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Special Events Themed Articles

DEC192011
Special Events >> UK: Air Atlantique Classic Flight Night Runs 2011 Christmas nears and the weather begins to chill, setting the scene for the annual Air Atlantique Classic Flight Night Runs at Coventry Airport – now in its 4th consecutive year. Huw Hopkins froze for GAR.
NOV072011
Aviation Events >> UK: North Weald's 'Flight Night' Photoshoot This October, on Saturday the 29th, Weald Aviation held its inaugural nightshoot at North Weald Aerodrome in Essex - aptly named 'Flight Night' to play on the Halloween celebrations on the same weekend. Huw Hopkins was there to report on this thrilling event!
SEP052011
Special Events >> USA: N999BW - Classic Jet Tours' BAC1-11 Charter Flight A unique opportunity was presented to enthusiasts a few months ago to fly on one of the few remaining BAC1-11s that are capable of carrying passengers, and, on Saturday August 27, that day dawned. Paul Filmer reports on this unusual flight from Dallas Love-Field, Texas.
AUG052011
Airshows >> UK: Sally B & Friends Day, Duxford - Review A new event for 2011, the Sally B & Friends Day was created by Ellie Sallingboe and her team to celebrate and bolster support for the last Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress still flying in Europe, now in her 36th display season. Huw Hopkins was in attendance for GAR.
JUL272011
Airshows >> UK: Weston-Super-Mare Mini-Helidays 2011 - Review Weston has long had an association with helicopters and for many years played host to the annual Helidays on the beach lawns along its famous seafront. In recent years, the number of participating aircraft has sadly dwindled, with last year's event being officially the last. However, spurred on by a late rally by the Czech Air Force, 2011 has seen a reprieve of the event in a much smaller format, relocating to the town's Helicopter Museum. Shaun Schofield makes his GAR debut in reporting from the event.
JUN242011
Warbirds >> Boeing B-17G N5017N Aluminum Overcast - Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) B-17G Flying Fortress N5017N 'Aluminum Overcast' is the flagship of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and is based at the famous Oshkosh airfield in Wisconsin when not flying all over the USA and Canada on touring schedules. Paul Filmer reports on its latest visit to Colorado.
JUN222011
Airshows >> Asia: 100 Years Turkish Air Force Airshow - Izmir-Cigli Highlighting the significance of this event, over 60 Chiefs of Staff joined aviators and aviation enthusiasts from around the globe at Cigli Air Base, Izmir, Turkey over the weekend of 4th and 5th June 2011. There had been much debate among the enthusiast community in the months leading up to the event as to whether it would be a success and questioning the ability of the Turkish Authorities to organise such a huge airshow. Those doubts were unfounded and, as Kev Wills reports, nothing could have been further from the truth.
JUN092011
Aviation Events >> North Weald Community Day 2011 With the promise of warbirds, classic jets and craic aplenty, a t-shirt-and shorts-clad Elliott Marsh raises a defiant middle finger to the Weather Gods and traipses into North Weald for the annual Community Day.
JUN072011
Airshows >> UK: Bill Ramsey and the Vulcan - XH558 Less than two months ago GAR was fortunate enough to join Vulcan XH558's aircrew as they went through some of the ground based training they required ahead of the airshow season. Among them was Flt Lt Bill Ramsey, returning to the cockpit he last occupied more than 30 years ago. Sunday 29th May 2011 saw him make his first flight in XH558, taking the jet from Bruntingthorpe's Cold War Jets Open Day back home to Robin Hood, Doncaster Airport. What follows is the story of that flight, in Bill's own words. Images as credited.
JUN022011
Aviation Events >> RAF Northolt Night Photoshoot IX The backend of May, with its long, drawn out days might not seem the most obvious time to hold a night photoshoot, but that didn't stop Phil Dawe and the RAF station of Northolt from doing just that. Chris Wood was at Night Photoshoot IX to report for GAR.
