Old Warden's big July show promised an impressive line-up, and, as the event was conveniently being held on Independence Day, an American theme was adopted. A varied selection of historic US types was planned, ranging from rarely seen vintage specimens to the elegant F-86 Sabre jet.
The weather gods haven't been exactly kind to Shuttleworth this year with the exception of the glorious conditions at the May Sunset air display. It was a joy, therefore, that the day dawned bright and sunny - excellent conditions for avid photographers to take advantage of the close up photo opportunities at the venue. Sadly the beautiful backdrop came at a price; the wind! This has been a regular (and unwelcome) participant at numerous Collection events over the past year or so.
This would surely impact on the flying programme, particularly the resident elderly aircraft such as the Edwardians and World War One fighters. It was no surprise to discover, on arrival, that these priceless gems had been confined to their hangars and rightly so, the collection has never compromised its safety when it comes to operating these aircraft.
The American theme extended to the ground too with facepainting for the children and a selection of American dishes being served in the restaurant. An area roped off for "American Soldiers" was curiously empty when I passed by. A pity as some re-enactors would have boosted the US atmosphere of the day.
Basking in the glorious sunshine was Peter Holloway's magnificent Fiesler Storch. Having recently re-started its flight test programme following an engine rebuild; the display debut of this divine being at the sacred ground of Old Warden is eagerly anticipated by Shuttleworth devotees. Continuing the recent and welcome trend of positioning a member of the home team in the public area, it was a delight to view this fine restoration at close quarters with no barriers.
As is tradition, the show kicked off with the car parade. While Old Warden's airborne assets are undoubtedly its biggest draw one mustn't forget the myriad of other attractions on offer at this most English of airshow venues. We have written about the stylish Swiss Garden and fascinating Bird of Prey centre in previous reports and hope visitors take some time to sample these attractions. Similarly the vintage vehicle collection is often overlooked but important since Richard Shuttleworth's racing background was instrumental in helping form what we see today.
Chris Huckstep kicked off the aerial antics with a banner tow in the Piper Super Cub, in this instance promoting the show's sponsors F & C Investors. American aircraft formed a healthy portion of the flying programme despite technical gremlins besetting the PT19 Cornell and BBMF Dakota. One pleasing aspect was the appearance of many rarely seen types that are never booked by the larger, more mainstream events. Aviation journalist and guitar aficionado Melvyn Hiscock displayed his portly looking Rearwin Cloudster while Nigel Pickard's ravishing Spartan Executive growled its way through the overhead like an angry bumble bee. Another welcome sight was an Aeronca Champ; yet again a priceless reminder of the American civil industry between the wars.
Vintage military aviation was not forgotten either with the local PT22 Recruits of Steve Roberts and Tracey Curtiss-Taylor clattering their way round the dog leg whilst Rob Millinship gave a skilful account of Kennet Aviation's T-6 Harvard. Rather than concentrating on higher aerobatics like many T-6 performances Rob performed a series of high speed runs that accentuated the powerful radial engine. Justyn Needham displayed both the Cessna L19 Bird Dog and the L21B Super Cub which was the source of much attraction with its inflated tyres. Both routines demonstrated the slow speed and short field capabilities of these classic designs.
Sidetracking a little there were a number of British aircraft in the show courtesy of the Collection. Barnstorming saw its origins in America immediately after hostilities had ceased in the First World War. Many pilots, finding it difficult to adjust to a new life, became aerial entertainers. The Shuttleworth Collection has successfully (and safely) recreated this spirit in many of their displays. On 4 July the Tiger Moth, Magister and Miles Hawk Trainer flown by Jim Schofield, Rob Millinship and Peter Holloway indulged in some flour bombing and balloon bursting before flying an extended tailchase. It came as no surprise that they did not attempt the limbo dancing. I doubt there would have been two volunteers willing to hold up the poles on such a gusty afternoon!
Further British classics that performed were the BAE Systems owned Blackburn B2 (well flown in the tricky conditions by John Hurrell) and Avro 19. The latter's spirited display in the hands of Sir John Allison and John Morris was most impressive. Further Avro delights came in the shape of Jim Schofield demonstrating the Collection's Tutor whilst Willy Hackett threw that German classic, the Bucker Jungman around the sky with real verve. Some nice photo opportunities were in evidence here.
The "heavies" were given their opportunity to shine too although the Sea Hurricane was sat rather forlornly in Hangar 1; another victim of the technical problems. Keith Dennison co-ordinated a superb three ship formation of Lysander, Hind and Gladiator. These are three of my favourite residents and I'm sure I am not alone in that view! It was especially nice to see the Hind back in action in the hands of Dave McKay. Let's hope the engine problems suffered last year are behind us.
It's probably heresy to say this but that Kestrel crackle is up there with the Merlin! Chris Huckstep gave a sporting performance in the Gladiator, and, as with the other collection pilots, Chris presented the aircraft in the best possible manner to the photographers using the curved display line and backdrop to great effect. Paul Shakespeare wrapped up this portion of the flying in the Piston Provost. Only at Old Warden will you experience an orchestra of engines in quick succession - Mercury, Kestrel and Alvis Leonides; ably conducted by their intrepid aviators. Hopefully the Merlin can resume its rightful place in this concert not before too long.
The highlight for many was the first Old Warden appearance in nine years for B-17 Flying Fortress "Sally B." Roger Mills displayed this elegant old lady with care and passion; certainly one of the longest performances I can remember from her recently. Many people may take "Sally B" for granted such as she is a true stalwart of the UK airshow scene but I always appreciate her frequent appearances. Indeed, one should never forget the bravery and sacrifice of the US Eighth Air Force crews in the Second World War to which the B-17 flies as a tribute. Hopefully we will see a welcome return by "Sally B" at a future Old Warden show. The mass of camera lenses pointing skyward as she arced her way through the air was unfortunately accompanied by the greyest conditions of the day (cloud cover having rolled in, in timely fashion soon after flying commenced).
The changeable weather also affected another highlight of the show; the second Shuttleworth appearance in 2010 of the Golden Apple Trust's gorgeous F-86 Sabre. Mark Linney replicated his dashing performance at the May Evening airshow with another topside-tastic routine; unfortunately set to an overcast backdrop rather than clear blue skies. Still, like the other aerial artists on show, Mark knows exactly how to present his mount in best fashion to the appreciative crowd. This rousing performance brought the main air display to a close.
That said, there was one last parting shot for the day. A squadron of Army Air Corps WAH-64D Apaches were transiting to Salisbury Plain for an exercise. Old Warden has never been a venue to turn down an opportunity and one pair happily agreed to a post-show transit along the runway. A rare sight at airshows these days, not least in the flying displays, it was fabulous to view these armoured chariots in such an intimate setting.
It then remained the traditional "tidy up" of the airfield as the based aircraft were carefully tucked away in their respective hangars. How the engineers, pilots and volunteers manage this is beyond me. I'm just amazed at how well organised the exercise is and how easy this group of professionals makes it look.
As has been written in GAR before, my mere words cannot do Old Warden justice. The flying, pageantry and sheer atmosphere are hard to beat and I really encourage all readers to sample a Shuttleworth display as it is truly unlike anywhere else in the UK.
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