PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
09/06/24


Air Day Week 2024 has dawned!! Eyes will be very much on the skies over the next few days as the weather plays cat and mouse with its depressions and fronts...This morning could not be better, 8/8 blue skies if not a little chilly as winds from the polar regions up north come in our direction. On the basis that past Blackbushe events enjoyed excellent weather there's no reason to doubt that'll be the same for us this year. It looks as if by Friday the temperature will start to rise as a large piece of high pressure from the Azores edges its way in our direction. By Saturday will it be in place over Blackbushe? One plays Russian roulette putting any outdoor event on in our climate, but on that basis the odds are on our side...

If we travel back in time to 1958 on this day, 9th June, Gatwick Airport was opened after two years of reconstruction. Offering direct rail services to London Gatwick was considered to be London's new second airport, and despite protests from her resident airlines and the United States Navy Blackbushe Airport would close in 1960. Resident airlines formed a consortium to purchase Blackbushe from the Government but there was no way anywhere would be allowed to compete with the newly developed Gatwick. As we know, the demolition of Blackbushe was fast and thorough her days were done - or so it seemed. Except for AVM "Pathfinder" Bennett who could see a future for this ideal site for ab airfield as a General Aviation centre. That was 64 years ago, the beginning of 64 years during which Blackbushe would fight tooth and nail for her freedom and the AVM's concept of a modern GA centre. Perhaps we are now closer than ever to achieving that goal as centre stage there emerges a classic shape from the past in its green hangar - the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking is getting her colours!! Still a long way to completion but all will be able to see the progress at Saturday's Blackbushe Air Day. A Viking will stand proudly representing Blackbushe's former glory days as a major commercial airport, for those of us who remember a Viking resting on a still operational Blackbushe will be the most stirring of sights... A fantastic credit to the hard working and devoted technical team who have worked throughout the winter in all kinds of temperatures. These are truly our modern day heroes!




G-AGRW has come a long way since her triumphant return to Blackbushe - seen here about to turn in through the main gate following her long road trip from Austria!



Now with the 80th Annivesary of D Day very much in our minds 'POTD' takes another step back to 1944 and recalls the days at RAF Hartford Bridge as the Allied forces started their heroic journey to bring peace and freedom to Europe. Bomber involvement to soften up the opposition was of great value. Some more words from Stuart Marshall's "The Wartime Years"......



"226 Squadron were again undertaking night intruder flights on the 7th to Villedieu les Poeles and Mezidon.

By this time the Hartford Bridge squadrons were being used more and more in support of Allied troops as they started their push into occupied France and this was to continue later as the push spread into Europe. 88 Squadron were in action again on the 8th as they made a night attack on marshalling yards behind the bridge-head at Mezidon. Due to smoke and haze over the area some of the crews were able to carry out their bomb runs while others were forced to return with the bombs still aboard. Following this on the 10th, 226 Squadron flew a mission with their Mitchells against the Chateau de la Caine Panzer Headquarters building where they destroyed many of the assembled tanks and much heavy armour. To accomplish this they flew no fewer than 35 sorties in an eighty-hour period. The following day 88 Squadron took off at 0235 hours to attack the railway system between Le Hay and Cherbourg St Sauvior, the flight time for this attack being 2hrs 10 minutes.

It was a busy day on the 12th too. Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, accompanied by Prince Bernhard, paid a visit on the first anniversary of the formation of 322 (Dutch) Squadron. Also present was AVM Basil Embry, AOC 2 Group, and Air Commodore HM Pearson CBE, of 85 Group. The few British members of the squadron politely asked not to be available during the visit as they considered it should be a 'Dutch' day. Prince Bernhard was in fact a fairly regular visitor to the airfield, which he used to take great pleasure in beating up before landing his DC3.

Success came to 264 Squadron on the same day when their pilots shot down two JU188s while on patrol over the beach-heads. Meanwhile the Boston squadrons and the Mitchells of 226 Squadron were continuing to support the allied advances as they struck again and again against marshalling yards and steel works. Smoke up to 5000 feet could be seen as they also pressed home attacks against ammunition and supply dumps".




Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (plus dog) enjoys a Spitfire at Blackbushe during his visit in 1944.



