"It was AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Ferguson, seconded by Councillor Montgomery, with 13 Voting FOR, and 1 Voting AGAINST, THAT the Council looks at holding an Air Show during the 2011-2012 year, and that the Air Show Committee be recalled to report to Council."
 
Might the Newtownards Airshow as we once knew it be returning within a year or two?
 
Dave

[Angry Turnip]

The Harrier that burst a tyre was in 2000;I have it on video.
 
Baldonnel had a huge Air Spectacular show that weekend,which I knew nothing about and was gutted when I heard about it.
 
They had the Italian Frecce Tricolori,Red Arrows and loads of USAF stuff,plus RAF and other European Air Forces in attendance.

[RNASMU]

The Harrier that burst a tyre was in 2000;I have it on video.

Good Lord, I thought it was only a few years ago.