Getting to know you

Another super and last day here at the Midlands Air Festival and here’s Mr HB having a chat with one of the glider pilots and instructor from the Bidford Gliding and Flying Club.  Turns out they know lots of mutual people!

Sadly the weather wasn’t suitable for the balloons again as it was windier than yesterday with lots of low cloud, there were a few spots of sunshine but with showers in the afternoon.  We braved it all until the end.

All the flying was as thrilling as ever.  The Reds gave their full display as a window of blue appeared just at the right time.  The iconic Avro Lancaster flew very low over the top of us, a magical experience.  Lauren Wilson, the hugely accomplished commercial and aerobatic pilot flying her Pitt’s Special gave us a highly exciting display, as did Richard Goodwin in his amazing, super powered and loud, Jet Pitt’s plane.

The two commentators at the show were fantastic, one of whom was Helen Tempest who was the first professional wing walker in the UK and flew with the Aerosuperbatics Wing Walking Team flying here again today, so was able to give us a brilliant first hand commentary together with some of the behind the scenes secrets!  

The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team closed the show, both days of which we’ve thoroughly enjoyed.  Superbly organised and run and in stunning surroundings, just such a shame for all those balloonists.

Extras:  collages of The Reds, some of my favourite display aircraft and the Falcons.

Thanks to everyone who left kind comments on Saturday’s blip.  Sorry I’ve got behind with all of yours, but we’re going home tomorrow and a quieter life …… perhaps??!