Aviation

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day - 7th July 2018

Yeovilton Air Day held annually at the Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton is always a great day out. The 2018 event saw visiting aircraft from central Europe as well as America and Canada. It had been five years since I'd last attended, and the 2018 event also fell in the middle of a UK heatwave with temperatures soaring into the high twenties.
From small stunt planes such as the Pitts Special right up to the most modern fighters such as the F16, F18 Hornet and Eurofighters, Yeovilton has a great mix of flying and static displays coupled with plenty of other activities for the family to enjoy.

RNAS Yeovilton Shoot - 18th March 2018

Thursday 15th March 2018 I attended my first organized Aircraft Shoot with Theshold Aero at the Navy Wings hanger within the Yeovilton Airbase. The event was very well organized and photographers were assembled for coach transfer into the live airbase and dropped off into the designated area. A superb collection of historic aircraft from Navy Wings were also joined by a Royal Navy Merlin and Helicopter Operations 'Sea King' from its base at Portland UK. The event started at dusk and then continued with staged lighting until dark. Around 140 photographers enjoyed the evenings photography and although some light rain was present the heaviest stayed away until it was time to drive home.

Concorde - G-BBDG - 30th November 2016

On the 30th November 2016 I joined a Timeline Events photographic evening at Brooklands Aircraft Museum (Surrey), where the opertunity to photograph the second of the two production Concorde at night had been arranged. The event saw 40 or so photographers gather in freezing winter conditions to capture the iconic aircraft using positioned lighting and smoke machines to go some way to recreate scenes from the past.
The evening event was a great sucsess and unqiue that this is probably one of the only Concorde's in the UK to be able to be photographed in this way. The others either being housed in tight buildings, or out of bounds to the general public. Below are a selection of images from the night.

SeaKing - 'Queen of the Skies'

Monday 21st March 2016, marked the end of the Royal Naval Sea King's based at RNAS Yeovilton. While I was unable to get out for the final farewell flight around the South West, I thought a collection of images of some of the Seakings I've recorded over the years may go some way to paying a small tribute to the 'Queen of the Skies'.

International Aircraft

Images in this gallery include images of aircraft taken outside of the Unite Kingdom during my travels around Europe and the United States of America.

Dawlish Air Day - 23rd August 2014

Saturday 23rd August 2014 saw thousands of people descend on the quiet seaside town of Dawlish, for the 2014 Airshow. The event drew people from all over the United Kingdom to witness a superb collection of modern and wartime aircraft flying throughout the afternoon. The Dawlish Airshow is growing in popularity and each year get's even more recognition. The event is free and organized entirely by volunteers, and relies heavily on donations from the general public each year. Fundraising for the Dawlish Airshow is now an all year round activity to ensure each years event will go ahead. The 2014 event was notable for the appearance of the only two airworthy Lancasters flying as part of the British Memorial Flight, and probably the last appearance of the Air Sea Rescue 'Seakings' which will soon be taken out of service.

Dawlish Air Day - 24th August 2013

After several years of poor weather, a change of date and a superb lineup of aircraft, the sun finally shone at Dawlish Air Show in 2013!
The event started at 12pm opening with The Red Arrows, and featured aircraft from the RAF, Royal Navy, as well as display teams and privately owned aircraft. The setting within the Dawlish Bay area is a superb location for spectators to enjoy close up encounters with display aircraft.

RNAS Yeovilton Air Tattoo - 13th July 2013

The 13th July 2013, saw my first visit to RNAS Yeovilton in over 8 years! The hottest day of the year so far reached 30 degrees with many people being treated for heat stroke and exhaustion by the emergency paramedics on site. The 30,000 strong crowd enjoyed a 6 hour flying display from the Red Arrows, British Memorial Flight, RAF, Royal Navy, Belgian Air Force, Vulcan and many more visitors. A wide range of flying and static exhibits on display, as well as a large contingent of Royal Navy Lynx, Wildcats, Sea King's and Merlin helicopters. As well as flying and static aircraft there were plenty of things to keep children and adults happy. A good collection of trade stands, activities, classic cars and modern sports cars were on display.
Below is a selection of images from the day.

Concorde G-BOAF - 19th January 2008

British Airways Concorde G-BOAF was the last of the Concordes to be built, and now resides in the Airbus site at Filton. The Concorde flew to its spiritual home in November 2003, where it landed for the last time, never to fly again. For a short period of time, organized visits were possible for groups of people to be given a guided tour marketed as "The Concorde Experience". Tours were conducted by those who used to work with and fly the plane. However after a accident where a visitor fell from the steps the attraction had to close. Now some 10 years after the initial arrival of the Concorde finance has finally been put in place to build a new home for Concorde on the Filton site (The Bristol Aero Collection) The new home of Concorde will be a heritage centre that will celebrate the achievements of the aviation industry in the Bristol area. The centre will be located on the northern part of the airfield.

Dawlish Air Show - August 2007

The 2007 Dawlish Air Day took place amid poor weather conditions on the 18th August, but the cloudy weather didn't dampen the spirits of those who attended. I also arrived in time to see the morning arrival of the RAF Merlin from RAF Benson, the helicopter provided a rare chance to record something out of the ordinary in the classic Dawlish town.
Despite the early cloud the afternoon saw a little respite with the clouds breaking for the final display of the first ever RAF Typhoon to display at Dawlish.

RNAS Yeovilton Air Tattoo - July 2007

The 7th July 2007 saw RNAS Yeovilton hold their annual International Air Tattoo. The 2007 theme was 'Falklands to the Future'. Although there was a look back at the past, there was also a large section of the event dedicated to looking to the future roles for the Royal Navy. The event was in sunshine for most of the day and proved to be an amazing event with an explosive finish!

Gilze Rijen (Holland) Air Day - June 2005

On Saturday the 18th June 2005, Gilze Rijen (nr Tilberg in Holland) airbase opened it's doors to the public for a fantastic military air day. I was invited along with a group of experienced aircraft photographers to try my hand at something a little bit different!
Having already attended the Dawlish Air Day in 2004. I wasn't quite prepared for the experience of a full European Airshow Event. 350 images later I was somewhat amazed at just how much we have photographed in one day. This gallery details some of my more interesting shots, many thanks to Kev Wills for the invite!!

Dawlish Air Show - August 2004

The 19th of August 2004, was the first time I attended Dawlish Air Day/ Carnival. As part of the Carnival Week in Dawlish on the Thursday, an Air Display was organised for holiday makers to enjoy. The event is unique because of its sea side setting allowing large area for spectators and dramatic cliffs for allowing for some spectacular displays. The 2004 event included: The Red Arrows, The Utterly Butterly Wingwalkers, and the Blue Eagles Helicopter Display Team to name a few!
Having never done this sort of photography before I was a little unsure of how the results would appear on screen. Keeping in mind that during 2004 I was only using a 6MP Canon 10D, which by modern comparisons is rather limited.