PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
29/06/24

Late again! A consequence of being kept awake by the results of the February prang, and then dropping off at the wrong end of the night!! Well, we're here now on another example how beautiful a Saturday in June can be.....Any fly-ins today will be well blessed by the weather persons!

As time is of the essence we'll be brief.. No direct links with Blackbushe except for a strong link with the POTD editorial chap, but today celebrates the first flight of the VC10, that magnificent long haul aeroplane put to such great use by BOAC/British Airways. On 29th June, 1962, G-ARTA was rolled out of her hangar at the Vickers Wisley works and took to the skies for the first time. The VC10 was not a quiet aeroplane, (she was inside!), as for many years she left her distinctive sound footprint across the land...

In 1962 as the aircraft was put through her flight trials she would roar across Blackbushe heading west from Wisley or Brooklands before disappearing into western skies proving he worth as an airliner for 'tomorrow'...

My recall of those days is courtesy of spending school hols in 1962 helping with Gordon Wilmer's duties as caretaker of the now vast and abandoned Blackbushe. Closed now for two years and largely owned by AVM 'Pathfinder' Bennett I had got to know Gordon well and nowhere else could compete with the fresh air that accompanied the expanse of Blackbushe. Helping with anything that was a step nearer to Blackbushe becoming operational again was school holiday time being put to good use. One of many memories is the magnificent VC10 crossing over head in those days heading west for more flight trials with the magnificent roar of four Rolls Royce Conway engines opening up to climb thrust...

The VC10 would be far from meeting today's exacting noise and fuel economy demands, but she was - and always will be - a joy to behold!


















Above, some other proud British aircraft designs seen at Blackbushe in 1962 at the same time as the VC10 was proving herself to the world...

Enjoy a Saturday with sunshine...



Pure British elegance, one of the few survivors, Duxford's Super VC10.



PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
30/06/24

What a difference a day makes - if you're in England! Yesterday blue skies, today rain, overcast and looking at Blackbushe at 07.30 13kts blowing at right angles to the main runway. Not ideal!

That's life! Just look at this year's Air Day compared to the perfect days of previous such events. It was a great day but the weather proved its changeable self!

The weather can co-operate perfectly! Looking back to 1963 and shooting "The Winstone Effect" at Blackbushe starring Robert Mitchum the airfield had to take-on the appearance of a sun drenched rain starved airfield in India. It was August and the long hot summer created a Blackbushe that could easily have been a sun drenched airfield out east..



Our starring Dakota lent itself perfectly to the atmosphere of the time. Arrived in the colours of Tyne Tees Air Charter and with a couple of days thanks to water paints transferred into a typical hard working wartime aircraft under baking Indian skies!


Another subject regarding Blackbushe's actual wartime history was brought up recently. The activity of the Free French Lorraine Squadron who played a very significant role here during the war.. If you are able to find a copy "Lorraine Squadron" by Paul Lambermont provides a brilliant insight into life here during those decisive years..




"Lorraine Squadron" by Paul Lambermont has it all.



Here's hoping for brighter skies over Blackbushe today, but its Glastonbury so what can we expect?


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
01/07/24

Last day before being having all kind of surgical applications to the old nose and associated breathing apparatus which hopefully will fix the airflow (lack of) problems since the great February prang! "POTD" will resume at the earliest possible opportunity and hopefully appear in a timely fashion for those who chomp their Corn Flakes with a sprinkling of "POTD".

A significant week, England make a significant if unexpected win on the football front, a General Election on the same day as Blackbushe's new lighting system is calibrated, and "POTD" gets a rebuilt hooter!

No comments on football, but one wonders how the party looking likely to move into No 10 this week and their proposed 'change' that includes a mass house building scheme - including greenfield sites - will square with the aerodromes across the land already under threat of becoming 'leafy green suburbs'? Airfields are soft targets for anyone with house building on their agenda, we must be careful where we site our 'X' on 4th July? Over to you...