MAY312011
Airshows >> UK: Vulcan XH558 - Bruntingthorpe Photocall When Vulcan XH558 landed at Bruntingthorpe on Saturday 28th May to take her place as the star of the following day’s Cold War Jets Open Day, her arrival also signalled the start of an ambitious plan to create a unique photographic opportunity. Gareth Stringer reports with images as credited.
APR122011
Global Aviation Resource News: GAR – 100 not out Today we celebrate what is, for us, a very special landmark as Gareth Stringer explains.
APR052011
North Weald’s Night Photo-shoot Night photo shoots are all the rage of late, with events at RAF Northolt, East Kirkby, Elvington, Newark Air Museum and Coventry drawing high praise from the aviation enthusiasts’ community for their diversity, atmosphere and unique photographic opportunities. The latest venue to add its name to the expanding ‘night shoot’ scene is the historic aerodrome at North Weald in Essex. Elliott Marsh reports from the inaugural event as the Gnat Display Team kicked off its 2011 season in style. Photography as credited.
MAR292011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force > Tornado F.3: Tremblers' Farewell - the end of the Tornado F.3 The Tornado F.3 defended the skies of the UK for some 25 years. 111(F) Squadron, the last remaining operator of the type, disbanded on the 22nd March, signalling the end of the Tornado F.3's service with the Royal Air Force. Gareth Stringer looks back at the history while Glenn Beasley reports from RAF Leuchars on the end of an era.
MAR292011
Airshows >> USA: Gateway Aviation Day 2011 - Review Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is a vital part of the infrastructure of Mesa and brings in a huge amount of revenue to the area and beyond. It is also probably one of the most photographer friendly and interesting airports in the US, so the prospect of an open day there was too good to miss. Paul Dunn reports for GAR.
MAR222011
Military Aviation >> US Air Force > T-38 Talon: Northrop's White Rocket - Fifty Years of Training Excellence On the 17th March 1961, the USAF accepted the first examples of a new advanced jet trainer into service. Fifty years on, the type is still giving sterling service with little sign of a replacement on the horizon. Paul Dunn pays tribute to the Northrop T-38 Talon.
MAR222011
Airshows >> USA: Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA) Kickoff event, Naval Air Station North Island - Review 100 years and still going strong. 2011 marks the 100th year of the United States Navy's involvement with aviation and it's going to spend all year celebrating. The first item on the celebratory agenda took place at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California on 12th February, in glorious weather. Chris Wood reports for GAR with imagery as credited.
MAR082011
Warbirds >> Supermarine Spitfire: 75 years young Huw Hopkins looks back at the development of one of Britain's most succesful and best loved fighter designs as the Spitfire celebrates its 75th birthday, while Jonathon
MAR082011
Emergency Services >> Air Ambulances: The Wales Air Ambulance celebrates 10 years of service Launched on St David’s Day 2001, the Wales Air Ambulance has carried out over 14,000 missions to date. From being the last country and region in Europe to have an air ambulance service the Wales Air Ambulance is now one of the busiest. Paul Dopson goes along to share the birthday cake.
MAR082011
Military Aviation >> Royal Air Force: RAF Coningsby Celebrates 70 years of Operational Flying Last Tuesday, 1st March, RAF Coningsby celebrated 70 years of operational flying. It's a regular haunt for GAR as Gareth Stringer explains, with additional information courtesy of the Station itself. Images as credited.
MAR082011
Getting a real buzz from the Baltic Bees It was quite early when I woke up on Saturday 5th February, the last day of the Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2011. Given what would possibly happening in just a few hours’ time, it was reassuring to note that I (genuinely, honest!) felt much better than I had on the preceding few days. Karl Drage describes his first fast jet ride – one that will stay with him forever, featuring as it did the Baltic Bees, the Turkish Stars and the sights of Dubai and Abu Dhabi from above.
