‘Airbourne’ – Eastbourne International Airshow – 15 August 2014

The south coast seaside airshow at Eastbourne had the distinction of being the debut show for the two Lancasters, with the pair displaying on Thursday 14 August before making their way to Biggin Hill which was their planned operating base for the event (see https://avpicsphilwhalley.wordpress.com/2014/08/14/two-lancasters-arrive-at-biggin-hill-14-august-2014/). The period’s weather was mixed and caused a few minor issues with operations, and that of the 15th was mostly cloudy as can be seen from the images.

Some of the lighter aircraft operated from along the coast at Shoreham, including the RAF Tutor flown by Flt Lt Andy Preece who is seen in the morning having been present for the Shoreham Air Show’s media event before displaying at Eastbourne.

The show programme included everything from warbirds and classic jets to current RAF aircraft, but it was the appearance of the two Lancasters which attracted record crowds for their debut, as they did at every other event they attended.

Farnborough International Airshow Public Day – 20 July 2014

Farnborough International Airshow Trade Days – 14/15 July 2014

The trade days at Farnborough provide an opportunity for the aerospace industry to promote their products to potential customers, from gargantuan Airbus A380s to the smallest component. The major aircraft manufacturers announce their latest sales in front of the press, often amounting to many billions of dollars, and host visiting dignitaries and purchasing representatives from countries around the world.

Airbus debuted their A350, and Boeing their 787-9, whilst Lockheed Martin failed to follow suit with their much vaunted F-35 after the type suffered issues in the US.

Flying Legends – IWM Duxford – 13 July 2014

Further continuing a catch-up of the year’s airshows, this selection from the Sunday of Flying Legends illustrates the far from ideal weather of the day. The show wasn’t a classic, but few will forget the various Spitfire and Mustang sequences.