Classic Airshow 2003, Coventry
2003 saw the return of the Air Atlantique organised air displays at Coventry Airport with the ‘Classic Airshow.’ What made Coventry stand out was the sheer variety of rare and unusual classic brought in from overseas not often seen at other UK shows. Sadly, a shadow was cast over the event towards the end of Saturday’s display when Pierre Hollander’s ‘Spirit of St Louis’ replica crashed moments after take-off. Pierre, 59, died of his injuries in hospital after being air lifted from the scene by the local air ambulance.
All photography by the author.
What made the 2003 Classic Airshow stand out was the collection of classic aircraft from France. By far and away the star of the display was Nord 2501 Noratlas from Association le Noratlas de Provence. It gave a surprisingly punchy display culminating in a “tactical” landing from a very steep approach. Joining the Noratlas and making their UK air display debut were the two Morane-Saulnier MS733 Alcyons of La Patrouille de Morane. Despite only having very limited aerobatic performance, the two 1950’s trainers put on a spirited duo low level display.
Adding to the international flavour was the incredible KLM Douglas DC-2-142 making a very rare UK appearance. Like the Noratlas it gave a spirited display in its attractive bare-metal finish.
The show concludes with another unique display to Coventry, a role demonstration of Oil Pollution Control by Air Atlantique’s fleet of classic big prop-liners. These included the Douglas DC-3s, the Douglas DC-6 and the Lockheed L-188 Electra all fitted with spray booms.
