Redhill Airshow 2006
Occupying it’s traditional mid August slot, the Redhill Airshow returned after a very successful VE/VJ event in 2005. Organised by Acebell Aviation, the show maintains a unique and very relaxed garden party atmosphere in the beautiful amphitheatre created by the surrounding hills.
Redhill Aerodrome is always a very pleasant place to be. Apart from the perimeter track, it remains a traditional large grass aerodrome with three runways surrounded by the leafy Surrey hills, the perfect place for a summer event. 2006 saw much better conditions for the airshow than 2005 despite some changeable weather with the majority of the day remaining dry. The morning fly-in may well not be as large as other venues, but it always seem to attract some very interesting aircraft. Amongst the Chipmunks and Piper Cubs this year were examples of a Percival Vega Gull and a Pilatus P-2. The latter was a military trainer which was designed in 1942 and is believe to incorporate undercarriage systems from the Messerschmitt Bf109.
The afternoon flying displays are a pleasing mix of family favourite displays alongside a select few military displays which operate from nearby Biggin Hill. Amongst the pick of the displays this year were the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, 100 Squadron Hawk T1 solo flown by Flt Lt Dunc Wylie plus a local Hughes 300 which appeared to have ‘Tigger’ as a co-pilot!
Redhill extremely good value and money raised goes to the Royal Air Forces Association, The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association and the Surrey Air Ambulance Appeal as well as other local charities.
All photography by Paul Johnson/Flightline UK.
