FighterControl

Yesterday @ Duxford was more like the ides of March rather than 'Flaming June'. The punters huddled in their anoraks and hoodies against the chill, gusting wind and the leaden skies were a photographer's nightmare. Grey and silver planes against a grey sky - just great! Hence my selections for this post all fall into the least worse category. At least the French Rafale which opened the show provided a splash of colour with it AdlA 80th Ann commemorative scheme. Capt Jean-Brice Millet gave one of the best fast jet displays I've seen in quite a while which, alone, was worth the price of admission. The round of applause he rec'd on departure back to Mildenhall was well deserved as was that given to Richard Goodwin in the Jet Pitts who was next up. With the even worse weather on the continent having put paid to the F-86 Sabre, these were the only jets to display. Another casualty of the weather was the Flying Bulls P-38 Lightning altho' thankfully their B-25 Mitchell and lovely DC-6B did make it. Apparently the latter did the Mach loop on Friday so if anyone managed to catch it I'd be very interested in seeing their pics. Another very photogenic participant was P-51D Jersey Jerk making its UK airshow debut, less than a month after its first post-re-assembly flight. Its formation with Sally-B was one of the highlights of a weather disrupted show. The most disappointing casualty of the weather was the mass Parachute drop which was to have closed the show. On hearing the sad news we decided to head for home, as did many others.

DX - Rafale by Michael Britton, on Flickr

DX - Rafale (3) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

DX - Rafale (1) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

DX - DH88 Comet (1) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

DX - DH88 Comet by Michael Britton, on Flickr

DX - Sally B + Jersey Jerk by Michael Britton, on Flickr

DX - P-51 Jersey Jerk (1) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

DX - P-51 Jersey Jerk (2) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

DX - DC6B Flying Bulls (3) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

DX - DC6B Flying Bulls by Michael Britton, on Flickr

F.3. There is video of the D.C.6 in the Mach Loop on another site beginning with P. {not sure if I am allowed to mention it!]followed by a fruit. Aviation History and Nostalgia.

raptor9 wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 03, 2024 4:26 pm

F.3. There is video of the D.C.6 in the Mach Loop on another site beginning with P. {not sure if I am allowed to mention it!]followed by a fruit. Aviation History and Nostalgia.

Thanks for the info but just seen a report and pics on the Key.Aero website. One hell of a photo opp for anyone who was lucky enough to catch it!

The weather was shocking! The next day was completely different.Having to walk-in with all your stuff was a nightmare!!

JONLITE06 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 04, 2024 1:38 pm

The weather was shocking! The next day was completely different.Having to walk-in with all your stuff was a nightmare!!

Could nt agree more mate. Pleased that the weather was better on the Sunday. Given the scarcity of Parking Permits which results in most attendees having to use P&R it is essential to travel light. Saw one moron in the Aerospace Hall pulling all his stuff (tent/ camera gear/food) around on a handcart which blocked the entrance. Probably the stupidest thing I've seen @ Duxford! Set up camp and then do the Museum! They need to introduce rules to prevent that sort of behaviour.