Welcome to blogGAR

blogGAR is the latest addition to the Global Aviation Resource website. It provides our team with a new outlet through which they can share their aviation experiences. That could be telling the story behind a particular feature or documenting something completely outside of their work for GAR. It also allows them to voice their opinion on any news item or topic for discussion. Like our features we guarantee that this new content will be 100% aviation related and will no doubt eventually cover many different facets of the subject. Unlike the main GAR site which is updated every Tuesday, blogGAR updates will be posted as and when someone has something to share, so keep checking back regularly. We hope you like what blogGAR adds to the overall site experience.

Latest Additions

AUG202010
Phoenix Again...

Back in Phoenix for the third time in as many months and although it was not quite as hot as last time, it is still something of an endurance test to shoot in Arizona in August, as Paul Dunn found out.

AUG172010
Bizarre goings on in Sussex

In search of some very different airshow shots, Karl makes the lengthy drive to Beachy Head and experiences a frustrating and ultimately shocking day.

AUG122010
Midsummer Musings.

Gareth takes advantage of the gap in proceedings to catch up on the news, tell you about Dawn to Dusk and invite GAR readers to join in for some Fantasy Football action.

AUG082010
Playing Around!

Inspired by the work of Tomasz Pacan, Karl revisits the archives and gives some of his older work an experimental twist.

AUG062010
Peak Season!

The past few weeks have seen some of the most high profile airshows take place under largely sunny summer skies. Covering hundreds of miles and by plenty of sunscreen, Glenn Beasley shares over 40 images and reflects on the peak of the UK airshow season.

AUG042010
Miami Area Variety

Paul Dunn takes a roadtrip around the Miami area, to catch some very unusual types, some of which are rarely seen in the United States.

JUL312010
Another Side of Nellis AFB

Most famous as the home of the Red Flag series of exercises, Nellis AFB is also home to a number of other very interesting units. While visiting to help cover Red Flag 10-4 for GAR, Paul Dunn managed to also catch plenty of ‘locals’ and a few interesting visitors.

JUL302010
And, relax.................

Gareth takes his turn at looking back over a manic few weeks in the UK's airshow calendar.

JUL282010
Mid-season Madness!

With Biggin Hill, Waddington, Flying Legends, RIAT and Farnborough all ticked off, Karl takes the opportunity to share all of his images that haven't quite made the cut in the main site features, plus a few extras from elsewhere.

JUL182010
Up close and personal with the JF-17s at Farnborough

While several GAR team members were still at Fairford enduring the grey skies, Paul Dopson was at Farnborough taking advantage of the rather splendid late afternoon conditions as the finishing touches were being put to the static display for the JF-17s. Words - Karl Drage / Images - Paul Dopson

JUL182010
Dreams come true as Boeing 787 arrives at Farnborough 2010.

One of the stars of this year’s Farnborough Airshow arrived in the UK this morning when Boeing 787 made its much anticipated touch down at the iconic Hampshire airport. Gareth Stringer reports with images by Paul Dopson.

JUL152010
Thunder at Farnborough as the JF-17 arrives.

Gareth Stringer reports on the arrival of the JF-17 Thunder at Farnborough for the aircraft's public debut in the west. Images by Paul Dopson.

JUL092010
Elliott's Flying Legends Preview

Elliott reports on the arrivals and practices for the Flying Legends Airshow 2010 and previews what we can expect at this year's event.

JUL022010
Chasing Old Jets at Denver International

Paul gets wind of a new old jet operator scheduled into Denver International Airport on one of the many early moring freight runs, so decides to be in position before sun-up to capture it for posterity.

JUL022010
Here, there, everywhere! Karl's turn to catch-up!

With time of late having been in extremely short supply, Karl takes the opportunity to post a catch-up blogGAR entry, including lots of unseen pictures that have failed to make the final cut for recent reports.

JUN302010
An eventful few weeks – in more ways than one.

Gareth Stringer looks back at an action packed few weeks which included a number of new experiences.

JUN272010
Three Days on the Surface of the Sun

In Phoenix for a couple of days, Paul Dunn got to spend some time at his favourite airfield where some unexpected gems were lurking...

JUN112010
Travels in France, Merlins in Wales, Airshows and Operations

Gareth Stringer reflects on trips to France and Wales and looks ahead to a couple of very busy weekends and an appointment with his surgeon!

JUN072010
LA Area Miscellanae

Another month, another trip to Los Angeles! Paul Dunn presents a few odds and sods from a recent trip to the LA area, including one best placed in the “Hen’s Teeth” file.

MAY302010
A SoCal Roadtrip

Back at work after his recent wedding and honeymoon, Paul Dunn shares some images from an eventful day out in Southern California, and looks ahead to some forthcoming features.