Hopefully see you on Saturday at the Air Day!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
10/06/24

Through to the end of June, the month has numerous medical events lined up for the 'POTD' editorial staff, today is no exception with two. Seems that the long waits for appointments are over for now, a bit like the old adage of waiting for a bus and three come along together.. What comes after the bus ride remains to be seen as no stop has been scheduled.

I must leave soon, 'POTD' must be brief following a late start and an early appointment with the NHS.

Do you remember flight BA5390? A BAC 1-11 that suffered an explosive decompression over Oxfordshire sucking the Captain half out of the space where moments before there'd been an intact windshield?

Happily one of the cabin crew held on to the Captain as his unconscious body was battered by the airflow. The First Officer landed asap at Southampton and all was well. From what I remember the windshield had been incorrectly fitted. It does not seem that long ago, but horrors it was 34 years ago today...June 10, 1990.




A Blackbushe moment in time. During the Doug Arnold era and before all the trees and scrub grew along the A30, the assembled Dakotas giving an impression of Blackbushe past. During the era of 'real' Blackbushe there was no fence, just a ditch and few prickly gorse bushes to deter...



Not long to Air Day 2024. The weather charts are no longer showing the high pressure that was full of promise, fingers crossed..

Gotta go.

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
11/06/24


Another day nearer to Saturday and the much anticipated Blackbushe Air Day. It's definitely 'anticipated' with all tickets sold out a few weeks ago. In the south-east of England events where you may mingle with aeroplanes, meet pilots, listen to live music, enjoy flying displays via the 'big screen', wander around a widespread and varied exhibition area, and enjoy the 'all included' fun things for children, the Blackbushe Air Day now stands out as a rare and not to be missed occasion. See you there....

Today's 'POTD' leans on support of fellow 'Blackbushe people'.. Take the camera of Paul Phillips that recently got airborne from our favourite airfield!



The Terminal and apron area 2024...




The Terminal and apron area 1962... Taken by a very young 'me' when I was 17 and climbing out in an Anson.


You'll see from the above how the Terminal was shrunk and a vast amount of apron ripped-up by various authorities. Almost a lifetime of separation between my monochrome memory and Paul's bang up to date view..




Another from Paul's recent sortie. Here's a story in itself.

First the popularity of Blackbushe is self evident by the number of resident aircraft and the full to bursting car-park, the immaculate way the Airport is cared for today is also self evident.

Second, the signs of the new runway lighting installation are plain to see as Blackbushe's natural gravel indicates where the multitude of new fittings have been located.

Third, look to the top of the photo. The complex of white buildings shows where years before the United States Navy base was located. Long demolished, the authorities agreed to a business park being built on the famous site and , of course, it was no longer on Airport land. The area to the right of the photo indicates the now overgrown east end of Blackbushe placed into the care of the then local parish council. The remains of runways are evident as is where the apron once stretched out to the now ghostly evidence of where runway 14 once reached..




The apron 21st Century style. Spitfires still sing their song, sounds that have endured since the early days of 1942. Today they carry a passenger allowing that experience like no other - to fly in a Spitfire. Imagine, a Merlin in front, those glorious elliptical wings either side of you, and for a while you're carried into the blue tumult where young men shared your view as they flew into the battles that, along with the Hurricane, changed the course of history. You'll be in great company.




Finally from Paul this morning, another view of Blackbushe Airport from the air. Once again it clearly shows the suitability of Blackbushe as an airport. With so many acres of forestry and Common surrounding it environmentally no finer airport is to be found in the south-east, especially so close to London. The mass of used cars for sale that occupy the land still owned by British Car Auctions hardly produce 'eye appeal'. A bit different to the remote area I once discovered as a 14 year old when exploring what was left of Blackbushe after the government massacred the site. Various blister buildings and huts survived hidden in the forest. I recall one intact hut labelled "Smoke hut" where obviously equipment associated with the D Day smoke laying must have been stored, the bomb dump where bombs were delivered to the airfield, and another hut full of documents and papers - I wish I'd delved further into them, but at the time you think you've got all the time in the world. Seemingly I didn't!





Finally, another shot from your scribe's camera as we taxied away from the Terminal. Looking down the starboard wing there stretches the then highly expansive apron. We had visions of it being returned to Airport use, sadly visions that would never be upheld.



