Newcastle Festival of Flight 2014

[Angry Turnip]

I think that was becasue it was operating from Blackpool to Newcastle,so it was easier just to nip back to England.

[TCX49]

Yea i see thanks for the info 

[jasT1981]

well, this is a surprise given she has been over the last few years.. My only thought for not inviting Miss Demeanour over is they have the Hunters from Midair Squadron lined up? Or am I reaching a bit with that thought.



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[CH53E]

Lets hope the organisers are trying to book some different acts each year,rather than roll out the same line up year in year out.

Of course it would be nice to see a huge list of aircraft - but maybe not possible due to a limited budget.

[Jamesmcil]

The ONLY downside to the airshow I found from last year was getting out of Newcastle!  It took me almost two hours to get to Castlewellan alone. 

I'm thinking this year to head up into the Mournes and look down on it for a different view on it, if I can. 

[Angry Turnip]

I read a few months back that G-PSST was for sale-maybe the situation has changed?


Yes, it's true, Miss Demeanour is for sale, although I've not started the adverising yet.A multitude of reasons but primarily because of her success, she has become too demanding a mistress for a married man. Having got away with it for fifteen years, it's time she found a new toy boy!I have no idea where she will end up, but from a selfish standpoint, in the hands of someone who wants me to help out with some of the air shows.Despite rising fuel prices, for the past few years we have been breaking even or making a small surplus on the total cost of ownership. Probably unique in the world of Warbird ownership. All that in no small way due to the enthusiasm of those who follow her shows and make known how much you enjoy her displays. I'm sorry for not being particularly interactive with Facebook or Twitter, just not enough time what with everything else happening in my life.Duxford was my last intentional UK air show in Miss Demeanour and an embarrassing fuss was made alongside it being Duxford's 40th Air Show anniversary. (Coincidentally a few weeks after my 40th anniversary of leaving the Fleet Air Arm) In response to all the well wishes, I did say that perhaps like a bad penny or the Rolling Stones, we might be back for another last act!The upcoming Al Ain airshow is planned as my final actual air show in Miss Demeanour, at least as her owner.What the future really holds is anyone's guess. I am not giving up display flying but it's time to ease back on the throttle. Annie has been wonderfully understanding for 43 years but living with an addict with a mistress has not been easy, especially one who keeps saying he's cutting down but actually does the reverse year on year.One of special pleasures technology has brought to me is the superb photos and videos sent to me along side the very kind words of appreciation. So, to paraphrase Winston Churchill, this is not the end of my relationship with Miss Demeanour but it is the beginning of the end.

[jasT1981]

The ONLY downside to the airshow I found from last year was getting out of Newcastle!  It took me almost two hours to get to Castlewellan alone. 

I'm thinking this year to head up into the Mournes and look down on it for a different view on it, if I can.

I have friends coming from Downpatrick direction, they plan on parking in Dundrum and walking into Newcastle. It's a bit of a walk, about 5miles. But still quicker than waiting in the queue to get out. Took them 3.5 hours to get to clough last year.

[Angry Turnip]

Friends of mine parked in Dundrum and walked in last year-they headed inland to Dromore then on to the A1 and got back to Lisburn pretty quickly.

[CH53E]

Friends of mine parked in Dundrum and walked in last year-they headed inland to Dromore then on to the A1 and got back to Lisburn pretty quickly.

Might consider doing something similar this year - much prefer the M1 to going home via Newry,Armagh,etc.

[jasT1981]

Down District Council confirmed this morning the Vulcan will return in 2014.

Line up so far

Vulcan
BBMF Lancaster
Red Arrows
Gnat Display team
Tucano
Eurofighter Typhoon
Seafire
RAF Falcons.

[Angry Turnip]

Any word on the Hunter/Canberra combo? That would be a sight and a half.

[jasT1981]

They said there will be 6 jet types with 3 formation displays. So doing the math

Red Arrows and Gnats announced as the formation teams
Eurofighter and Vulcan as the solo

that takes it to 4 with 2 formations

Midair squadron fly the Hawker Hunters and Canberra which will take it to 6 jets types and 3 formations,  perfect numbers

B/E AEROSPACE FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT - SATURDAY 9 AUGUST 2014

Down District Council are delighted the much anticipated B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight will exceed all expectations this year. Following on the success of last year's 5 star event Jeff Salter, Flight Director & Down District Council plan to go a step further this year and is currently negotiating for six different jet types involving three seperate jet formations. It promises to be an fabulous display.

