Blue Eagles

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Army Historic Aircraft Flight | The Museum of Army Flying | Army Air Corps Recruiting

Blue Eagles Team Displays – The Southport Air Show – 8th and 9th September 2001

Sunday dawned bright and clear, but again, very windy with gusts registering 30 knots! This meant once again it was impossible for any parachuting to take place, and several display aircraft were affected by the strong wind. The Blue Eagles took a long look at the weather, and because of the open nature of the display area, decided that a full display would be possible. The flying was flawless despite the conditions, and on landing, the crowd gave the Team a standing ovation for their superb efforts. On the Team stand, it was business at a manic rate all day long, the Southport crowd have certainly adopted the Blue Eagles as their favorite display team! The pilots were hard at work all day, when not flying, signing posters and meeting the Team fans, and the ground display team were rushed off their feet keeping up with demand for souvenirs and Team merchandising. All in all, a terrific show for all concerned. We would all like to thank Dean Tarleton, his family and staff for their hospitality at the Crimond Hotel, see you next year!

Sunday 9th September

A fine view of the Lynx arriving to land on the beach in the morning light.	The Gazelles and other display helicopters followed, Blackpool being clearly visible in the bright conditions.

The pilots were immediately swamped with requests for signed posters!	The good natured crowd kept the display stand busy all day with purchases and many, many questions.

Blue Eagles flags for next year? This young fan thought it a good idea!	Big sis Sharon with a trio of her brothers, local girl makes good!

The Team began their dirt dive on the beach, watched by the ground crew sheltering from the wind in the Lynx.	The Gazelle diamond forms up over a shining sea.

Despite the wind, Kav and terry pull out of their bunts in perfect formation.	Ray and Richie flew an immaculate display in the Lynx, here performing a wingover across the crowd front.

Kav and Terry’s Elphinstone loops got strangely foreshortened by the strong winds.	Dan caught the Lynx loop perfectly at the top.

An unusual view of Terry’s Gazelle pulling up for a pedal turn.	Julie and Bill pulling up to break for the Blue Eagles heart.

Bill’s Gazelle pulling hard over the top of the heart….	….before crossing over with Julie’s at the bottom of the manoeuvre.

Julie and Bill’s Gazelles pull up for their simultaneous bunts as the Lynx runs out on the B axis.	Running in, the Gazelles….

….roll and pull hard to cross each other’s paths….	….in the spectacular ‘Crossover Break’.

An unusual item was the Hercules trailing smoke, as the parachute jumps were cancelled in the strong wind.	The Yak-50s of the Aerostars were also a highlight of Sunday’s show.

Click here to see the highlights from Saturday 8 September.

Archived news is available by clicking here.

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