RAFA Shoreham Air Show 2007

15th/16th September 2007

Having never visited the Shoreham Air Show this is our first review of this wonderful event, and we've been wondering why we left it so long!

Shoreham Airport in West Sussex holds the distinction of being the UK's oldest licensed airport, and has held the annual air show for the past 18 years in support of the Royal Air Force Association. This event has raised well in access of £1m for the charity which will go to support RAF ex-service personnel in a number of areas.

The static lineup yielded a good mix of aircraft, from WWII fighters through to an odd looking RAF Merlin helicopter previously destined for Denmark but now hoping to fill the RAF's helicopter shortage! "Aces High" brought their DC-3 along which could be viewed on the inside for a small fee, a lovely looking aeroplane painted in USAAF D-Day markings.

The static warbirds were joined by the "RAF at War" team who many will be familiar with. Having airside access, they set up a dispersal next to HAC's Hurricane and Spitfire Vb adding a realistic touch to the lineup. Further along they were joined by "Dads Army", a bunch of re-enactors who certainly look the part, we had to do a double take on "Captain Manwaring"!

With so much to see and do prior to the flying, it was a shame the flying started at 11am, also those still caught in traffic queues trying to get into the show missed the first few items on the display schedule. It may be that we're just used to the Duxford/Shuttleworth way of doing things, but it does seem to make more sense to start the flying later as people will have had the chance to take in the trade stands, flight line / static etc and then settle to watch a full three hours plus of flying.

The Saturday show was blessed with warm September sunshine, and the flying display opened with a superb display by Carolyn Grace in Spitfire Tr.IX ML407.

A very welcome addition was the S-1 Swift glider piloted by Guy Westgate with it's Extra 300 tug flown by Justyn Gorman, which performed a stunning show of aerobatics whilst still under tow! After climbing to altitude, the glider was released and performed a series of rolls, flick rolls, stall turns, and loops as only this machine can.

The use of pyrotechnics at air shows was reasonably commonplace a few years ago, but in recent years it has become quite rare. It was great to see them used at Shoreham during a Battle of Britain set piece display, where a Buchon and two Me.108's "bombed" the airfield provoking a scramble by two Hawker Hurricanes, followed shortly after by six Spitfires. A resident US halftrack joined in the proceedings firing it's brace of anti aircraft guns, with the pyro guys very convincingly simulating flack bursts in a very carefully timed display.

The Saturday display was marred by the loss of Hurricane XII G-HURR during the set piece display. Tragically the pilot Brian Brown lost his life, and at the time of writing this, the Air Accident Investigation Branch of the CAA are investigating the cause of the accident. After 30 minutes the show was resumed, indeed something that most display pilots would want, however the atmosphere was understandably dampened. Next day many of the stall holders such as the guys at "Sally B" flew their flags at half mast in a gesture of respect, and a minute's silence was observed.

Many of the regular air show participants were in attendance such as the mighty B-17G "Sally B", and Plane Sailing's Catalina both of which put on a great display. The other heavy bomber was provided by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with Lancaster PA474, and her fighter escorts. A more modern heavy came in the shape of the RAF's Hercules C-3, which landed and taxied to it's parking slot on the Saturday along with the RAF parachute display team The Falcons. This aircraft made for an impressive sight when taxing out to the runway using the grass to get the Falcons into the air!

With the show being in aid of the RAFA, the Royal Air Force were very visible throughout the weekend. The Chinook performed usual breath taking performance, with pilot Flt Lt Dave Traill and his crew showing that this aircraft is extremely agile for its size. The RAF also displayed their latest toy the Eurofighter Typhoon on the Saturday with great vigor leaving no one in doubt that RAF air defence is back on the top of the pile where it belongs. Along with the Hawk and the Tucano, there was also a very polished display by the Grob Tutor.

Peter Teichman's P-51D Jumping Jacques and P-40 Kittyhawk had flown in from their base at North Weald, and on Saturday moved over for an impromptu fly past of the Red Arrows, who were heading to another show. On the Sunday however, Peter gave a scorching performance in the Mustang, followed by it's stable mate the P-40.

A number of classic jets were displayed during the weekend, including a Vampire T.11, Jet Provost, and Folland Gnat. On the Saturday, there were two Gnats, and fitting commentary remembering the late Ray Hanna probably the Gnat's most famous pilot.

A impressive lineup of civilian display teams were in attendance at Shoreham, including the Guinot Aerosuperbatics wing walking team with their Stearmans, the Yakovlevs, and the Blades. The Blades fly the Extra 300, and are made up of four ex Red Arrows pilots lead by Andy Offer, who is a former Reds leader, and Harrier display pilot. The Blades finished the show on both days, as as the weather closed in on the Sunday, conditions got rather "interesting", yet they still performed a flawless show adapting their display as they went.

For pure atmosphere it doesn't get much better than Shoreham, and we very much look forward to returning again next year!

To find out how you can help the RAFA click the wings below.

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Many thanks to Simon Fenwick, and the press team at Shoreham.

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