LLA Members gather at BBMF Coningsby
Welcome to this, the fifty-sixth edition of Aerodrome, our regular look at the fascinating world of aviation. In this latest instalment, we are going to be taking a look at one of the final flying events of the 2016 season and whilst this could not actually be described as an Airshow, it was certainly an occasion which allowed supporters and enthusiasts a final opportunity to get up close to some of the best loved aircraft in the world of historic aviation and the talented people who allow us to experience them. Reporting from RAF Coningsby, we will be looking at the annual Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association Members Day and how their long standing support for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is rewarded with this very special occasion, at the end of each display season.
You may recall that in our previous edition we included a pair of images kindly sent to us by Mike Davey and his recent visit to Exercise Pitch Black in Australia. Mike will be sending us a review of his trip in the near future, but he is currently on holiday, working hard on spending his son’s inheritance – I am sure this is not the case, but we wish Mike an enjoyable break and we look forward to his review in a future edition of Aerodrome. This gives us an opportunity to feature the pictures of regular contributor and Hornby graphic designer Michael Collins and his day at the Herne Bay Airshow in August, which many will remember making the news for all the right reasons, as brave members of the public rushed to the aid of a pilot forced to ditch his aircraft in the sea. Although we will not be including pictures of this particular incident, we have an interesting selection from the show, which took place under glorious blue skies.
Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Tribute
The main attraction at the annual LLA Members Day, Lancaster PA474
For any aviation enthusiast, a visit to RAF Coningsby is most definitely something to look forward to. Not only is this vibrant airfield home to the RAF’s latest air defence fighter and one of only two airfields to maintain the country’s Quick Reaction Alert cover, but it is also home to some of the most historic airworthy WWII aircraft in the world. The opportunity to see the latest Eurofighter Typhoon sharing the runway with a classic Supermarine Spitfire is uniquely possible at Coningsby, which ensures that this Lincolnshire airfield is one of the most popular destinations for the aircraft enthusiast. For many people though, despite this diversity of aviation hardware, there is one aircraft that marks RAF Coningsby as being even more noteworthy – Avro Lancaster PA474, one of only two airworthy Lancasters in the world, from a production run of 7,377 machines. Impressive as the historic fighters of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are, the Lancaster is definitely the main attraction as far as many enthusiasts are concerned and since joining the flight in 1973, it has captivated millions of people as it serves to commemorate the efforts of Bomber Command air and ground crews during WWII. Not only does this magnificent aircraft thrill Airshow audiences around the country, but it also performs hundreds of tribute and routing flights throughout the year as the BBMF attempt to bring their much loved aircraft to as many people as possible. Obviously, with aircraft as rare and historic as these, the Flight have to adhere to strict operating and serviceability criteria, which can always impact on their proposed schedule.
The BBMF make all their aircraft available on this special occasion
The Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association is an impressive organisation dedicated to the preservation of this magnificent aircraft and the county which played host to so many of them during WWII. A registered charity, the association is unique as the official support group for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and over the years, its membership of around 6000 individuals have raised many thousands of pounds and sourced rare aircraft artefacts and components that have benefited the aircraft of the Memorial Flight. Originally established to ensure that an example of the Avro Lancaster remained in the Lincolnshire area to mark the close association between the county and Bomber Command during WWII, the association worked tirelessly to achieve this aim and can be extremely proud of their efforts over the years. Not only do they now have an Avro Lancaster in their fair county, but they also have Europe’s only airworthy example of this famous bomber based in Lincolnshire. Originally, the association requested that PA474 be brought back to the county when she was due to retire, which at the time was projected to be in the early 1980s and could have hardly imagined what they currently have today. Due to the care and attention bestowed on this famous aircraft, Lincolnshire may have a flying example of the mighty Avro Lancaster for many years to come, continuing to bring the work of the Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association to a worldwide aviation audience.
One of the huge benefits of becoming a member of the Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association is the opportunity to attend the annual Members Day, held at the BBMF facility at RAF Coningsby each year. Obviously, with many more members than places available on the day, attendance is fairly allocated by ballot and if you are lucky enough to be granted a ticket, you certainly know that you are in for a very special day. Usually arranged to coincide with the end of BBMF’s hectic flying display commitments and the start of the busy winter maintenance programme, this is a delightfully informal event, where friends with a similar aviation interest can catch up on what they have been doing since the previous Members Day, or make new acquaintances who share their love for historic aviation. Significantly, the event also allows members the opportunity to meet and thank the men and women of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, who maintain and prepare these incredibly valuable pieces of Britain’s flying heritage to such a high standard and the talented pilots who display them for our pleasure. Having been to many of these magnificent events, I think I can say with some degree of certainty that it is a real treat for enthusiasts to meet and thank the entire BBMF team, whilst they clearly enjoy seeing how much their efforts are appreciated by the enthusiast and general public alike.
