YEOVILTON PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS FOR AIR EXTRAVAGANZA
Wowed by a dazzling line up at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day, crowds witnessed a glittering array of aircraft representing the past, present and future of flight.
Cloudy skies and the occasional shower could not even dampen the delights at the Royal Navy’s largest Air Day as thousands enjoyed a festival of aviation. Spectators were thrilled as aircraft from across the world to the sky with breath-taking and exhilarating flying displays. With a crowd of over 35000 through the gates RNAS Yeovilton’s Air Day started as it meant to go on as two Wildcats and two Lynx (at their final ever Air Day) led with a ‘Diamond 4’ formation. The extravaganza had begun!
“We are really pleased to welcome everyone to RNAS Yeovilton from far and wide,” said Commodore Jon Pentreath OBE, Commanding Officer of Yeovilton. “We have assembled a magnificent wealth of talent from across the globe, to make this day very special.”
And an old favourite brought cheers and loud applause from the crowds as the Fly Navy Heritage trust’s Sea Vixen took to the Somerset skies. This iconic all British twin-boom, twin-turbo-jet powered fighter, that flew from the Royal Navy’s carriers in the 1960s and early 1970s thundered over the spectators, in true Naval style.
Amongst the many impressive displays, both static and flying, the crowds were bowled over by the Jordanian Falcons and amazed at the skill demonstrated by the Pitts Special who captivated with their acrobatic and spellbinding agility. The Pitts Special Pilot physically experiences in just eight minutes what a Formula one driver experiences in two hours of a Grand Prix! It’s like being in a tumble drier!
The Fleet Air Arm demonstrated their front line capability with displays from the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force with the Wildcat and a final farewell to Yeovilton Air Days from the Lynx Mk 8 as the aircraft goes out of service in March 2017.
The Black Cats team leader and pilot Lt Cdr Dave Lilly said on landing after thrilling the crowd: “This was a fantastic display for us showing what we can do with our Wildcats at our home base in front if our home crowd. It's a privilege to display to our community and show them what we can do.”
A magnificent display of aviation at its very best, celebrating the past present and future , left the crowds departing reluctantly for home, but happy and content following yet another superb show from the Royal Navy and Friends!