FEB082011
Gulf War 20th - Tornado GR.1 Part 1 A little over 20 years ago, on the 17th January 1991, coalition forces commenced the air war which marked the start of the campaign to wrestle Kuwait from Iraq’s hands following the invasion of August 1990. In the first of a series of features marking the anniversary, Gareth Stringer talks to some of those involved with the Royal Air Force’s deployment of Tornado GR.1s to look back at its operations during Desert Storm. Images as credited.
FEB012011
Royal Air Force Presentation Team The Royal Air Force Presentation Team travels the length and breadth of the UK giving people from all walks of life an insight in to the RAF’s capabilities, responsibilities and operations. Gareth Stringer joined them at an event to find out more. Images as credited.
FEB012011
Skiing Without the Hills - The EAA Skiplane Fly-in If you find yourself living in a part of the world where the winter is long and cold and there is snow on the ground a lot of the time, does this mean your opportunities for flying are curtailed? Not at all, you just have to enter the world of flying on skis! Rob Edgcumbe visits Oshkosh for an unusual EAA event.
JAN042011
Air-2-Airs from a B-25 Last Autumn Mark McGrath travelled to Dallas for his first air to air photographic sortie, with a B-25 Mitchell as camera-ship. Mark makes his GAR debut as a guest writer to tell us about an altogether unforgettable experience.
DEC282010
GAR's Christmas Competition As 2010 draws to a close we're offering you the chance to win prizes and Gareth Stringer explains how.
DEC212010
Shattering the Evening Calm - 2010 Classic Flight Night Runs Glorious engine noise, striking propeller arcs and healthy banter – Paul Fiddian reports and reflects on the 2010 Classic Flight Night Runs at Coventry, with additional comments and imagery from Elliott Marsh and Huw Hopkins.
DEC172010
The Harrier: Joint Force Harrier's Final Chapter Wednesday 15th December 2010 saw the legendary Harrier complete its final flights as part of the UK's armed forces. GAR was there to report on a sad and emotional day at RAF Cottesmore. Words - Gareth Stringer. Images - Karl Drage unless otherwise stated.
DEC142010
Hangar 11 Collection Supporters' Day With the airshow season consigned to memory, temperatures dropping to arctic levels and the days drawing in all too quickly, the late Autumn can be a depressing time for aviation enthusiasts. As November crept to a close, a select few supporters of the Hangar 11 Collection at North Weald were afforded a brief respite to their aviation withdrawal symptoms when Peter Teichman opened his hangar's doors to the public for the first time, allowing unprecedented access to his magnificent fleet of Second World War fighters. Elliott Marsh reports from the heart of Essex.
NOV232010
The Harrier: Dunsfold Celebrates The Aircraft With the retirement of the Harrier from UK service just a matter of weeks away, the aircraft’s spiritual home found time to commemorate the part it played in making V/STOL history some 50 years ago. Gareth Stringer reports from a foggy Dunsfold with images as credited and an exclusive film from PlanesTV.
NOV162010
Under a Bomber's Moon: East Kirkby's Lancaster Night Run Each November, the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby stages a night photo shoot and taxi run, courtesy of their famous Avro Lancaster ‘Just Jane’. Elliott Marsh was there to soak up the atmosphere of this exceptional event. Additional imagery from Glenn Beasley.
OCT192010
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Hundreds of colourful hot air balloons packed into a field, those same balloons rising into the air seemingly as one, the freedom to wander in amongst it all and to take part if you want, and the chance to do it over again several times if you so choose. It must be October, you must be in New Mexico and it must be the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Rob Edgcumbe guest reports for GAR.
OCT122010
Tiger, Tiger! - NATO Tiger Meet 2010 This year's NATO Tiger Meet (NTM) is taking place in the Netherlands from 4-15th October. The exercise is being held at Volkel Airbase, situated in the south of the country, which is home to several Netherlands AF F-16 units. Chris Muir guest reports for GAR.
