NEWS - THE ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO 2005

DREAM VISIT FOR CHARITY SUPPORTER TINA

When air-show fan Tina Smith from Broadway responded to Terry Wogan’s plea for generous bids in aid of Children in Need last November, she hardly expected the thrills she would experience at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.  Tina’s extraordinary £15,000 bid won her and hubby-to-be Neil Anderson a spectacular two-day visit which left them “breathless and absolutely delighted”.  After a luxury Gulfstream jet flight from RAF Northolt, Tina and Neil were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Tattoo, a trip round the Air Traffic Control tower and a helicopter ride to get a bird’s eye view of the show.  At the end of day one, they were guests at the Tattoo’s prestigious gala dinner before staying the night at the exclusive Barnsley House in the heart of the cotswolds.  Accompanying Tina and Neil were Radio Two’s Alan Dedicoat and Wake up to Wogan producer Paul Walters, himself a keen private flyer.  “This is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Tina. “I enjoy going to air shows and I saw the last flight of the Vulcan so it would be nice to think that the Vulcan will fly again at Fairford before too long.”  Hosting the couple on behalf of the Royal International Air Tattoo was Guy Bowen who said: ”We are only too pleased to play our part in supporting this appeal. The more charities we can work with on projects like this the better.”

 

GALE GOES DOWN A STORM IN COMMENTARY TOWER

Cpl Mark Gale, a Reservist with 4624 Sqn based at RAF Brize Norton got more than he bargained for when he attended this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.  His squadron’s official role at this year’s Air Tattoo is to receive the charter passengers and process freight but when an SOS came from the commentary tower for an aircraft enthusiast to act as a spotter, Cpl Gale jumped at the chance.  The role involves recognising incoming aircraft – from a distance – and informing the commentator as quickly as possible.  “It’s been great. Aviation is a hobby of mine so it’s been no problem at all,” said Cpl Gale.  Cpl Gale, 46, who works for Hewlett Packard in Bracknell, will carry out his new role for arrivals day on Friday only. After this, he will head back to the passenger terminal to rejoin his squadron.

 

HARRY POTTER IS 'READ ONE' FOR THE DAY

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, pictured with the Red Arrows after the Reds presented her with a copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Hot off the press, the book was flown by ‘Red One’, Squadron Leader Dickie Patounas’s scarlet Hawk during the Red Arrows’ display at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) on Saturday, July 16.  On landing, the book was signed by all the team members, Tattoo vice president, actor Sir David Jason and Royal Air Force Charitable Trust chairman Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight.  On Sunday, July 17, Sqn Ldr Patounas presented the book to HM Queen Noor at the RIAT Flying Scholarships for the Disabled (FSD) wings presentation ceremony. Upon receiving the book , Her Majesty graciously agreed to autograph the novel.  The book will be auctioned at a special FSD fundraising event later this year. Every penny raised will be given to the charity.

 

ITALIAN ACES LIFT TOP SHOW AWARD

The dashing and colourful Italian Air Force formation team, Frecce Tricolori, won this year’s award for the best overall display at the Royal International Air Tattoo, held over 16/17 July at RAF Fairford.  The King Hussein Memorial Sword was presented to team leader Captain Massimo Tammaro by HRH Lt Gen Prince Feisal bin Hussein of Jordan.  Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight, chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, hosted the awards ceremony. He thanked everyone involved for an exciting and safe airshow.  “This was one of the best shows we have ever done and you must say to any doubters that it was exciting, very professional and will have people flocking back in huge numbers each year.  “It brings money in for important charities and it is without question, the finest airshow in the world. Join me in thanking Director Tim Prince and all his staff who made it possible,” said Sir Michael.The other award winners were:

Lockheed Martin Cannestra Trophy (Best Overseas Flying Demonstration):
Jointly to French Air Force Mirage 2000 pilots Capt Yannick Vallet and Capt Fabrice Camliti.

Steedman Display Sword:
Flt Lt Carl Zarecky flying RAF Chinook of 18 Sqn RAF Odiham.

