Blackpool Airshow 2011

Firstly I would like to congratulate Visit Blackpool and Blackpool Council for arranging an amazing display..

During the Airshow weekend there will be ground assets on display on the headland North of Central Pier, including a full scale Typhoon model, a Hercules Fuselage, a RAF Regiment Climbing Wall and a DCCT, (Dismounted Close Combat Trailer)
Captain Boogaloo 2.05pm

Capt. Boogaloo (nickname Boogie) was born in the village of Oldmanston near Gloucester on 1st April 1910. Son of lock keeper Brian and fish-wife Ethel, Boogie was seen to develop an early interest in aviation and donuts. Indeed he developed a great interest in making donuts fly and caused considerable damage to the décor of his home! He joined the RAF in 1928 as a cook, but shortly after he arrived the flying cadets were struck down with food poisoning and he was promoted to air cadet.

He saw active service in Korea, Ireland and crashed at least 34 times but didn’t’ kill himself – which he puts down to his lucky donut always carried in his pocket. Boogies has since then been invited to fly as a search and rescue pilot at he South Pole flying Wessex helicopters but was ‘released’ due to being ‘temporarily unaware of his position’ most of the time!

Back in Blighty he took up Airshow flying and barnstorming again in the ‘70s until an attempt to fly inverted through Tower Bridge resulted in him having his flying licence revoked and a holiday courtesy of Her Majesty for several years!
The RV8tors 2.15pm

Flying their remarkably fast Vans RV-8’s with powerful smoke systems, the RV8tors perform an exciting and memorable display combining close formation aerobatics with speeds up to 230 mph, the display makes large manoeuvres that fill the sky and leave big smoke trails.
RAF Falcon Parachute Display Team 2.26pm

The Falcons, based at RAF Brize Norton, are a unique team and are proud to be widely recognised as the UK’s premier military parachute display team. The Team performs a unique, colourful and spectacular aerial display at events worldwide. This year they will drop on to the beach between the Central and South Piers and will attempt the world famous nine-man non-contact canopy stack.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight 2.43pm

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is a Royal Air Force flight which provides an aerial display group traditionally compromising of an Avro Lancaster, a Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane.
Jet Provost 2.57pm

The BAC Jet Provost (originally built by Hunting Percival) was a British jet-powered trainer aircraft used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1955 to 1993. In addition to training pilots the JP, as it is affectingly known, was also used to train navigators in low level navigation and air combat manoeuvring.
MT-03 Gyrocopter 3.05pm

Local pilot Peter Davies demonstrates the amazing performance of the modern generation of gyrocopter the MT-03. The MT-03 has the appearance of a helicopter but the rotors that generate the lift to keep the highly manoeuvreable MT-03 flying are unpowered and rely on forward speed to maintain energy.
Extra 260 3.15pm

Flown by Aerobatic Champion Steve Carver, this aerobatic plane was designed and built by German aerobatic competitor Walter Extra who is one of the world’s premier aerobatic aircraft designer and builders. The planes were purpose built for the rigours of unlimited aerobatics, with a top speed of 250mph.
Brietiling Wing Walkers 3.23pm

The Brietiling Wingwalkers will take to the skies to perform a breathtaking sequence of formation loops and rolls between the piers, while daring wingwalkers perform aerobatics on the wings. The team performed astonishing feats last year, and are hoping to repeat the amazing show in 2011.
Red Arrows 3.45pm

Stars of the show the Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world as ambassadors for both the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom.

Since the team was formed in 1965, the Red Arrows have completed over 4,000 displays in 53 countries. The Red Arrows’ reputation is built on the commitment and professionalism, combined with Royal Air Force skills, training and equipment.

Many of the Red Arrows’ pilots and support staff have recently returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and many will be temporarily detached on operations overseas during their time with the Red Arrows.

The jet trails of the world famous planes will once again paint the skies over Blackpool red, white and blue for the grand finale.