OCT122010
Northolt Night Shoot VII The seventh Northolt Night Shoot was another welcome addition to the late summer aviation events calendar with the added benefit of its continuing support for the restoration of the base's Battle of Britain Operations Room, Building 27, in the Battle's 70th anniversary year. Huw Hopkins makes his GAR reporting debut.
OCT052010
Coventry Airport's 'Heroes Fly-in' While Coventry Airport residents, Air Atlantique, are no strangers to holding events for the aviation enthusiast community, Sunday 26th September saw the airport’s new owners open their doors for the first time for a fly-in arranged to raise funds for the Help For Heroes charity. Karl Drage reports from a cold and overcast venue, with additional imagery as credited.
SEP282010
The 54th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race The 54th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett gas balloon race took to the skies from a launch site near Bristol in the early hours of Sunday morning. Paul Dopson was there for GAR.
SEP282010
Spirit of Aviation - Goodwood Revival 2010 The Goodwood Revival is renowned the world over for its annual motor racing extravaganza and intangible atmosphere. For three days in September, the site of the former RAF Westhampnett is transformed into a festival of all things 1940-1960; cars, aviation, fashion - all play their part in creating this spectacular one of a kind event. It's easy to overlook the fact that, in addition to the dozens of motor races taking place over the weekend, there is also a fantastic flying display featuring the cream of the UK warbird population. In a Global Aviation Resource exclusive, Elliott Marsh catches up with flying display organiser and Old Flying Machine Company pilot Alister Kay to discuss the planning and execution of this unique flying display.
SEP282010
Young Aviators 2010 Saturday, 18th September, saw the Northamptonshire aerodrome at Sywell once again play host to the annual Light Aircraft Association run Young Aviators Day. Steve Coe was there to guest report for GAR.
SEP212010
Fox Field Air Fair 2010 The municipal airfield in Lancaster, California recently held its third annual open day. Whilst in the area, Paul Dunn stumbled upon the Fox Field Air Fair and reports on this very relaxed affair.
SEP212010
North Weald Community Day 2010 North Weald airfield in Essex was once at the forefront of British airshows, with the annual Fighter Meet airshow always being a highlight on the aviation calendar. With the cessation of airshows some 11 years ago at the venue due to ever mounting running costs, many thought that large scale aviation events at North Weald had become a thing of the past. The determination of a select few individuals, however, has led to a recent surge in superbly run events at this historic airfield, which have yielded some very encouraging feedback. The latest of these events, the North Weald Community Day, was held on Sunday 12 September 2010. Elliott Marsh reports on the goings on at his local.
SEP142010
Cold War Jets Open Day Located a few miles south of Leicester, Bruntingthorpe, a former RAF and USAF bomber base and now a private airfield, is home to a collection of some of the most iconic British jets of the Cold War era. Not only that, most are maintained in a taxi-able condition. John Higgins attended the latest Cold War Jets Open Day to report for GAR.
AUG242010
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2010 Running from 12th-15th August, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2010 suffered from more than its fair share of adverse weather. Paul Dopson and John Higgins were there to report for GAR, and it's John who takes up the story first.
AUG172010
The Last Time - DC-3 Meet, Whiteside Airport, Il As yet another milestone slides by involving the Douglas DC-3 and while many still ply their trade, a gathering just before a mass fly-in at Air Adventure at Oshkosh was a very ambitious and fitting plan. Paul Filmer reports from Whiteside Airport in Illinois where The Last Time event took place.
AUG102010
The 2010 ASTRA Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - media launch This weekend, August 12th-15th, sees the United Kingdom based balloonists keeping their fingers crossed for good weather for the 2010 ASTRA Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Paul Dopson attended the Media Launch for GAR.
AUG032010
Exercise Halifax Shadow Sgt Tony Hibberd guest reports for GAR on 78 Sqn's long-weekend of special events, dubbed "Exercise Halifax Shadow", aimed at commemorating the Squadron's personnel and their achievements over the course of their 94 year history to date.