Sir Douglas Bader Trophy (Best Individual Flying Demonstration):
Major Wandent Brawdsen flying AH64D Apache helicopter from 301 Sqn Royal Netherlands Air Force.

Paul Bowen Solo Jet Trophy:
Capt Olli Siivola, Finnish Air Force F/A 18.

As The Crow Flies (Friends of RIAT Best Overall Flying Demonstration):
Major Wandent Brawdsen, AH64D Apache, 301 Sqn Royal Netherlands Air Force.

RIAT 2005 Best Livery:
KC-135R, 77 Air Refuelling Sqn, USAF Reserve.

 

NEVILLE SIGNS FOR FAN
Actor Matthew Lewis who plays Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films signs a Harry Potter book for a fan at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

 

PLUCKY JANINE GETS HER WINGS AND A SPECIAL AWARD

Volunteer fund-raiser Janine Broadbent from Newcastle upon Tyne has become the proud holder of pilot's wings.  Thanks to the Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for the Disabled, brave Janine has been able to complete her flying course and her achievement was recognised at a royal ceremony this week.  During the air tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, Janine was presented with her Wings by the Patron of the charity, Queen Noor of Jordan.  Then Janine had a big surprise. She also received a special award presented by round-the-world flyer Polly Vacher in recognition of her battle against adversity to achieve her flying ambition.  Wings Around the World, Fly Through Life, is Polly's way of encouraging women with disabilities to find inspiration in flight.  "I'm amazed and delighted," said an excited Janine. "Becoming disabled did initially fill me with much self-doubt but I realise now that I can do just about anything if I set my mind to it."  Janine has already set up a charity to raise funds for awareness and research into osteo sarcoma following the loss of her right leg to bone cancer.  She started on a National Private Pilots Licence course at Goodwood School of Flying last year and a few weeks ago achieved her life long ambition to qualify.

RIAT OFF TO A ROARING START

The Royal International Air Tattoo got off to a roaring start today when actor Matthew Lewis, who plays Harry Potter's chum Neville Longbottom on screen, arrived at the airshow on board a colourful 'tiger-striped' RAF Puma.  Matthew, who loves aircraft, took a break from filming the fourth Harry Potter film - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, in order to attend. The 16-year-old has expressed an interest in joining the Royal Air Force when he is older.  Matthew was joined at the Tattoo by rock legend Bruce Dickinson, who delayed departure for the start of his US tour, which starts tomorrow night in Boston, specifically to be at RAF Fairford.  Bruce, who is the lead singer of rock band Iron Maiden, is also a commercial airline pilot and has thrown his weight behind a national campaign to restore the last Avro Vulcan bomber to the skies.  Also taking part in the launch was veteran USAF pilot Col 'Hal' Austin, from California, who flew a top secret mission over Russia from RAF Fairford in 1954 and was attacked by Russian MiG-17s. His emotional return was the first time he had been back in the UK for 40 years.  During the launch it was announced that the Air Tattoo at the weekend would feature the first ever display in Europe by pilotless aircraft - an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle called the Boeing ScanEagle.   A spokesman for the Air Tattoo said the launch had been a fantastic success.  "I think it is a measure of how highly people regard the Air Tattoo that Bruce Dickinson should delay going on tour - and Matthew Lewis break away from filming the new Harry Potter movie just to be here. We had beautiful weather and a fabulous line-up of guests and aircraft - including the U-2, which arrived midway through the launch. We couldn't have hope for more. Aircraft have been arriving since Wednesday and everything is shaping up for a fantastic weekend's

 