But, 62 years later the prospect of new aprons, hangars etc etc is very strong, but the memories of days gone by are, for some of us, quite indelible.

Many thanks to Paul for his photos today!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
12/06/24

Overnight marked a moment in the history and story of 'Photo of the Day', we reached our 750,000th visit - 75% of the way to a million hits...that's a lot of early mornings here at 'POTD' Towers, but hopefully the brotherhood of Blackbushe has found some value in our daily chuntering?

Can someone explain what happened to global warming in southern England? It's almost mid June and yesterday my weather monitoring equipment enjoying the conditions from its mast above the house indicated 10C around mid-morning. Before the day's anticipated precipitation I whizzed round with my amazing battery powered mower, a gripping chill was in the air until the clouds gave way to blue sky for about 15 minutes - the June Sun managed to show its dormant power briefly. Phewww, was it hot!! Blink, the clouds returned and the temperature plunged once again...Perhaps advancing years make one more sensitive to temperature changes? What happened to Global warming that demands we drive electric cars and shiver alongside our heat pumps?

Today, June 12th I fear promises more of the same meteorology as do the coming days...

Back in time 12th June produced two new shapes in the skies.. In 1994 the first computer designed commercial airliner took to the skies on June 12th, the Boeing 777-200 made its first flight from Boeing's Everett, Washington, site. Designed using CATIA a three-dimensional design technology . The aircraft could be assembled virtually by computer thus avoiding the costs of creating mock-ups.

Another first flight on today's date also recalls the first flight of the Britten-Norman Islander in 1965..




The rugged old Islander! Blackbushe hosted quite a few, especially during the Doug Arnold era when they arrived here for long-range fuel tanks prior to some long-haul delivery flights!




Visitors included all types, including the turbine version..




The Red Devils Islander was no stranger to Blackbushe, seen here participating in Blackbushe's 50th Anniversary air-show...




Finally for today some photos from John Varndell showing the progress of Blackbushe's exciting new lighting system... The system is scheduled for completion by 28th June. Testing of the system, flight testing, and final certification remain.










Proof that Blackbushe means business! The Airport will soon possess one of the most advanced lighting systems, makes you look forward to the dark evenings! Well, sort of...




Further proof, were it needed, that Blackbushe means business!! The ease and convenience of Blackbushe combined with professional service and affordability make the Airport first choice for business flights. When the new Terminal is built combined with a new infrastructure Blackbushe will be the logical choice for business operations.




Another PC-12 arrives. Spectators insist on standing at the end of the runway! A unique, but questionable, opportunity to get up close to arriving aircraft...




Just another day and example of Blackbushe at work.. Another recent visitor, a TBM-940..



Sincere thanks to John V for providing some of his most recent Blackbushe images!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day
13/06/24

The General Election set for 4th July provides the anticipated stream of promises and actions we can expect if any of the parties come into 'power' as they like to say...

Aviation looks set for a bashing. Despite the world economy being geared to the influences of air travel/transport certain parties seem to think that by bashing the 'super rich' and taxing the most regular uses of private jets they'll plough the way to 'net zero', that over used and rather convenient expression that all our prospective leaders treat as the holy grail and all must bow down in reverence to..

How they intend to pin down the most regular private jet users - and then tax them - remains an interesting question. Just as how they will protect 'ordinary households' by reducing costs for those who only take 'one or two' flights annually. This party fails to make mention of the already active APD for which new rates were published in the 2025/26 budget. APD was introduced as a 'green tax' on aviation in the mid 90s but as it is all such funds are simply consumed by the Treasury and fail to go toward their intended goal of helping the effects of aviation on the climate. Oh yes, and they want domestic carriers to produce the comparative carbon emissions from their flights to an equivalent rail journey at the time of booking... Banning short-haul flights where a direct rail alternative of under 2.5 hours is available unless the aircraft is 'alternatively fuelled'. Another incidental comment.."a moratorium on net airport expansion until a national capacity and emissions management framework is in place, and opposing the expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or London City airports and any new airport in the Thames Estuary". Well, that's aviation dealt with - next please.....

