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