MAY262010
No rest for the weary: Travels in the Garden of England

Elliott enjoys his last airshow-free weekend until mid-October by travelling to Kent with intent to rest his body (and, indeed, his wallet) before the 'big push' of June and July.

MAY182010
C'est l'anniversaire heureux pour GAR et maintenant à La Ferté Alais!

Gareth Stringer looks ahead to GAR's French debut after a manic few days helping prepare the site's 1st birthday update.

MAY102010
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something (partly) blue.

Karl takes the opportunity to catch-up on the latest GAR happenings and seeks some feedback on a possible future venture.

APR292010
Cometh the airshow season, cometh the weather!

Gareth Stringer celebrates the end of a long winter and the beginning of the UK airshow season.

APR222010
Karl's April Catch-Up

A volcano-postponed visit provides Karl with the opportunity to catch-up on all of GAR's latest news.

APR162010
Close to Home and Far Away

Glenn takes a break from parenthood to blog on recent trips out, including a 370 mile round trip to shoot heavies at Heathrow and some other forthcoming GAR business, with a few clues thrown in regarding a mystery feature.

APR122010
Out and About - The GAR Journey Continues

Gareth Stringer is pleased to help show off the 2010 RAF Tucano display scheme in the flesh and provides a quick update on recent GAR activity.

APR092010
Hyakuri AB, Japan

Day two of a brief trip to Japan and Paul Dunn was looking forward to a full day at Hyakuri AB, home to Phantoms, Eagles and all manner of visitors. Sadly, these things don’t always work out...

APR082010
UH-60L in the Wilds

A chance to catch the local H-60 Blackhawk helicopters in the wild was an offer that Paul couldn’t refuse. Thanks to a little inside information he was given a heads-up for an exercise and the boundary of the area that they would operate from.

APR042010
Tokyo Narita Airport

Japan’s famous cherry blossoms are blooming throughout the Tokyo area, which should mean Spring is on its way. However, the weather is supplying little evidence to back that up at the moment! Paul Dunn visits a chilly and overcast Narita Airport.

MAR182010
More from Linton plus thoughts on RAF training and support helicoper airshow appearances

Gareth Stringer adds some further thoughts on GAR's recent visit to RAF Linton on Ouse, pilot training and airshow news.

MAR102010
Karl's March Catch Up

In a brief period of respite Karl takes the opportunity to update everyone on recent happenings, reminisce about past adventures and look forward to GAR's next few weeks.

MAR032010
A few musings on the weather, the Vulcan and RAF airshow participants.

Gareth Stringer blogs on being blamed for poor weather, the Vulcan and some unfair criticism aimed at the RAF's 22 Group display aircraft.

FEB242010
A Hind on Salisbury Plain

People often say that Fridays are always quiet for aircraft, whether you may be on a Welsh mountainside or on Salisbury Plain. Well, Friday 19th February 2010 proved that you shouldn't always listen to people! Geoff Hibbert reports from a frantic Salisbury Plain Training Area.

FEB182010
California City Municipal Airport

After a planned visit at Mojave Air and Space Port fell through at a late stage, Paul Dunn was obliged to seek out further opportunities on California’s High Desert.

FEB172010
What 2010 has in store

With a lack of recent outings, Karl takes a look ahead to what 2010 has to offer, both in terms of GAR content and a number of aviation related events and happenings.

FEB112010
A catch-up and a request for feedback

Gareth finally get's around to updating his blogGAR with notes on GAR's award, community interaction, a couple of visits and our Hawk exclusive.

JAN202010
What a Difference Four Days Makes...

Karl reflects upon a very snowy and protracted journey to RAF Odiham and an entirely different weekend visit to London's Heathrow Airport.

JAN122010
London-Luton Airport

With his original, rather more interesting plans scuppered, Karl headed off to Luton Airport in search of some snowy rotation shots.

JAN112010
Tales from the Vark side

Gareth Stringer looks back at the time he spent with Lakenheath's F-111s and looks forward to a busy few weeks for GAR.

JAN072010
The New Year at North Weald

An invitation to join the Vampire Preservation Group at North Weald on a sunny Sunday led to Karl making his first outing of 2010 and also his first trip to this historic Essex airfield.

JAN052010
New Years Day at Manchester Airport

Glenn looks for some New Years day action at Manchester Airport, spending dawn until dusk looking for nice light.

JAN012010
Vancouver Harbour

The Canadian coastal city of Vancouver has many suburbs separated from the city centre by water, and a network of ferries to allow commuters to travel to work. But why take the ferry when you can fly? Paul Dunn visits a chilly Vancouver harbour.

DEC312009
Paul's Year in Review

From vision to reality, Paul Filmer looks back at GAR's first calendar year. There's also a chance for you to win a copy of PlanesTV.com's Cosford Airshow 2009 DVD.