Yesterday the sound of the Spitfire once again resonated across Blackbushe Airport - sadly I was unable to be there - bringing back the sounds of the 1940s when the resident Spitfire squadrons went about their work defending against enemy aircraft violating our airspace and photographing large areas of enemy held territory to maintain our intelligence and strategic images for planning events such as D Day... Yesterday it was Spitfire G-AIDN who flew into Blackbushe for another in the series of passenger carrying flights. G-AIDN is famous for long being a two-seat Spitfire, way back in the early sixties as IDN was flying from Southampton - and a very rare asset - an airworthy Spitfire. At Blackbushe there were those amongst us in those far off grey days who hoped beyond hope that IDN would pay us a visit. Then owned by the champion of aircraft restorations and rebuilds, Viv Bellamy, the sight and sound of a Spitfire actually on the ground at Blackbushe was thought unlikely at best. We were right, it took a few more years until Spitfires and Blackbushe were truly reunited.

The sounds of a Spitfire remains the same as they were during the heat of WW2, the sound of freedom and the fight against vile dictatorships, a sound that carries never ending emotions as we remember the lives and comradeship that existed amid the fighter squadrons of WW2. Today, the sounds of Merlins crossing the sky and attending diary events across the land is not so unusual and consequently perhaps does not kick the emotional reaction quite so strongly? I so clearly remember going to a Battle of Britain show at Biggin Hill many years ago with my Dad, the days when Biggin Hill was THE location for an annual Battle of Britain weekend. I was very early teens and recall the tears that ran down my face when a Spitfire took to the air. I couldn't explain it and tried to hide the tears discretely!




Back to 1977!!


Nothing gave me greater pleasure than bringing the Spitfire to Blackbushe for our Air Festivals in the seventies, a Mk V in 1976 from Shuttleworth and MkIX from Booker in 1977. Tears, or not, the Spitfire and the Hurricane continue to produce the 'lump in the throat' syndrome whenever and whenever........

"POTD" will return (hopefully) when set free from the bounds of the NHS complete with repaired nose etc, hopefully sooner rather than later?

I note June just gone was our busiest month on record at "POTD" with 14,654 visits. Your interest in matters Blackbushe is greatly appreciated -THANK YOU!!

PB

[PB]

"POTD" part two
01/07/24

Our star commentator on POTD's "Comments" pages 'Rocky14' has sent a link to the film partly shot at Blackbushe in 1963. Based on the Winston Affair, Blackbushe provided a hot August of parched yellow/brown grass and blazing sunshine - just like the India she was portraying...

The Blackbushe sequence comes in the first few minutes - amazing how flat and pristine the now disused east end of the airfield looked back then!!!

I was 17 and AVM Bennett's 'Ops Department' at Blackbushe thus very much involved in procedures at Blackbushe as big names of the era were present, and the Dakota from Tyne Tees Air Charter arrived for her water colours coat of drab green and US military markings...





Some memories from the time


























The old Blackbushe fire engine and the Airport bowser provided excellent props for the movie!!


Over and out.
PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
03/07/24

Safely back in the trusty "POTD" seat with a freshly operated on nose where part of the damage needing rectification turned out to be a very generous abscess feasting on the cartilage that forms the shape and strength of the nose. Accounts for some of the 'discomfort' since February! Back to ENT on Friday for the removal of drains currently installed in the rather bloody nostrils..

Back to the more important stuff, like the progress of Blackbushe Airport..

If you have access to Facebook you'll find this an exciting look into the future that will very soon be today... www.facebook.com/100064563254944/videos/pcb.908543201307780/1174130463925038

The new runway lighting received its calibrations on Monday night with flight trials taking place tomorrow - election day - Blackbushe gets my vote as the south's most up and coming and affordable airport. "Change" is coming to Blackbushe, just be careful as to which 'Change' you vote for tomorrow, or you may not have so much change in your pocket!!

Looking at the vast amount of space all the parties have given to supporting aviation in their manifestos we find not a lot. This link from Airport Technology rather confirms the point! www.airport-technology.com/features/uk-election-what-do-the-party-manifestos-hold-for-civil-aviation/




This photo courtesy of Blackbushe Airport gives an idea of an investment that sees a great future for Blackbushe and General Aviation... The new runway lights received their calibration work earlier this week, calibration flights will occur tomorrow and by the end of July hopefully all will be fully certified. Christmas lights guaranteed!!



That's today's "POTD" where we have a nose for news??

Catch you soon!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
04/07/24

Bit late again today, a few post-op items.

Today's the day we all have the chance to decide the future of our country, looks like no bets necessary as to who will have the keys to Number 10 and the nation once the counts are complete?