We just need British Energy to be formed at vast cost alongside the mass insulation programme and the destruction of our North Sea oil fields losing thousand of jobs. A nation covered in windmills that will be built where this prospective party will 'back the builders' not the 'knockers'... A worrying step toward a dictatorship! The leader of that particular party preaches carbon reduction and what he'll do to achieve it - but travels the length of our nation by using a 'gas guzzling private jet'.

Anyway, 'POTD' remains clear of such election stuff, but sometimes the temptation and the irony of our political leaders and what they say is hard to ignore!




Blue skies over Blackbushe for our Air Day last year. Just a couple of days and we'll be in the midst of Air Day 2024...and the weather will be, umm we'll find out on the day!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
14/06/24

Time is a strange beast, come New Year's Day the Blackbushe Air Day 2024 was six months away, now it is just hours away.. in a blink of time!





One of the joys of events like the Air Day is that you meet old friends who arrive by air and by surface. Sadly not all old friends will be with us as the years take their toll. Two of the 'old team' that came together soon after AVM Bennett purchased Blackbushe have been taken from us during the past year. 'Bazz' Harris and John Lowe, they're greatly missed, both of whom had Blackbushe so much a part of their lives right up to the end. Sadly there are very few of the 'old team' left, but life goes on and Blackbushe continues to thrive very much meeting the hopes of the old team from the 1960's...




Happy memories, John Lowe second from right, 'Bazz' Harris next to him , third from the right. We were all somewhat younger back then, photos like this bring back some great memories! The Cosmic Wind at the Daily Telegraph/St John Ambulance Air Show back in 1967.



I don't expect POTD will be having much to say tomorrow, seems that there's something going on at Blackbushe - early start!!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
15/06/24


The big day has arrived, feels like Christmas has come again after weeks of anticipation with the build-up and team work that goes into putting on an event of this size. Super job by the Airport team - big round of applause!

At 05.30 we're under perfect blue skies, but being in the midst of a vigorous depression the strong breeze suggests the early morning sky will change its appearance quite soon... Better wear another hole in the prayer mat!!

The fruits of some of my winter/spring work arrived from Southampton yesterday afternoon as the wonderful Grumman Albatross landed with a delightful fly-by before finally touching down on Blackbushe tarmac, the first time an Albatross has landed at Blackbushe since May, 1960. The US Navy examples of the early days wore their dark blue colours and US insignia, today's Albatross wears a far more relaxed outfit.. Back in the fifties they sounded amazing, yesterday's arrival proved they still do.

Quite an emotional moment seeing the fruits of an idea materialise from a page in Blackbushe's history to the moment when it's real and touching down on Blackbushe's welcoming runway. The moment was certainly appreciated by fellow onlookers! Worth every line of every e-mail!










Grumman HU-16B Albatross - N98TP by Steve Lynes, on Flickr

Grumman HU-16B Albatross - N98TP by Steve Lynes, on Flickr

Grumman HU-16B Albatross - N98TP by Steve Lynes, on Flickr

The three above images are thanks to Steve Lynes! Well caught Sir!



It's been a while since 1960 when the last US Navy Albatross vanished into distant skies when the US Navy had their Blackbushe base whisked away beneath them... Amazing how old memories come on duty when the moment is right! Let's hope the weather is kind and permits the other exciting aircraft expected at Blackbushe today..




Yum, yum.... the Blackbushe Heritage Trust Viking gets her nose back as the Team prepare the hangar and the Viking for the Air Day!



Later today London will enjoy the Fly-past over the City to celebrate the King's Birthday followed by a small contingent who will give Blackbushe a fly-past too! Did you know that on this date in 1953 the Fleet Air Arm put on a 300 aircraft fly-past as they took part in the Coronation review of the Fleet for HM Queen Elizabeth II?

On this day in 1946 the US Navy's 'Blue Angels' gave their first public performance...

And one more word about today's date, the dear old Vickers Wellington -the forerunner to the postwar Viking airliner - made its first flight from Brooklands on this day in 1936! As did the Westland Lysander also on the same day...


Enjoy the day... see you at Blackbushe?

