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American Air Day 2010

Editor — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:14:44 +0000

The Third Air Force of the United States Air Force is partially located in the United Kingdom, and to celebrate the relationship between the battalion and Duxford, dating back to 1918, the American Air Day is presented to the public. It is a family day that combines breathtaking aerial displays and activities on the ground, and the Imperial War Museum is also home to the American Air Museum, which gives visitors insight into the history of the countries and their Air Forces.

For more information in regard to the air show, visit the Imperial War Museum website at http://duxford.iwm.org.uk/server/show/conEvent.3256.

Date: 20 August 2010
Venue: Imperial War Museum
City: Duxford
Country: United Kingdom

The Taranis Unveiled

Editor — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:08:16 +0000

Taranis, the god of thunder in Celtic mythology, is depicted with a Jupiter wheel in one hand and a thunderbolt in the other. It is also the name of the latest project undertaken by the United Kingdom to improve their military capabilities and transform the face of military weaponry. The Taranis is an unmanned stealth aircraft that has been under construction for the last four years, and was recently unveiled to the world. Its unique design and state-of-the-art technology will change the dynamics of long range combat.

BAE Systems, which is located in Warton, has been working tirelessly on the Taranis project, overseeing its design and weaponry technology. It has cost £142.5m to complete this magnificent prototype and flight tests are scheduled to start in 2011. One of the most important features of the Taranis is its ability to fly deep into the territories of the enemy without being detected by ground radar. It will not only be used as a method of attack, but will also be able to gather vital intelligence. The Taranis’ extraordinary aeronautical design has enabled it to take on the same measurements as a light aircraft, and it is also able to reach high speeds to be able to keep up with jet aircraft. As an attack aircraft, the Taranis has been designed to carry a variety of weapons, including missiles and bombs. Due to the fact that the Taranis is an unmanned aircraft, no lives of pilots will be risked, allowing the Taranis to take on missions that are deemed too dangerous for pilots.

The extremely innovative design and construction of the Taranis is a great achievement for the United Kingdom. The Minister for International Security Strategy, Gerald Howarth, commented on the success of the project by saying: “The first of its kind in the UK, it reflects the best of our nation’s advanced design and technology skills and is a leading program on the global stage.” The maintenance and running of the Taranis will also be at a lower cost than manned aircraft, and it is hoped that this spectacular example of UK engineering will pave the way for future military aircraft.

Farnborough International Airshow Set to Be a Success

Editor — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:55:13 +0000

Taking place in the UK, the world-renowned Farnborough International Airshow attracts large numbers of aerospace industry participants every two years. This year’s event began on a positive note on Monday, 19 July 2010, as rival companies Boeing Co. and Airbus reported that they had received new orders totaling almost $18 billion already. This is hopefully indicative that the aviation industry is on the rise again.

As carriers emerge from the economic crisis of recent years, the demand for planes is set to increase. Airplane-leasing companies are in the market for airplanes and there are certain to be a variety of important leasing orders placed during the Farnborough International Airshow. Boeing already boasts an order from Emirates Airlines for thirty 777-300ERs, to a value of $9.1 billion. On top of that, GE Capital Aviation Services has made a $3 billion order for forty Boeing 737-800s. Airbus, on the other hand, received an order from Air Lease Corporation for fifty-one A320s, valued at $4.4 billion. Aeroflot, will be purchasing eleven A330-300s, and GECAS has ordered an additional sixty A320s from Airbus. This is certainly a fantastic way to kick-off this exceptional event.

What can visitors to the Farnborough International Airshow expect? The trade show features approximately 1 300 exhibitors from 38 countries. Participants from the commercial, private, civil and military sectors will display a variety of aircraft, technology and equipment. The trade show is designed to create opportunities for meetings, negotiations and the announcement of transactions. One of this year’s highlights is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s debut. There is also a themed conference program aimed at trade visitors.