Little Friend. Spitfire Mk.IIa is the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world
Without doubt, the highlight of any Members Day is the opportunity to see the aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at extremely close quarters. With all available aircraft either arranged on the hardstanding area outside the hangar, or undergoing maintenance inside the hangar, this is a chance for enthusiasts to get a really good look at these historic machines and gain a better understanding of the work involved in keeping these aircraft flying. Although never guaranteed, the day also offers the tantalising prospect of a flying demonstration by some, or all of the serviceable aircraft of the BBMF, using the Flight’s hangar as their datum and affording a truly unique experience for those in attendance. As many Airshow enthusiasts will be well aware, these rare and historic aeroplanes are maintained to an extremely high standard, but as they represent aviation technology from over 70 years ago, there are strict parameters around which they are permitted to operate, particularly around prevailing weather conditions. Although the day was bright and clear, with large expanses of blue sky, there was a stiff breeze blowing right across the runway, which had the potential to prevent all flying on the day – not something any of us wanted to consider.
A flying treat for LLA Members
As the proposed time for the flying programme approached, it became clear that the crosswind was not abating and would have a bearing on any flying that could take place. With the wind blowing across the runway at around 15 knots, this exceeded the operational limits for both some of the BBMF aircraft and their pilots and it became clear that a number of aircraft would have to remain on the ground. For many though, news that the Lancaster would be able to take off was a huge bonus, particularly as it was unable to take part in last year’s event, due to the aircraft being unserviceable, following an engine fire suffered earlier that year. Despite the challenging conditions, the impressive airmen of the BBMF were determined to give members a memorable afternoon of flying and the sound of Merlin engines began to fill the air. Joining the Lancaster, we would be treated to displays by both of the Flight’s Hawker Hurricanes, LF363 and PZ865, along with Spitfire Mk.XVI TE311, in a number of formation and single aircraft displays. Due to the direction of the wind, this would also be the first time that I had ever seen the BBMF aircraft taking off from the shorter cross runway and from this point in the proceedings, I just had the feeling that we were in for a memorable afternoon.
A stiff crosswind forced the BBMF aircraft to use the shorter runway at Coningsby
One thing that is certainly associated with any flying demonstration at a Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association Members Day are the unusual and extremely memorable formation flypasts performed by the BBMF pilots. This year’s event would prove to be no different and even though we would only be entertained by four of the Flight’s aircraft, they ensured that the occasion would live long in the memory of those in attendance. With the three fighters taking off first and the Lancaster following on just a few minutes later, the aircraft flew off into the distance to perform their various checks and to allow the fighters to locate and formate on the bomber. Once in position, the formation ran in to pass over the crowd, with the three fighters in the classic ‘vic’ at the head of the group, with the majestic Lancaster bringing up the rear. After a number of impressive passes, the formation split, with the Lancaster and Spitfire moving off to leave the Hurricanes to take centre stage. This was an extremely unusual Hurricane pairs routine, which culminated in an exhilarating tail-chase and the opportunity to see these classic RAF fighters much closer than would usually be the case at the average Airshow. Over the course of the next hour or so, we were also treated to the full Spitfire and Hurricane ‘synchro’ display performed at many Airshows during 2016, along with the incredibly popular Battle of Britain Memorial Flight display, featuring the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane. In an extremely unusual development for this occasion, the aircraft landed following their displays, only to take off again minutes later, to provide us with even more aviation entertainment – a real treat.
Spitfire and Hurricane performing the 2016 ‘synchro’ display
Both of the Flight’s Hawker Hurricanes flew during the afternoon
One of the most impressive demonstrations to occur during the day was that of Spitfire Mk.XVI TE311 performing a solo routine. Bringing the day to a close, Officer Commanding RAF Coningsby, Group Captain Jez Attridge was flying a BBMF Spitfire for the final time, before leaving the station following the completion of his two-year tour of duty. Obviously a significant occasion for him, he clearly enjoyed this opportunity and put on a stunning display of speed and agility, which illustrated why the Spitfire is revered amongst aviation enthusiasts. This particular Spitfire does not have the famous elliptical wing, having the outer sections ‘clipped’ to optimise the aircraft for low altitude manoeuvrability, which was perfectly illustrated by the Group Captain throughout his final display. Even though I had moved well away from the main crowd by the time the flying started, I could clearly hear the clapping and cheering from where I was standing as Jez Attridge brought TE311 back to the hangar following this final display. Everyone knew they had just witnessed a special Spitfire display and had been present on a significant occasion for one of the BBMF’s popular pilots.
