Magnificent flying machines for Scotland’s National Airshow

I think this will be my final blog post before Scotland’s National Airshow – it’s all getting a bit busy!

Trying out the Spitfire cockpit at Scotland's National Airshow © Ruth Armstrong Photography
Trying out the Spitfire cockpit at Scotland’s National Airshow © Ruth Armstrong Photography.

Looking forward to a Dutch Dornier

Strangely, although most people go wild about aerobatic displays or large display teams, as I have been ‘in aviation’ since I left school, I prefer the other extreme – the different participant who we don’t see very often.

For that reason I’m looking forward to seeing the Dutch Coastguard Dornier patrol aircraft. It’s an unusual aircraft to see in Scottish skies, and I appreciate that.

I must admit to looking forward to seeing the B-17 this year as well. We have regularly seen the Lancaster over the years but have never had the B-17, at least since I became involved in the event.

My next favourite item must be the Blenheim, flown by John Romain – this is in my mind a truly iconic aircraft, used as a bomber and fighter and the first radar-equipped night fighter in service anywhere in the world.

My aviation heroes

My aviation heroes are anybody who flew in Bomber Command in the Second World War, and, more recently, the Apollo astronauts. I remember sitting up all night when Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and as a spotty teenager I just ached to join them – I would have done anything to become an astronaut.

My favourite aviation tune

Difficult – but ‘Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines’ takes some beating – as does the film actually, probably my all-time favourite flying film (I do have something of a soft spot for early aviation).

Westland Wasp XT787 will drop in for Scotland's National Airshow on Saturday 22 July Photo: courtesy of Chris Martin
Westland Wasp XT787 will drop in for Scotland’s National Airshow on Saturday 22 July Image: courtesy of Chris Martin.

Final preparations for Scotland’s National Airshow

All I have to do now is to ensure all participants are briefed, all my team are briefed, and that decent weather is booked. I’ll see as many of you as possible on the 22 July (I’ll be in the tower), I think it will be a great display!

Norm

Watching the air display at Scotland's National Airshow © Ruth Armstrong Photography
Watching the air display at Scotland’s National Airshow © Ruth Armstrong Photography.

Book tickets advanced tickets by 5pm on Friday 21 July 2017 and order your copy of the this year’s programme in advance to save time on the day.

Find out all you need to know about Scotland’s National Airshow 2017 at nms.ac.uk/airshow

Event programme subject to change.

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