The Army Air Corps Historic Aircraft Flight

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The 2005 Team Displays – Biggin Hill International Airshow – 03 & 04 September 2005

Saturday 03 & Sunday 04 September 2005

The fine Friday was followed by a hazy Saturday, the haze actually causing the light to diffuse making the day seem brighter than it was. This made the flying conditions difficult as visibility was seriously reduced. The same was true of Sunday, the haze if anything worsening over the weekend. The theme of the Biggin Hill airshow this year was the end of the Second World War, which was why there were so many famous types from that time in the display. This included a five Spitfire scramble re-enactment, complete with pyrotechnics as if the Battle of Britain airfield was again under attack! While the Blue Eagles were displaying, the AHAF fixed wings headed back to Middle Wallop while the rotaries dropped in to pick up the Flight’s ground staff. Tim Callaway got a lift back with the Alouette and caught these pictures of the Flight as they returned to their base for the last time this season.

All photographs Keith Draycott and Tim Callaway.

Peter settles into the Auster as John watches for any starting problems.	A cheery grin from Bill in the Beaver.

Jan in his ‘Queen of the skies’.	Chris in the delightful Alouette!

One for his massive fan club! Connor in the Chipmunk.	Don makes a last check around the Scout.

Bill taxies out in the Beaver.	Followed by Peter in the Auster.

The Team lined up waiting for the off.	The rotaries follow the Chipmunk out to the runway.

The rotaries over the piano keys on the end of the runway picked up some odd reflections.	The haze was thickening!

The fixed wings in step down.	The rotaries in the ‘ballet’.

The fixed wings in echelon…..	….and close formation at that!

Jan pulls up for the pedal turn….	….followed by Chris.

Peter pulls the Auster round a very steep turn.	The rotaries run in to land.

Chris sidesteps into his parking slot.	John marshalls the fixed wings back in. Being tailwheel aircraft it is difficult to see over the nose on the ground.

Parked up and ready for the following day.	The rotaries depart for Sunday’s display, the haze was so bad this was the only decent shot of the day!

A last view across the airfield as the Blue Eagles ‘reverse vic’ runs in.	Jan in the Scout, enjoying himself!

Chris hard at work.	Having met up with the fixed wings, the Scout dropped into the slot to form diamond.

The Flight in echelon right….	….and again from the other side.

Looking along the formation as we run in to Middle Wallop.	A longer view of the formation.

Last look for 2005. The Scout catches the low sun.	Aviation is all about teamwork!

Click here to see the highlights from the transit and practice display on Friday 02nd September.

Archived news is available by clicking here.

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