Group Captain Jez Attridge performing his final BBMF Spitfire display
For the love of a Lancaster
As rare and enigmatic as the fighter aircraft of the BBMF are, the main focus of everyone’s attention during an LLA Members Day is unquestionably the magnificent Avro Lancaster. It is difficult to describe the affection in which this aircraft is held in the UK, with enthusiasts travelling great distances to see her display and members of the public instantly recognising her profile and the distinctive drone of her four mighty Merlin engines. Not only serving to mark the achievements of the British aviation industry in producing one of the most effective aircraft of the Second World War, PA474 also flies as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the personnel of Bomber Command, in support of Britain’s war effort.
A classic view of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Due to the fact that the Lancaster suffered an in-flight engine fire during preparations for the 2015 Airshow season and has only recently returned to display flying, many LLA members will have not seen their beloved aircraft in the air for almost two years, making this an even more memorable occasion than usual. It is perhaps for this reason that the fantastic people at the BBMF decided to reward us with not one, but two separate display routines, which certainly helped to reaffirm why we all love this beautiful aircraft so much. Performing in conjunction with the two Hurricanes and Spitfire TE311, as well as two spirited solo displays, the Lancaster ensured that this latest Members Day was the perfect way in which to bring the 2016 Airshow season to a close.
From a personal perspective, I always look forward to LLA Members Day and have been lucky enough to attend several since becoming a member of the Association. As a keen aviation photographer, the day always brings some unique opportunities for some special pictures of the BBMF aircraft and from the earliest days of my attendance, I usually try to take my static shots during the morning and take up a position on the perimeter of the airfield before the flying demonstrations commence. As the action is centred on the sizeable crowds around the BBMF hangar at Coningsby, you might think it a little strange to change location for the display itself, but it is done for a specific reason. As the aircraft position to give the LLA members a close view of their display, if you are in the right place at the right time, you really can get some stunning pictures – but always with one particular image in mind. For many aviation and Airshow photographers, the most sought-after shot is that of a Lancaster top surface, which due to the way the aircraft is flown during air display routines, is incredibly difficult to even see at reasonable distances, let alone photograph. Most of the time, our view of the Lancaster is restricted to a straight and level pass at best, but more usually an underside shot, as the aircraft has to fly away from the crowd during its display routine. Most enthusiasts will know what I mean when I say that the majority of my Lancaster shots are of the underside of the aircraft and despite my best efforts over the years, I have yet to secure that elusive topside shot.
After many years of trying, I finally have a decent Lancaster top surface shot
This reminds me of an LLA Members Day I will never forget. Fishermen always have a ‘one that got away’ story about that special catch and I have something similar regarding the ultimate Lancaster photograph. A few years ago, I had positioned myself on the perimeter of RAF Coningsby, after studying Google Earth and taking the wind direction into consideration. Luck plays a very large part in any photographer capturing that special image, but some prior preparation can certainly help to increase your chances and I was convinced that this was going to be my year. Halfway through the Lancaster display and there was absolutely no sign of a topside pass, so I decided that I would drive to the opposite end of the airfield and get some nice landing shots. Putting my camera in the boot of my car and setting off for the new location, I was traumatised at the view that filled my windscreen – as if to underline the folly of my decision, the Lancaster was pulling a tight turn right in front of my eyes, revealing the most magnificent topside pass. To make matters worse, as I drove to the end of the runway, it performed the manoeuvre once more, before turning into the circuit to land, only allowing me time to grab a couple of extremely rushed shots – what a disaster. Having waited so long for this opportunity, I had missed it and it was my own stupid fault. Right there and then, I vowed never to make the same mistake again and would always stay in my position and take what I was given.
With this painful memory coming back to haunt me, I chose my location more in hope than expectation and readied myself for what the Lancaster gods had in store for me – it was most definitely the right thing to do. As if to reward my perseverance and take pity on the cruel experience of a few years earlier, I had the best end to an Airshow season that I could ever have dreamed of. Not only did I have the fighters of the BBMF pulling top-surface passes right in front of me, but the Lancaster put on the best display I have ever seen and presented me with the shots I had been hoping to take for so many years. To say I was overjoyed was an understatement and I counted myself extremely fortunate to have achieved one of my photographic ambitions – a Lancaster top surface.
Without doubt, one of the highlights of the 2016 Airshow season
What a fantastic day and a fine way to end the 2016 Airshow season. Despite the extremely challenging conditions, the pilots of the BBMF put on a spectacular show for the LLA members and allowed them to see their beloved Lancaster in fine style, before she is tucked away for the winter. I would like to thank everyone involved in organising such a memorable event, including all at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association.
