in the air

Classic jets radio controlled model group was formed by Mr Richard Spreadbury whom over the years have used Abingdon Airfield for their frequent meetings.

At these meetings you can find large scale models in which they are superbly detailed with the group flying types that in real life retired a long time ago. Hours of building goes into each model and we are very grateful to again host a small number of the group headed by Richard to fly a selection of models during the day.

For 2025, we are putting together a small afternoon Air Display program aswell as a series of Flypasts by various types so will be added below once aircraft are confirmed (Air Displays will however be confirmed from mid January 2025). Watch this space below this paragragh.

Several gliders & helicopters will be roaded in for static viewing (civil aircraft are not permitted to land due to Military Aviation Authority ruling) however certain military types are permitted. It is hoped the Royal Air Force will again participate to include one of the large transport types from nearby RAF Brize Norton statically as part of the public engagement exercise  & potential for military helicopter(s) so stay tuned to this page and our social media 

We welcome the return of Europes only flying example of the DeHavilland Vampire T11. 

Owned by Mr Mark Hooton, the jet first flew in 1950 and retired from active RAF service in 1968.

Today Mark will give us an 8 minute air display during the afternoon, but operating from / back to its home base.

www.vampireflight.co.uk

The Yak3 is originally a robustly built soviet world war two fighter with many being produced. However this is a much later version that is powered by a Pratt & Whitney 1830 radial engine and  one of a few built in the 1990s. 

Owned by Mr Bob Davy who is a former RAF Abingdon Bulldog pilot of University of London Air Squadron days he will perform a couple of flypasts for us during the afternoon.

The iconic Boeing B-17 is based at Duxford Airfield  and is operated by Elly Sallingboe of B-17 Preservation and flown as a memorial to the 79,000 Allied airmen who lost their lives in Europe during the Second World War. 

The aircraft is the only one of its type flying within Europe. 'Sally B' will perform a beautiful display with us, but operating from / back to its home base Duxford.

www.sallyb.org.uk 

The Westland Scout served as a land-based general purpose military helicopter with the Royal Naval-orientated Westland Wasp helicopter broadly similar with the main difference being the Navy Wasps had fixed wheel undercarriage to enable them to land on ships decks.

The type's primary operator was the Army Air Corps (British Army) which operated it in several conflict zones including Northern Island and the Falklands War.

At least one Scout will be on static display.

The Air Cadet Historic Flight (formerly 621 Volunteer Gliding Squadron Historic Flight) will be in attendance showing the importance or Air Cadet gliding through the years.

This Kirby Cadet XA310 was delivered to 87 Gliding School, Weston Super Mare on 18 March 1953. 87 Glider Squadron became 621 Volunteer Gliding School where XA310 spent its entire service career so it is particularly fitting they are able to operate this airframe as part of the 621  Volunteer Gliding Squadron Historic Flight

We are hoping that some elements (aircraft) of the Kings Birthday Flypast which is held on the same day will be able to fly overhead Abingdon shortly after Buckingham Palace. 

We are liaising with the Royal Air Force, and we can update on this closer to the time.

This, whatever we gain is a huge coup and most likely the only public event to see some elements whatever it may be in clear surroundings as they pass through.

As mentioned, more on this closer to the time once we know ourselves.

 The Ka 6 is a single-seat glider designed by Rudolf Kaiser,built by Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co, Germany and is constructed of spruce and plywood with fabric covering. 

This Schleicher Ka-6 is owned by Mr Kevin Hale

We welcome back Mr Iain Smith who will be demonstrating the aerobatics of his Pitts S1 - but more commonly known as the Jubilee Pitts with its bright colours.

The sequence will include stall turns, loops, rolls, knife edge passes aswell as straight & level flypasts. His routine is approximately 8 minutes and will be operating from / back to its home base.

A second glider provided by the Air Cadet Historic Flight (formerly 621 Volunteer Gliding Squadron Historic Flight) will be this rare Grasshopper TX1.

These entered RAF service from 1952 and gave many their first taste of gliding. As you can see from the photo it is a very fragile glider with the pilot completely exposed.

Our third Glider to confirm is this beautifully painted Kirby Kite. It was built in 1937 and used with the Glider Training Squadron in 1941.

Today the glider is painted to represent the mid 1940s Air Training Corps markings it used. This is another very rare type on display.