RIAT ROUND UP

The combination of glorious weather, a first class flying display – including the European airshow debut of a pilotless aircraft – helped create an unforgettable Royal International Air Tattoo at the weekend.  Early indications are that the attendance figure at RAF Fairford for the two days is approximately 160,000, an increase of around seven per cent on last year.  Among the highlights of the airshow was a display of the pilotless Boeing ScanEagle. The public display by the secret surveillance aircraft was the first in Europe and live images from the craft were beamed down on to large screens situated in the showground.  Other highlights included a display by four Royal Navy Sea Harriers, the last time they will appear at the Air Tattoo before being retired and the Italian aerobatic display team the Frecce Tricolori, who once again produced a precise yet flamboyant display of typical Latin elan. There was also an elegant appearance by a brightly-coloured B757 belonging to parcel delivery company DHL.  Sqn Ldr Matt Elliot became the first RAF pilot at RIAT to show off the state-of-the-art Eurofighter Typhoon which is being prepared for its entry into Royal Air Force service.  Four C-130 Hercules, one from each of the RAF Lyneham squadrons flew a moving missing man formation in honour of their comrades who died when their Hercules crashed in Iraq earlier this year.  Among those watching the tribute were a number of Tattoo volunteers based at RAF Lyneham – including the Station Commander Group Captain Paul Oborn – all of whom found it particularly poignant.  The public were also treated to a rare display by the giant, twin rotor RAF Chinook heavylift helicopter which demonstrated remarkable agility for such a large helicopter.  Among the aircraft catching the eyes of the real enthusiasts were the Polish SU-22 ‘Fitter’ in a ferocious Tiger livery and the awesome Greek RF-4 Phantom.  There was also a unique flypast by The Red Arrows and three historic Spitfires, which lent a nostalgic touch to the Reds’ traditionally immaculate jet formation flying.  Aerobatics display pilot Will Curtis set a new aircraft ‘limbo’ world record, flying his Sukhoi SU-26 beneath 12 ribbons held aloft between poles by lines of trusting volunteers standing either side of the runway.  Meanwhile world records were being set at ground level by two robots: ‘Climactic’ and ‘Scuttle’, owned by John Thorpe of Matlock in Derbyshire and Mark Franklin, from Kettering respectively. Climactic climbed a 10-metre rope in 5.27 seconds and Scuttle set a sprint record of 6.52 seconds.  Also being put forward as new Guinness World Record holders were John Lewis, of Hythe in Kent and Fraser Greenhalgh, of Doncaster. They each managed to throw three consecutive paper aeroplanes into a bucket from the perimeter of a three-metre circle.  Among the guests at this year’s airshow were the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Dr John Reid, HRH the Duke of Gloucester, Chief of the Air Staff Sir Jock Stirrup and Chief of the US Air Force, General John Jumper.  On Sunday, Her Majesty Queen Noor, of Jordan and HRH Lt Gen Prince Feisal Bin Hussein of Jordan were among the guests at the annual Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for the Disabled presentation ceremony.  Despite the large number of people who attended on the two days, there were no reports of any major traffic problems. Admissions co-ordinator Peter Williams said: “Everyone who came in by road over the two days has had nothing but praise for the event’s traffic management operation. Obviously we had queues but they were moving queues. We did not have long lines of stationary traffic.”  He said his team encountered only a few, minor problems, over the weekend. This included a coach, which broke down on Saturday morning at Castle Eaton and was recovered by the Air Tattoo transport team, and pre-existing roadworks on the C124 and in Whelford but a plan had been drawn up in advance to deal with them.  Mr Williams said: “In all, it was a good plan well executed.”  Over the weekend, 20 children were reported lost but were soon reunited with their parents. Gloucestershire Constabulary said there was only one reported crime over the two days, the theft of a camera.  Busier was the Showground Medical Centre which treated around 450 people who were brought in by Air Tattoo ambulance teams with conditions ranging from heart attacks and fractured limbs to heatstroke. Seven people were evacuated to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, one by air ambulance, the remainder by road.  This year, the Air Tattoo was held for the first time in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and delighted Tattoo director and co-founder Tim Prince.  “It is most heartening that in our first year under the new Trust, the team has put on a fantastic airshow. I believe it has been a success for our many stakeholders, including the various international air arms, the many aircrew, our hardworking volunteers, the Royal Air Force and, of course, the people who matter the most – the public.  “There were many highlights over the weekend but if I had to choose one, it would be the wonderful joint flypast by the Red Arrows and the Spitfires – the combined sound of the jet aircraft with the propeller-driven Spitfires was music in the air.  “The airshow has been a wonderful advert not only for the Royal Air Force but also for the Charitable Trust.”  On a glorious weekend just made for family outings, David Rayfield, 52, from Long Aston, had a terrific time with his wife, his twin sons and his mother and father.  The trip was a gift as a birthday treat from his brother Nigel.  “It was a brilliant day and the weather really helped,” said David. “My son, who is only four, already wants to be a pilot after seeing all the jets here today.”  His wife Josie, 39, added: “We found the prices really reasonable. Especially as children go free.”