We end this review with the news that the magnificent Lancaster display proved to be memorable for more reasons that were initially apparent. As PA474 is now at Duxford undergoing a 6 month long major service at the Aircraft Restoration Company, she is not due to be back in the air until the spring of 2017. When she emerges from the hangar at ARCo, she will be wearing a new paint scheme and markings, commemorating yet another valiant Bomber Command crew and ensuring that she is again one of the world’s most popular historic aircraft. The fantastic flying display during the LLA Members Day was the last time enthusiasts will have seen her fly in the colours of ‘Thumper Mk.III’, making this an even more memorable occasion. We look forward to bringing you information on the new scheme when it is announced.
This turned out to be the last public display for the Lancaster’s Thumper Mk.III livery
Heroic actions at Herne Bay Airshow
The UK can boast an impressive number of Airshow events throughout the summer months, although 2016 will certainly be remembered as something of a challenging year for organisers. Still managing to attract many hundreds of thousands of spectators, Airshows continue to be one of the most popular outdoor spectator events in the world and it is to be hoped that they will continue to be so for many years to come. With many of the events held in the south of the country, it can be difficult for many people to attend large numbers of shows each year, but our ever growing band of Aerodrome readers are more than happy to send in their images for other readers to enjoy.
Classic RAF trainers were on show at Herne Bay
A fine study of the distinctive Mig-15UTi – the only example in Northern Europe
The ‘Kent Spitfire’ (TA805) had to make an appearance in its home county
At the recent Herne Bay Airshow, regular contributor and Hornby Hobbies graphic designer Michael Collins enjoyed great weather and bumper crowds at this year’s show and kindly sent us this selection of images for use in Aerodrome. Michael is a keen photographer, who has a particular interest in aviation and his pictures are always amongst some of the best we have been fortunate enough to receive. Many will be aware that this year’s show made the headlines due to an unfortunate incident, but rather than sensationalise what could have been potentially much worse, celebrated the heroic actions of pilot and spectators. With his aircraft clearly in trouble, the pilot of a D.31 Turbulent safely ditched his aircraft in the water close to the shore, having steered away from spectators on the beach. The aircraft flipped over with the pilot still strapped inside the cockpit, but almost as soon as the incident happened, a number of heroic spectators were already wading out to the aircraft to help the pilot. Thankfully, he was helped from the aircraft without suffering significant injury, with the aircraft itself being pulled from the water by a larger group of spectators. Everyone involved in this incident deserves great credit for their heroic and selfless actions in averting what could have been a much more serious incident.
Augusta Westland AW139 of Her Magesty’s Coastguard Service
Something of a German classic, the beautiful Bucker Bu-181 Bestmann
The crowdline at Herne Bay is rather long and Michael did not witness the above incident, only hearing about it during the show commentary and via social media, but he managed to take some impressive images from the show, which proved to be a huge success. We may feature more of Michael’s images in the next Readers Images edition of Aerodrome later in the year, but for now, enjoy this selection of pictures from Herne Bay – thanks again Mr Collins.
I am afraid that is all we have for you in this latest edition of Aerodrome. Even though the Airshow season may now be over, please do continue to send us your pictures, as you begin to sort through everything during the long winter nights. They are always gratefully received and other readers are always interested to see them. Also, if you attend any other aviation related events, or visit a museum over the coming months, please do let us have these pictures and perhaps a short report from your day - please send them to our direct e-mail addresses at aerodrome@corgi.co.uk or aerodrome@airfix.com or by posting them on our Forum, or social media accounts detailed below.
A final look at the beautiful Avro Lancaster ‘Thumper Mk.III’ at Coningsby
To join in with all the latest social media discussions regarding Aerodrome and aviation matters in general, please head for either the Airfix Aerodrome Forum or our Corgi Aerodrome Forum and have your say. If you have any specific comments, questions or suggestions for future editions of Aerodrome, please do feel free to let us know by using either the Airfix Facebook or Corgi Facebook pages, our Airfix Twitter or Corgi Twitter accounts, using #aerodrome.
Finally, we are always looking to increase readership of our blog and would be most grateful if you would help to spread the Aerodrome word and introduce like-minded aviation enthusiasts to our numbers. Please mention us to anyone who may be interested and direct them to the Airfix, or Corgi websites, where they can find our previous blogs - http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/aerodrome or http://www.corgi.co.uk/news/aerodrome. You can also pick up Aerodrome on both the Corgi and Airfix Facebook pages.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read our latest blog and I look forward to bringing you more aviation related content in two weeks’ time.
Michael
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