The Farnborough International Airshow will also be introducing a program on Futures Day, 23 July 2010, aimed at young people between 7 and 21 years of age. Futures Day will include workshops, presentations, a treasure hunt, opening ceremony, Tri-Nation Rocketry Final and other activities.

On the weekend of 24 and 25 July, the airshow will be open to the public. A great selection of attractions will keep everyone in the family entertained. Visitors can look forward to the air display, static aircraft displays, the Space Pavilion, the Bloodhound supersonic car, fun rides, the Crafty Arty Party, flight simulators, and much more.

So whether you are in the aerospace industry, or are simply an aviation enthusiast, the Farnborough International Airshow is the place to be this week.

Military and Flying Machines 2010

Editor — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:28:53 +0000

The Military and Flying Machines Show, will be hosted at the Damyns Hall Aerodrome on the 7th and 8th of August 2010. The show will honor the Battle of Britain, which took place seventy years ago, in 1940, and will feature vintage aircraft and vehicles from that era. Visitors to the show can look forward to parades aerial displays and ground exhibitions of aircraft such as the WW2 Spitfire, Messerschmitt 108, Stearman Biplane, Bell “MASH” Helicopters and much more. Vehicles including jeeps and armored trucks will also be on display.

The show is a wonderful journey into history and aviation enthusiasts should not miss out on this adventure. For more details regarding ticket prices and performers, visit the official website at http://www.militaryandflyingmachines.org.uk/.

Date: 7 – 8 August 2010
Venue: Damyns Hall Aerodrome
City: Upminster, Essex
Country: United Kingdom

Southend Air Festival 2010

Editor — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:41:46 +0000

Entrance to the Southend Air Festival is free of charge, and it one of the largest air shows of its kind in Europe. Celebrating its 25th year, the Southend Air Festival will offer visitors the opportunity to see more than forty aircraft demonstrating their capabilities, including military and civilian aircraft. Between thrilling aerial demonstrations, visitors will be able to enjoy rides, a variety of entertainment, water walkers, simulators, bungee trampolines and exhibitors displaying everything from framed aircraft prints to EA Games.

To find out more about the show and accommodation options in town, to attend the entire air show, visit http://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/whats-on/festival-of-the-air.aspx.

Date: 30 – 31 May 2010
Venue: Thames Estuary
City: Southend-on-Sea
Country: United Kingdom

Seething Airfield Charity Air Day 2009

Editor — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:05:44 +0000

Taking place on Saturday 5 September 2009, this popular event is as much about families having fun, as it is about the aircraft on display. The Seething Airfield Tower Museum has played a major role in organizing the event and the old Control Tower at the airfield will be the focal point of the many events and static displays.

Included in the events for the day will be WW2 re-enactments featuring classic military vehicles and aircraft. Charitable organisations, societies and clubs will be exhibiting, and visitors will have plenty to see and do, as well as a choice of tasty treats at food vending stalls. This is an event with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Date: 5 September 2009
Venue: Seething Airfield
City: Seething, Norfolk
Country: United Kingdom

Essex Military & Flying Machines 2009

Editor — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:57:14 +0000

More than 200 military vehicles and aircraft, spanning decades, will be on display at this popular event. Flying displays will feature the famous Spitfire and Mash Helicopter. Wing-walking and flour bombing military vehicles from planes flying overhead bring a fun element to the day, and historical reenactments highlights the heroics of past battles. Vehicle parades, helicopter rides, hovercraft, memorabilia stalls and more will ensure that this is an event to remember.

Dates: 8-9 August 2009
Venue: Damyns Hall Aerodrome
City: Upminster, Essex
Country: United Kingdom

Airbourne 2009

Editor — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:29:56 +0000

Promoted as the “World’s Biggest Seafront Airshow” Airbourne 2009 takes place over England’s Eastbourne Coastline. The program is packed with exciting events, including displays of aerobatic skill by the RAF Red Arrows, the Pricess of Wales Tigers Parachute Display team, the Team Guinot Wingwalkers and The Blades aerobatic team. Military aircraft displays from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgian and Royal Netherlands Air Forces will be highlights of Airbourne 2009. Don’t miss this action packed four day event.