An eye on the future at Blackbushe showed the new Blackbushe runway lighting and approach aids being calibrated today via Flight Calibration Services DA62 as per FR24. Another step in the right direction!

Not a lot to add today except looking back on this year's rather wet and windy Air Day. The Albatross was a very popular addition to the event, its bright colour scheme contrasting with the more sombre colours of the United States Navy's dark blue schemes.. I note that on this day in 1973 an Albatross set the world altitude record for twin engined amphibians by reaching an altitude of 32,883 ft.



The Albatross at Blackbushe Air Day this year, proved to be a well photographed addition to the aircraft on show!


Hopefully see you and back on schedule tomorrow?

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
05/07/24

Today will go down in history as the day our political scene was modified by the 60% of British people who bothered to turn out and vote. What happened to the other 40%? Starmer and his associates traded on the word "change", well seems they were right, the dry spell ended and it's pouring with rain. Great for the garden...

So far as aviation and airports are concerned we look forward to seeing if the changes in Downing Street will reflect a positive attitude toward aviation and the preservation of essential airfields. Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association recently released this statement, “We are pleased to see Labour commit to supporting sustainable aviation fuel and airspace modernisation, though more detail of just how they will do so is required. It is also welcome that there are no planned increases in aviation taxes or measures designed to restrict demand.

“It is important that airports can make best of use of their facilities however, the planning system often holds back infrastructure projects aimed at supporting economic growth, so it is positive that Labour has committed to ensuring it meets the needs of the modern economy. Further detail will be required, however, to see what the party would do in government.

“We would have liked to see more policies aimed at encouraging visitors to come to the UK, for business and leisure, including arrivals duty-free, tax-free shopping and changing the rules around transit passengers requiring an ETA.”


From "Airport Technology" we read this regarding Labour's manifesto and aviation scope. "The Labour Party.....
If anyone was hoping for more insight from the opposition regarding civil aviation, they would be sorely disappointed.


“Labour will secure the UK aviation industry’s long-term future, including through promoting Sustainable Aviation Fuels, and encouraging airspace modernisation.”

That’s all that Labour has to say on the matter. Less than half the words the Conservative Party felt aviation was worthy of. Vague notions of security, a recognition of the growing SAF sector, and a general aim to modernise UK airspace. All very vague, lacking any detail, and failing to commit to anything actionable.

As with the Conservatives, there is no mention of a stance on airport expansions, nothing on air passenger duty, nor any industry taxes or subsidies. That’s about as much analysis of Labour’s aviation policies as anyone could reasonably glean from the 139-page document".



While the rain brings change to the garden this morning we'll have to wait a little longer to find how the new govenment's 'change' reflects on airfields such as Blackbushe.




1950s, an increasingly significant passenger airport.




1960s Change! Under the Conservatives who in October 1959 achieved their third consecutive victory and wiped Blackbushe from the map.




2024..a developing General Aviation airport to serve the UK's need for runways in commercially viable locations, locations that also meet environmental requirements, that are accessible and affordable... Blackbushe.


We now have a new MP serving the area, Alex Brewer of the Liberal Democrats, a lady who lives in Fleet who will hopefully show more interest in the great facility and opportunities that await at Blackbushe Airport - one of our outstanding local assets.

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
06/07/24


Regret "POTD" couldn't make it to the runway on time today, crew health issues!




"Farnborough Week" is getting closer, the above is a distant memory of our Blackbushe Farnborough traffic in the seventies when with aircraft movements, passengers, and the wonderful smell of kerosene being used we very much had the atmosphere of a busy airport. The sad thing was on the following Monday when the Airport went back to its usual weekday activity and the action had moved on..



For better, or for worse, we have a new government elected via 34% of the votes cast. Noted that our road still has potholes, no change there...

Hopefully back tomorrow.

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
07/07/24

Good morning, Sunday at 07.30 a morning notable for the present lack of precipitation compared to yesterday. It IS July ( I think) but where is our summer?? I guess we're spared the headlines of fires breaking out and hosepipe bans...

