Biggin Hill - 8th June 2008

The promise of sunshine and blue skies enticed me to Biggin Hill for the first time. Having been told that you're shooting into the sun from 1400, I elected to do the show from the outside.

The weather was pretty much as forecast, but the air was very dirty and a haze was present all day and that made photography challenging.

It was great to see Air Atlantique's DC-6 present and resplendant in her new British Eagle colourscheme. Such a good looking and aircraft and displayed with real vigour. A real joy to witness, and hopefully there might be a few more bookings for 2009.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight were present with the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane.

A very nice North American formation took place with Hangar 11's P-51D Mustang, "Jumpin' Jacques" and the Duke of Brabant's B-25 Mitchell.

It was great to see Golden Apple's F-86 Sabre and the new kid on the block, the RAF's 45(R) Sqn King Air display.

With the Red Arrows on a North American tour, the jet display team slot was filled by the Breitling Team with their seven L-39 Albatrosses.

Highlight of the show for many was the 2008 RAF Role Demo.

Undertaking a European tour are the Indian Air Force helicopter display team, The Sarangs, with their Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd built Dhruvs.

Flt Lt Charlie Matthews wowed the crowds with his display in the 29(R) Sqn Typhoon T1.

It was particularly nice to see the Air Atlantique Classic Flight Meteor flying with the Delta Jets blue Hunter T7.

The duty of closing the show fell to the Kent Sptifire, SM845.

An excellent lineup in as sunny conditions as a UK airshow has seen for some time. Well done to all concerned.