DEC302009
Glenn's Review of the Year

With a primary focus on Duxford events and the happenings in Lincolnshire, Glenn takes a look back at his 2009. There's also a chance for you to win a copy of PlanesTV.com's Abingdon Air & Country Show 2009 DVD.

DEC292009
My 2009 with Global Aviation Resource

A year that's included flights in a Piper Tomahawk, an EC-145 over the City of London, and ramp access at East Midlands Airport - twice! Had you told me that at this time last year I'd have never believed it. Geoff looks back at his year with GAR. There's also a chance for you to win a copy of PlanesTV.com's Leuchars Airshow '09 DVD.

DEC282009
Paul Dunn's 2009 Review

As GAR’s resident regular international traveller, Paul Dunn has been lucky enough to bring back photos and feature reports from four continents in 2009. He has high hopes of adding more to this list in 2010.

DEC272009
Gareth's Review of the Year

Gareth Stringer takes a look back at his favourite GAR moments from 2009 and some of the fascinating (and funny) experiences it has brought him. There's also a chance for you to win a copy of PlanesTV.com's Sunderland Airshow '09 DVD.

DEC262009
Karl's Review of the Year

As the end of GAR's first calendar year rapidly approaches, Karl looks back at where it all began and highlights some of the amazing experiences that have followed. There's also the chance for you to win a copy of PlanesTV.com's Kemble Air Show '09 DVD.

DEC202009
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

A trip to Phoenix wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Paul Dunn spends the afternoon enjoying blue skies and sunshine in December.

DEC182009
Planes TV 2009 airshow DVDs – great winter viewing

Gareth Stringer recommends airshow viewing from the comfort of your own home, courtesy of Planes TV.

DEC112009
Easyjet at Robin Hood

In his first blogGar entry Glenn Beasley takes a trip to his local airport to witness the arrival of an Easyjet A319 in lieu of services starting in April 2010.

DEC052009
One of Those Days...

With the prospect of a sunset in the offing Karl planned a day outside the wire at RAF Cottesmore, but it didn't quite go to plan...

DEC042009
A Snowy Centennial Airport

Paul braves the cold and snow to track down some unusual visitors at his local airfield. Centennial Airport in Colorado.

DEC032009
A chilly update

Gareth talks about breaking tradition for The Breitling Wingwalkers and GAR's 100th feature.

NOV282009
NAF El Centro

Paul gets up close and personal at NAF El Centro in California and meets one aircraft on its 45th anniversary.

NOV252009
Bucks From Above

Despite the weather's best efforts, the GAR crew have still been able to get a couple of opportunities in over the last few days. Karl explains.

NOV232009
An update and some messages

Hi folks. Just for a change last week was a quieter one in terms of visits and getting ourselves out and about, mainly due to the fact that we blew out (almost literally) a planned air to air shoot on Thursday. I’m pleased to report however that we were able to reschedule successfully yesterday morning and spent a most enjoyable few hours at Cranfield – including the planned flight.

NOV192009
The Two Weeks that Were

Karl takes a look back at the happenings of the last fortnight that included a RNAS Yeovilton visit, an encounter with the Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Stephen Dalton, and even a reference in The Times newspaper.

NOV152009
Opa-Locka

Following on from the short blogGAR from the Fort Lauderdale airports, Paul visits the focus for old prop aircraft in Florida at Opa-locka.

NOV132009
A little reading matter...........

Last week I ordered, received and read “The Shepherd” by Frederick Forsyth, which might sound impressive until I tell you that it’s a short story and I finished it in about 25 minutes. It’s a fantastic fictional story about a Vampire pilot (which is why Mark Hooton of the Vampire Preservation Group recommended it) and it inspired me to write this addition to my blogGAR.

NOV102009
NAF El Centro

A couple of weeks ago, Paul Dunn visited NAF El Centro to cover Exercise Merlin Vortex for GAR. Here are a few examples of other aircraft operating from the airfield at the time.

NOV082009
Welcome to my blogGAR

Gareth Stringer mulls over GAR’s first six months and takes a look ahead to the future.

NOV062009
Fort Lauderdale International

Landing at Fort Lauderdale International Paul could hardly believe his eyes when he saw not one NAMC YS-11s but four.

NOV052009
Fort Lauderdale Executive

Paul does a quick visit to Fort Lauderdale Executive looking for interesting aircraft and finds some unlikely suspects.

NOV032009
blogGAR Arrives!

Karl explains why the blogGAR feature's been added to the site and takes a look back at what's been happening in the weeks just gone.

NOV032009
Antonov An-225 in the East Midlands

Geoff visits East Midlands Airport to catchup once more with an old friend - Antonov Design Bureau's incredible An-225 Mriya.