Do you remember Farnborough Week in the fifties? Held in September when the first shivers of autumn swept their chill fingers across events, or on the other hand autumn provided the perfect conditions for an air show, especially one the calibre of "Farnbrough". Farnborough 2024 launches in 15 days from now, another mighty gathering of the big names and a shop window to 21st Century technology. But, something has changed. In the fifties flying displays were the focal point of the event with participation aircraft manufactured solely by British companies and members of the SBAC. From the memory of a then school boy the rehearsals took best part of the week previous to the Air Show opening, formations of Javelins, Gannets, Hunters, V-bombers, aerobatic displays by all sorts would take-up Farnborough's local airspace. Such went on into the sixties, and Farnborough was an event greatly looked forward to by those of a schoolboy's persuasion. The latter years of the fifties brought us the 'other' Farnborough, namely the large numbers of visitors from around the world who zoned in on Blackbushe - the official Farnborough visitors destination. Yellow RAF Whirlwinds flew a shuttle between Blackbushe and Farnborough..

"Farnborough" at Blackbushe and Farnborough are no longer the same, considering how close we are to this year's Farnborough there has not been a lot of 'noise' regarding what was once billed as the greatest air show on Earth..It was.

The armada of Farnborough visitors to Blackbushe, of course, stopped when the Airport was closed in May, 1960. However, that lead to our own Farnborough at Blackbushe from the early sixties after AVM "Pathfinder" Bennett saved most of this precious airfield from absolute destruction. First, a couple of Doves, and Anson, and a few other types arrived bringing trade personnel for Farnborough. That grew for years until we had a fabulous influx of all types from F-27, business twins of all shapes and sizes, and fleets of single engined aircraft that we carefully parked on either side of runway 14/32, on the grass where today's residents live, with larger aircraft on the apron. They were magical days sadly not to last. Doug Arnold arranged for full Customs facilities providing the airfield with a dedicated Customs area. No fault of Blackbushe, the numbers of visitors flying to Farnborough declined and those days came to an end. Myself and the late Roger Russell always took a week's holiday for Farnborough Week spending the week marshalling visitors and creating a magnificent display of aircraft sometimes parked on both sides of 14/32. Nothing to beat the feeling of driving to the airfield early knowing that we would soon be receiving a significant flow of visiting aircraft. We had a taxi service that ferried passengers and crew to the Terminal area as Learjets, 125s, Beech 200s, etc etc created a spectacle that we knew would be short lived.

To us this was an insight into Blackbushe in the future as and when it became developed. Those Doug Arnold Days have gone, the BCA days have gone during which improvements were made to the Terminal, but it is only now under the present ownership that Blackbushe has taken quantum strides into that long awaited future have been taken. Land exchange, new runway lighting, a real plan for the future for hangars, a new Terminal and Control Tower - much is in the offing. It's not a case of "if" any longer but "when"...a little more patience has to be asked for.

Still hard to believe that I've spent so much of the past sixty years with Blackbushe on my mind, where'd the years go? Still. it's done and I just hope that I'm still around to see the changes dreamed of throughout those years...

Time. Funny how "new" aircraft are suddenly not so new. The Boeing 787 seems 'new' but it's now 13 years since its new shape first set foot on Farnborough's runway....



Passenger flights into Blackbushe - Farnborough Air Show fashion.




Military movements, a little reminiscent of Farnborough in the fifties when military transports took their places.




Passengers arrived from over the seas..




Busy apron..




Busy runway..


I could go on, but you get the idea!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
08/07/24

Greetings Blackbushe people!! It's now 09.30, the POTD editorial staff still under a post-operative haze me thinks. Hopefully the drugs will come to an end in a couple of days and maybe I'll get back to the 'night-owl' mode? Time will tell, but I'm not enjoying losing precious hours sleeping when waking life has so much to offer.

Straight to the point now, yesterday witnessed two beautiful and sizeable shapes on the Blackbushe apron. Sadly I was not able to see them, but the roving camera of the one and only Pete Vickery caught them in situ. The result is below...




Pete's picture, two fabulous business jets lined up on Blackbushe's present main apron. One is tempted to see this as a crystal ball into perhaps the not too far distant future...



Challenger 601 N939CC and Falcon 7X VP-CBY created what will hopefully prove to be a vision of 'tomorrow'. I understand a PC-24 was also in the mix yesterday, very encouraging for the airport the government unceremoniously chucked on the scrap heap in 1960..

Hopefully back tomorrow if the medication lets me wake-up at some point!!

PB