JUN222010
RAF Northolt Photocall Arrivals This year’s RAF Northolt Photocall has come in for some criticism in some quarters, but still managed to attract an interesting mix of aircraft. Paul Dunn was there for this year’s arrival day/night event, which featured some unexpected bonuses, and talks to the organisers about some of the issues raised after the event.
JUN082010
Wings of Freedom – Collings Foundation on Tour Every year, the Collings Foundation takes some of its aircraft on tour, in order to allow members of the public to experience flights in these magnificent machines. In doing so, they honour the men who fought in these aircraft during WWII and also educate a new generation about the sacrifice of those who went before. Paul Dunn caught up with the tour in Long Beach, California.
JUN082010
Manston's Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Fundraising Event Elliott Marsh reports on the annual Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Fundraising Event, held at Manston airport in Kent on May Bank Holiday.
JUN012010
GAR's French Adventure Part 2 - La Ferté-Alais Press Day 2010 La Ferté-Alais, a French display with a well-earned reputation as one of the European season highlights, has become something of a mecca for UK airshow fans. This year GAR made the journey and Gareth Stringer reports on their first day at this iconic airfield.
MAY252010
Warbirds >> 'McDougall' Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk N518TA First Flight 10:40 on the 18th of April 2010 marked a major milestone in a small corner of Arizona as TA-4J Skyhawk N518TA made its maiden flight after a thorough and lengthy build and restoration. GAR's own Paul Filmer was there.
MAY252010
Duxford's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Weekend The Imperial War Museum held the first of their major events of 2010 at Duxford over the weekend of 15th and 16th of May. Elliott Marsh reports on the first of the year's Battle of Britain 70th anniversary celebrations.
MAY182010
It's a Happy Birthday for GAR! Gareth Stringer writes on behalf of the whole Global Aviation Resource team as we celebrate our first birthday with each of our favourite images from the past twelve months and a number of birthday messages.
MAY182010
Nimrod arrival at Coventry Airport signals AIRBASE opening for Classic Flight Gareth Stringer reports from Coventry Airport where the delivery of a newly retired RAF Nimrod coincided with the launch of the Air Atlantique Classic Flight’s new aviation attraction – AIRBASE. Images as credited.
MAY112010
EBACE 2010 The European business jet community gathered at Palexpo Geneva, Switzerland 3-6th May for the 10th anniversary edition of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE). Paul Dopson was there to report for GAR.
MAY042010
North Weald's Gathering of Warbirds & Veterans North Weald is one airfield currently looking to establish itself as a venue that offers a number of 'different' aviation events over the course of the year. Karl Drage and Paul Dunn attended The Gathering of Warbirds & Veterans to report for GAR. Words - Karl Drage, images as credited.
APR062010
"The Nimrod is Dead. Long Live the Nimrod." March 31st 2010 saw the earlier-than-planned withdrawal of the Nimrod MR.2 from service with the Royal Air Force. This was due to the "need to concentrate scarce resources on deployed operations", creating with it a capability gap in both long-range maritime reconnaissance and search and rescue (SAR) roles. Karl Drage takes a look back at the history of the 'Mighty Hunter', much of the recent past of which has been understandably clouded in controversy.
APR062010
Farewell to RAF Uxbridge The RAF ensign has flown over the parade ground at RAF Uxbridge for over 90 years, but was recently lowered for the last time. Paul Dunn reports for GAR on the past and future for this historic RAF station.
MAR302010
RAF Northolt's Night Shoot VI When Phil Dawe announced that RAF Northolt would be hosting its sixth enthusiasts' night shoot Gareth Stringer decided he should make his first trip to one of these popular events; and it was a visit which enabled GAR to gather some extra content ahead of the Battle of Britain's 70th anniversary.
JAN192010
Chinook Mk.3 Unveiled at RAF Odiham Global Aviation Resource travelled to RAF Odiham, home of the Chinook Force, to attend a press event for the long awaited entry in to service of the eight ‘new’ Mk.3 airframes. It was a day that allowed GAR to learn about more than just these new additions to the RAF fleet. Words - Gareth Stringer, Images – Karl Drage.
