LAA Event
‘Flying For Fun’ Evening Air Show A special LAA 75th Anniversary event at Old Warden airfield on Saturday 17th July
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emember that wonderful afternoon and evening LAA members spent at the Shuttleworth Collection back in that last pre-Covid summer of 2019? Well, we’ve been invited back again this year, to help celebrate our 75th Anniversary at the LAA ‘Flying For Fun’ evening air show at Old Warden aerodrome near Sandy in Bedfordshire, which runs from 6pm till just before sunset on Saturday 17 July. We have a special relationship with Shuttleworth; many of the Collection’s aircraft, including their unique 100-plus-year-old ‘Edwardian’ fleet, World War One types and the glorious DH88 Comet operate on LAA Permits to Fly. They are therefore inviting LAA members to attend either by road or by air, with specially discounted ticket prices and dedicated LAA members’ parking areas (for cars or aircraft), as well as a special static display of invited LAA types.
Drive in (or fly in) Airshow
To maximise safety against infection, the Shuttleworth Collection is using its “Drive-In Airshow” to ensure a Covid-safe environment. Visitors by road will each be parked in a 5m x 5m box where you will have enough room for your car and to set up your picnic alongside. Catering and refreshments will be available to purchase in your drive-in zone. Each zone will also have toilet facilities, including disabled toilets and baby changing facilities. You will be free (and encouraged) to explore the Shuttleworth site including the Swiss Garden, hangars and of course the ‘LAA Aircraft Uncovered’ static display, before returning to your car spaces to enjoy the air display by a plethora of historic aircraft, with commentary available via FM radio. The ‘LAA Aircraft Uncovered’ will feature a selection of LAA types covering our 75 years and be on display from around 1pm until 4pm. We’ve contacted a number of members who will field a selection of aircraft representing our fleet, each owner being available to chat about their pride and joy in the unique Shuttleworth pre-show ‘meet the pilots’ show and tell. If you’ve never been to a Shuttleworth evening air show, it’s a must. A unique curving display line allows the aircraft to be displayed at their best angles against the rural Bedfordshire setting, and will include both the Collection’s own aircraft and visiting LAA aircraft, both ancient and modern. The planned flying display will include a special Pitts duo, Van’s RV aerobatics, Great 46 | LIGHT AVIATION | June 2021
Above With calm conditions the Edwardian era aircraft, including the Bristol Boxkite, could fly later in the evening. Photo: Wikipedia.
War Display Team, Calidus gyroplane, an electrically powered E-paramotor, as well as the Shuttleworth Spitfire and Sea Hurricane, DH88 Comet and Mew Gull racers. But what really sets the Evening Airshows apart are when, as the sun sets, subject to suitably calm conditions their famous fleet of ‘Edwardians’ takes to the air. It is the only place in the world where you can see aircraft such as the 1911 Avro Triplane and Bristol Boxkite replicas in the air, hopefully being joined by the Collection’s original 1910 Blackburn and 1909 Bleriot XI. The latter is the world’s oldest airworthy flying aeroplane.
How to book
We have arranged a special advance ticket price for LAA members and special arrangements will apply to members wishing to fly in ahead of the display. You can either depart via a mid-evening take-off-slot or if you wish, stay-over, camping beside your aircraft. For further information and to book drive-in parking spaces and tickets, please contact the Shuttleworth Collection www.shuttleworth.org/events/flyingforfun/ If you are flying in, we are planning to make some further special arrangements. Please contact us at office@laa.uk.com in the first instance and we will give you further information as we have it. ■