 

STATEMENT ON RAF BENEVOLENT FUND ENTERPRISES

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), which has, up to now, owned RAF Benevolent Fund Enterprises (RAFBFE) – the Company that runs the Royal International Air Tattoo – recently carried out a wide-ranging governance review. One of the conclusions of that review was that the best interests of the Fund and the Company would be served by having RAFBFE owned by 'The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust', an independent charity.  The re-named, stand-alone Trust, operating under the governance of new trustees, is Chaired by Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight and has as its objectives the promotion of recruiting and efficiency in the Royal Air Force as well as supporting RAF charitable work.  To reflect this change, RAF Benevolent Fund Enterprises has changed its name to 'The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises'. The Company will continue to run the Royal International Air Tattoo which does much to promote air-mindedness in the British public as well as its other established activities including merchandising and organising the national concert tour by the Massed Bands of the RAF.
• Although the RAF Benevolent Fund has ceased to be the owner of the Company, Air Chief Marshal Sir David Cousins, the Controller of the Benevolent Fund, said: "It is still our firm intention to have a very visible presence at the Tattoo to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of our commitment to supporting members of the RAF family in need and the importance of raising funds to that end".
• Mr Tim Prince, Chief Executive of The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said that the future offered a wealth of exciting opportunities. "We are fortunate that the Trust’s Chairman, Sir Michael Knight, has not only been a great supporter of the Tattoo for many years but has been among its 4,000-strong army of volunteers. With his support and guidance, I am confident the Company will continue to fulfil an important function to both the Royal Air Force and its charities. "
• Chairman of The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight said that the Tattoo occupied a unique position in the international aerospace community - in terms both of scale and of the unrivalled ambassadorial role it performs among the world’s air arms. "I am very honoured to continue my involvement with a Company that, through the Tattoo and its various other activities, has earned so much respect around the world. It is my job to ensure that, through the Trust and Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, we continue to promote excellence, to raise funds for RAF charities and to be a source of inspiration for the next generation of young aviators."

 

SWINDON MODEL AIRCRAFT WOWS TATTOO VISITORS

Swindon aircraft modellers stunned visitors to the Royal International Air Tattoo with a colourful one-seventh scale replica of the US Coast Guard’s Hercules C-130J.  Producing a memorable Little and Large effect, the Swindon model rested in the shade of its real-life Big Brother and brought gasps of surprise and admiration from the US Coast Guard crew who are part of an aircraft acquisition unit based at Elizabeth City, North Carolina.  “It’s incredibly impressive,” commented Lt Cdr Dan Walsh, commander of the bright, red and white-painted Hercules, one of the favourites to win the coveted Concourse d’Elegance award for the best turned-out aircraft in the show. “When we saw pictures of it in flight it looked like the real thing.”  The model, which first flew nearly two years ago, regularly stars at local air shows, its latest flights being at the Kemble Air Day and RAF Cosford Large Model Association Meet.  It took a five-man syndicate in the Swindon Model Aeroplane Club a total of 1,600 hours to complete the model after obtaining specifications and drawings from the US Coast Guard.  Eddie Barker, a member of the syndicate, said: “ It was a labour of love. We just wanted to create something special.”  His words were echoed by another syndicate member Mel Jordan. “We share a fascination for aeroplanes and the sheer beauty of it all. Building a model like this is the next best thing to flying a real aircraft.”  Also at the show was Maurice Neale and the other syndicate members are Ted Farmer and Alan Whittington.  Built of plywood and blue foam with a polished glass fibre skin, the C-130J model weighs in at 173lb with a wingspan of 18ft 6in and length of 15ft 6in. Its four 42cc petrol engines run at 6200 revs per minute and the aircraft flies at 80 mph.