DEC222009
Air Atlantique Classic Flight Evening Photoshoot Despite concerns over the future, brought on by the sudden closure of Coventry Airport, the Air Atlantique Classic Flight once again opened their hangar doors for their second evening photoshoot, with a variety of aircraft being displayed under the lights. Paul Dunn reports for GAR, photos as credited.
DEC082009
RAF Northolt Nightshoot V With the shortest day rapidly approaching, Karl Drage joined 69 other photographers on a bitterly cold RAF Northolt ramp to see what Nightshoot V had to offer.
NOV172009
RAF Museum Hosts MH-53 Ceremony with Chief of the Air Staff Global Aviation Resource travelled to Cosford to attend a ceremony marking the dedication of the RAF Museum’s newest exhibit and took the opportunity to talk the Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Stephen Dalton. Words – Gareth Stringer / Pictures – Karl Drage
OCT312009
East Kirkby - Just Jane's Night-time Taxi Run This year’s Halloween celebrations provided a real treat in the form of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre's annual night-time taxi run of their resident Lancaster. Glenn Beasley was in attendance for GAR.
OCT232009
RAF Shawbury - Fly Navy 100 Photocall The concluding event of this year’s Fly Navy 100 commemorations saw HMS Illustrious dock in Liverpool for five days, the highlight of which was the massed flypast on Friday 23rd October. Gareth Stringer and Karl Drage travelled to RAF Shawbury to see some of the participants.
SEP192009
"We are Family!" - The RAF Families Day Families Days are a significant date in the diary for RAF stations across the country, playing an important role in maintaining morale in these busy times for our armed forces. In the face of recent tabloid criticism surrounding the events, Gareth Stringer decided to investigate further.
SEP182009
NATO Tiger Meet 2009 NATO’s annual Tiger Meet headed for Belgium this year to Kleine Brogel, within reach of many European enthusiasts including many Brits. Glenn Beasley was one seeking exotic tiger liveries for GAR.
SEP032009
RAF Northolt Nightshoot IV With 'summer' almost over and the nights starting to drop in, Phil Dawe and the team at RAF Northolt decided it was about time that they held their next fundraising drive in aid of the restoration of Building 27, the Battle of Britain Ops Room, and so Nightshoot IV was staged. Karl Drage was there for GAR.
JUL042009
Flt Lt Michelle Goodman DFC - Food for Heroes Flt Lt Michelle Goodman DFC is in the midst of a busy Summer. No doubt her work as Merlin pilot at RAF Benson keeps her busy enough but Michelle has decided to hit the airshow circuit in order to sell copies of Food For Heroes - a stunning new cookery book which will raise thousands of pounds for Help For Heroes.
JUN052009
Northolt Photocall Arrivals Day Having successfully run a June photocall at RAF Northolt for many years, this year Phil Dawe and the team introduced some new opportunities for photographers. GAR sent Geoff Hibbert to give his take on the arrivals day.
JUN052009
XV Squadron Association Gareth Stringer attended this year’s ‘XV Squadron Association’ annual dinner, here’s his exclusive GAR report on this fascinating event.
MAY072009
Celebrations to mark a century of Naval Aviation - FLY NAVY 100 At the launch of the site we brought you a look at London's Fly Navy 100 flypast from RAF Northolt and now, Kevin Wills and Darron Hall offer up a very different perspective of the day to the GAR readership - from the deck of HMS Illustrious.
MAY072009
RAF Northolt Fly Navy 100 Photoshoot Air Trafficker Phil Dawe's RAF Notholt Photoshoots have been taken to a whole new dimension in the last six months or so, and the latest in a long line of successful events was held to coincide with the massed Royal Navy Flypast over London to mark the 100th anniversary of the service's aerial exploits. Karl Drage was there to report for GAR.