[Jamesmcil]

I hope there will be another swoop through the Mournes this year!  That was a great addition last year.

[in a maze]

will she land at Aldergrove or just fly in and straight out again.

[jasT1981]

So, only 2 Gnats

Anyway, some potentially very bad news for the future of the Newcastle show (on top of council merger leaving things up in the air)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-27303314

One of its main sponsors could be sold or face a merger.

[Angry Turnip]

Yeah I was just reading that-if they do sell and the new owners pull the plug on sponsership,then it would be a real struggle to find another one.

[breney]

Seen this morning that the Canadian Lancaster is making a UK tour - it's flying over to the UK on 8th August to fly with the BBMF lancaster. Pity they aren't starting to fly until just after newcastle, we could have had two Lanc's!

http://www.warplane.com/lancaster-2014-uk-tour.aspx

Wonder if it's staying around long enough that it could make a guest appearance in Portrush?

[jasT1981]

Yeah I was just reading that-if they do sell and the new owners pull the plug on sponsership,then it would be a real struggle to find another one.

Word today is its all just talk and there won't be a sale.

[jasT1981]

Aer Lingus Charitable Foundation have a listing for Newcastle Festival of Flight for the Irish Historical Flight. They fly the De Havilland D.H.84 Dragon and 2 Chipmunks

Though their listing is for the 10th August not the 9th lol

[jasT1981]

Listing for Newcastle is gone.. though they did say date was a mistake and they needed to get in touch with organizers  so they might be reconfirming it.

HOWEVER...Not officially announced, but found this.

https://twitter.com/markjbroadbent

Mark Broadbent @markjbroadbent  ·  May 15
Yet another date for the @midairsqn Canberra and Hunter team: the Newcastle Festival of Flight in Northern Ireland in August .

[Angry Turnip]

I will be very disapointed if they don`t have the Hunter/Canberra combo-two of my favourite aircraft.

[jasT1981]

I sent him a message asking where it is confirmed as I have not seen anything and got a reply that Midair Squadron has confirmed the date in a press release  so I am assuming it will be announced to the public pretty soon.

[jasT1981]

Canberra and BOTH Hawker Hunters

The Midair Squadron is delighted to confirm their appearance at the BE Aerospace Festival of Flight in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland on the 9th August 2014, hosting a tangible link to the past.

Canberra XH134, the world’s only airworthy Canberra PR9, is one of only 23 of these aircraft to be manufactured by Short Brothers and Harland Ltd in Belfast between 1958 and 1962. The Canberra is believed to be the longest serving aircraft in RAF history, and was only retired from active operation in July 2006.

En route to Newcastle, the Midair Squadron will overfly where the Canberra’s sister, XH131, stands proud in the Ulster Aviation Society’s collection at Long Kesh.

Following the type’s retirement, XH131 was donated to the Ulster Aviation Society by Midair Squadron owner, Mike Davis, and was transported by road to the Society’s base in 2010 as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) support project to conserve and explore the heritage of the aircraft.

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Flt Lt Mike Leckey, Midair Squadron’s Chief Pilot, will be at the controls of XH134, which will be flanked by both Squadron Hunters. Schooled in Belfast, Leckey joined the Royal Air Force in 1988 and has flown over 2,700 hours on the Canberra during his time in the military.

Commenting on his and the Canberra’s homecoming, Flt Lt Mike Leckey, says, “To fly the Canberra over home crowds will be a fitting tribute and testament to the Midair Squadron and the force behind this historic and unique aviation team. The Canberra is an exceptional aircraft combining both power and beauty, and we are thrilled to be joining the line up at the Newcastle Festival of Flight.”

Jeff Salter, Festival of Flight organiser comments, “It was the Canberra B5 prototype which held the return Atlantic crossing record from Aldergrove to Gander and back in 10 hours 3 minutes. The record being achieved in 1952.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Midair Squadron to Northern Ireland, and are particularly excited to witness the spectacular sight and sound of the Canberra PR9 and her sister Hunters, and hear their famous howls.”

For further information on the Midair Squadron and their display schedule, please visit www.midair-squadron.com

[smudge]

FOUR Avon 200s in close formation!  Wow 

[Angry Turnip]

Two Hunters plus the PR9 even better.