Duxford - 18/05/2008

A last minute phonecall from John Higgins the night before led to an 0800 departure to spend the morning at Mildenhall before moving on to Duxford for their Spring Airshow in the afternoon.

Opening the show were the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with their Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane.

Next up were Team Guinot and their wingwalkers, featuring special guest wingwalker, Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon.

The Fighter Collection's Bearcat was put through its paces next.

Sadly the already poor lighting took a turn for the worse as the Historic Aircraft Collection's Hawker Nimrod took to the skies.

RAF Valley's No 4 Flying Training School Hawk display would've looked great in better conditions, but what can you do in grey skies with no sunshine?

More of The Fighter Collection's aircraft took to the skies later; the Corsair, Hellcat and Bearcat put on a nice three-ship routine.

Again, the light was pretty awful for the 2008 No 1 Flying Training School Tucano display, from RAF Linton-On-Ouse.

Early participation lists suggested that the Royal Navy Historic Flight's Fairey Swordfish would be making an airshow return here, but sadly she wasn't quite ready in time, so the Seafire stepped in to join the Sea Hawk in a nice routine.

Back for more were Team Guinot, this time minus the Blue Peter presenter! They probably got to perform in the best light of the day.

It didn't last for long however, and by the time the Chinook from RAF Odiham displayed it was back to flat, grey and horrible - just what you need for shooting a Chinook!!

Undoubtedly the most wowing display of the day was performed by Flt Lt Charlie Matthews from 29(R) Sqn in the Typhoon F2. An excellent display featuring raw power and trmendous agility left everyone suitably impressed with the latest RAF air superiority asset.

Back to the more graceful and sedate next with a Dragon Rapide performing in formation with a pair of Chipmunks.

The T-28 looked great showing off its top surfaces in company with a pair of Harvards.

And it was great to see Golden Apple's F-86 Sabre burst into life - the original programme suggesting that it should've flown much earlier in the afternoon.

Closing the show were a three-ship of Spitfires.

All in all an excellent and varied lineup that was let down somewhat by the weather - for a change!

Many thanks to 'the Ferrit' for playing chauffeur.