Date: 13-16 August 2009
Venue: Eastbourne Seafront
City: Eastbourne
Country: England

United Kingdom Airports

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:21 +0000

The United Kingdom covers some 241,590 square kilometers of land, incorporating the countries of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales as well as the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Simply put, the United Kingdom is a big place and it has plenty to offer. From the cultivated landscapes of England to the more rugged backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, there is something here for everyone. The variety of cultures are interesting and the people are diverse. And, since the United Kingdom is isolated from Europe by the English Channel and the North Sea, the quickest way to reach it is to fly to your destination, thereby making use of one of the many airports in the UK.

The vast majority of visitors from other countries will step off their airplane at Heathrow Airport. This massive airport is the busiest and best connected in the United Kingdom. However it is certainly not the only airport in the UK and there are more than 330 airports scattered across the UK with paved runways and a further 137 with unpaved runways. There are also 11 heliports so if you have need for this type of aircraft you should not struggle too much to find one. Most of the bigger airports in the United Kingdom are operated by the BAA and this helps to ensure that the airports maintains a certain standard of technology and efficacy. While airports such as Bristol Airport or Cardiff Airport may be somewhat different from Gatwick Airport or Edinburgh Airport, they are all well run and service is friendly and efficient at the best of times.

If you are planning to navigate your own way across the United Kingdom, you will find that there are literally hundreds of different airports to choose from. At this time we are only able to cover a few of the most prominent airports which generally offer the best service but if you desire to travel to somewhere that we have not covered, we urge you to investigate whatever other options may be available to you.

Airports in the UK:

Gatwick Airport

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:21 +0000

Gatwick Airport started out as a modest little airfield in 1931, that was privately owned by Home Counties Aviation Services, later being taken over by Airports Limited. Once in hands of Airports Limited, the aprons, taxiways and a terminal were constructed. Gatwick opened its doors to passengers in 1936, and passengers were able to reach the airport by train, walkways and subways. Its operations were abandoned due to not having a paved runway in 1938, and Gatwick eventually served as a base to the Royal Air Force during the second world war. In 1946, it was commissioned for civil use again, but still had a grass runway. Changes only came in 1953 after it was declared the second London airport, and was closed for renovations until 1956. Traffic slowly started increasing over the following years and extensions were built to the terminal. In 1978 this London airport became a gateway to transatlantic travel and by 1980, passenger traffic had grown to 10 million. By the year 2000 Gatwick had increased its passenger records of 32 million, and is the second largest airport in Britain.

Gatwick operates two runways, both constructed of asphalt, with one measuring 3,316 meters (10,879), and the other measureing 2,565 meters (8,415 feet). Operations and traffic at Gatwick is directed from two terminals, namely the South Terminal and the North Terminal. The North Terminal deals with airliners such as Aer Lingus, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Air France and other commercial airlines. As charter flights are not permitted at Heathrow, the bulk of the charter flights are made to and from Gatwick Airport, and the North Terminal. Restrictions, in regard to transatlantic flights, are also enforced by Heathrow and therefore, Gatwick receives most of the traffic between the United States and Britain. The South Terminal deals with most of the traffic that comes in and out of Gatwick, including international, charter and domestic flights.

Both the North and South Terminals have convenient parking that is divided into Long Term, Short Term, Fast Track and Business Parking. Parking facilities for disabled and wheel chair passengers are reserved exclusively for their use. Gatwick Airport also accommodates a wide variety of passenger facilities such as foreign exchange services, ATM’s, smoking areas, postal services, restaurants, book stores, bars, shoe and clothing stores, gift shops, jewelry stores, fast food stores, pharmacies, luxury goods stores, designer boutiques and health stores.

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