Classic Airshow, Coventry Airport - 31st May-1st June

The return of the Air Atlantique Classic Airshow was a very welcome event in the eyes of many enthusiasts. The show has a big reputation in gathering acts from throughout europe that we simply don't see anywhere else at UK airshows. It is also highly regarded for the top notch organisation of the show and slick flying display. Despite losing the military particpation as they were unable to accomadate their requirements, Air Atlantique's partcipation was filled by interesting types important to the overriding theme of all 2003's airshows, the 100th Year of Powered Flight. The show has particularly strong participation from aircraft of the 1950's and early 1960's, a somewhat over looked period at airshows where modern military and world war two take precedent. As well as a first class flying display, there was also a large static park with rarities such as a Antonov An-2 Colt biplane as well as ground runs by the based Avro Shackleton MR2 (AEW2).

The French Connection

Undoubtably for many, the show highlight was the return of the Nord Noraltas from France. This military transport saw sterling service with the French Air Force until fairly recently. This example has been repainted in it's authentic scheme from the Algerian Campaign. Highlight of it's display was it's "tactical" landing from a very steep approach. Also from the same era of French Air Force history is Martin Willing's North American T-28J Trojan which may have even served alongside the Noratlas in Algeria.

Making their UK air display debut were the two Alaycons of the Patrouille de Morane. Despite only having very limited aerobatic performance, the two 1950's trainers similar to our own Percival Prentice put on a spirited duo low level display

Wartime Heros

Despite the Heavy emphasis on the early post war years, Coventry still attracted a significant number of aircraft from the wartime years. Opening proceedings on both days was Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Sally B. It's good to see Sally B managing to make so many shows these days after the troubles of recent years.

The early years of the second world war were represented by two Bristol Mercury powered aircraft. ARCo's beautiful Bristol Blenheim once again provided a spirited display with plenty of photogenic passes.

Making a rare appearance away from Old Warden and Duxford was the Shuttleworth Collection's Westland Lysander which looked stunning against the clear blue skies in it's SOE overall black scheme.

Rounding off the collection were the Supermarine Spitfire LFIXc, North American P-51D Mustang and Goodyear FG-1D Corsair of the Breitling Fighters. It's a shame this will be the last year we see thiis amazing display as it's looks and sounds absolutely amazing.

Coventry's Finest

Before the official display even started, there were a few displays by home based aircraft. The first was by the based Air Ambulence,  a Agusta A109E Power, one of only two Ambulences to carry a doctor on board in the Uk. Also taking to the air were a local flying club who put up a pleasing display of formations in Cessna 172 and 152 aircraft. As well as their day to day operations, Air Atlantique has it's own historic flight. They put up tow formations with invited guests to salute two parts for the RAF all too rarely represented at air displays. The first of these was the Elementary Flying Training School formation of Miles Magister, De Havilland Chipmunk, De Havilland Tiger Moth, Percival Prentice and Scottish Aviation Bulldog. While not the exciting aerobatic display, it proved to be a hit with the enthusiastic crowd for it's sheer elegance. The Communications Flight was equally interesting with the lovely Avro Anson T21 and two Percival Pembrokes providing an interetsing contrast in performance. The Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer also provided it's unique solo display routine of power and very slow flight.

Hot Jets

A show about 1950's aviation simply couldn't ignore the birth of jet powered aviation in that time. Coventry had gathered an impressive collection of aircraft together with everything from the Meteor to the Sea Vixen.

Representing the early days of military jet flying was the Vintage Pair of Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF11 and Da Havilland Vampire T11. The Meteor in particular provided a highly spirited display in the hands of Dan Griffith.

Early american jets weren't ignored either, with Golden Apple Trust's North American F-86A Sabre and Lockheed T-33 Silver Star both being put through elegant displays. Represented later 1950's jets were the Hawker Hunter and De Havilland Sea Vixen D3. Sadly the Sea Vixen in it's new Red Bull colours, was the victim of a bizarre incident on Saturday when a panel was blown off in the slipstream and various contents were thrown out the aircraft. It was subsequently damaged as a result and took no further part in the display on Sunday. However, star turn of the jets was the BAC Canberra B2/6 of Classic Aviation Projects in it's brand new paint scheme, which is simply gorgeous.

Mightly Props

Air Atlantique operate a large number of large propellor driven aircraft in their day to day operations and therefore it was no surprise that they featured strongly in the flying list. Making one of his final appearances before heading back to the US was Bill Da Silva in his Grumman HU-16C Albatross which still looks immaculate. Mightly in a completely different way was Denny Dobson in his Walter Extra EA300XS putting on some very, very low flying as well as some world class aerobatics.

Air Atlantique operate a large fleet of Douglas DC-3 aircraft which put on their own display, but it was their predacessor that stole the show, the dutch based Douglas DC-2 which was put through a stunning routine show the aircraft off to full effect. Later Douglas developments were well represented by the Douglas DC-6 duo routine (IMAGE 1, IMAGE 2). The early turboprop aircraft were represented by the Lockheed Electra which again put on a surprisingly agile display for such a sizable aircraft. Both the DC-6 and and Electra reappeared in the show finale which was a spectacular demonstration of the Oil Spill Pollution Control capability that Air Atlantique provides to the MCA. Providing aerial recce for the sortie was a Coastguard  Cessna 401 while the Douglas DC-6 and Lockheed Electra, fitted with spraying gear made very very low passes spraying water instead of the usual chemicals to break up the simulated slick...SPECTACULAR!

Air Atlantique should be congratualed on such a varied and entertaining program for their show. The display itself was not only fascinating, but provided constant action which is highly commendable considering the types of aircraft involved in the show. It may be the last show at Coventry due to proposed development of a passenger terminal which would mean that the current layout for show days would be impossible to repeat.

 copyright Flightline UK 2003