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
16/06/24

Air Day 2024 will be remembered for the year when the weather gods were not quite so kind as in other years. By 09.00 the wind strength, and the fact you hardly see across the airfield due to the heavy rain falling on us made the prospects of all our static display aircraft somewhat limited. However, we got a few with the mighty Grumman Albatross creating much interest. Nonetheless, the atmosphere of the day was very positive, plenty to look at, to eat and to drink, and musical entertainment of the highest order. The showers rolled by and the Sun popped his head out whenever he could, enough to give my nose and ears a very ruddy complexion..if not a little sore!

The Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking and associated exhibits created much interest, with many comments remarking on how the Trust's 'show' had grown over a few short years. From a solitary trailer to the Viking's arrival and hangar the following year to 2024 when the Trust's exhibit included the shop, the new 'History Hub', and of course the progress with the Viking's fuselage. Massive progress from a very dedicated team. Well done all!!

Sadly there was a large grass area that was waiting for the many display aircraft booked, but the weather is not to be argued with and the parking area was somewhat 'under used'. "Aerobility Live", the live and online air-show with its big-screen presentation created a huge amount of interest and non-stop action!

Air Day 24 was a great success despite the weather elements trying their worst to damped spirits.




The sounds of Blackbushe! Blackbushe in the fifties when clattering radials, clouds of oily smoke as they coughed into life, were part and parcel of every day at this most splendid of airports.




An aeroplane equipped with floats seemed entirely appropriate at times!!




Some of the aircraft who joined the static display during one of the Sun's welcome visits..




Royal Air Force participation as three Chinooks performed a fly-by enroute from the King's Birthday celebrations in London. The Jet Provost added to the 'air show' feel.




A relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere at Blackbushe Air Day '24.




Excuse my finger getting in the way... A very well supported car-show added to the flavour of the day!




An impressive show of Blackbushe's many home-based aircraft tightly parked on the cross runway. Shows how Blackbushe has changed over the years..


There's much more I could/should have photographed..

Great job by all concerned, especially the Airport team who worked so hard before, during, and after the event.

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
17/06/24

Would you look at THAT!! A perfect azure blue sky, gentle breeze, 15C at 07.30... Seems that Mother Nature is applying one more cruel twist after Saturday's Air Day efforts, but that's the risk you take putting on any event under English skies. Historically we've been very lucky with the weather at our Blackbushe events - all the way from the Air Festival in 1977 and all our fly-ins etc that came before - including the Barn Stormers' air displays in the early seventies, late sixties. Our very first event in October 1962 was the 'Great Re-opening Air Display', cloudy but dry and calm, an event that fuelled my thirst to gather lots of aeroplanes for events such as that.

It's frustrating to put in so many hours of work only for the weather to stamp on you, the Airport team must have been feeling pretty hacked off. Having spent the past six months contacting/writing letters/sending emails to selected aircraft owners and the overall anticipation of around 100 aircraft booked for the day it is a little disappointing to face heavy rain, gusty cross winds, and a lot of space awaiting the day's arrivals! From my small part, the Albatross was the aeroplane I wanted to hook more than any. Historically an aeroplane highly appropriate to Blackbushe's past. Some detective work lead to the right contacts in the USA and to my joy we got their acknowledgement that it 'might work' for them. Thank heavens it did and on Friday evening we had this wonderful aeroplane with us. Great crew, we got on extremely well and they gave me a very valuable contact with Red Bull's decision maker!! Who knows?? Next year?? They offered me a seat on the aircraft back to Southampton on Saturday evening, sadly I could not accept it, but I wish I could have!!




A strange day weather wise - in the afternoon strong June sunshine blasted out from between the clouds, while the fresh winds kept things cool. The public enjoyed the day and the entertainment and braved the conditions stoically as is in our nature when it comes to weather...The rain storms passed by on either side during the afternoon, but at the start of the day you couldn't see across the airfield in heavy precipitation. The empty grass area that awaited our inbound aircraft remained empty, but happily we had quite a number of aircraft on show including the Friday arrivals. Wisely, most inbounds cancelled although I believe the Anson turned back while some distance to our north. During the gaps over half a dozen aircraft made it in including Mike Biddulph in his immaculate Cessna 150, his landing lights appearing from the north-west were a welcome sight!



Running late today, logged some extra hours sleep last night, and a clear week lies ahead to catch-up on jobs undone...

Back tomorrow!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
18/06/24

What a glorious day, 06.30 just some touches of very high cloud to paint the picture, warm, calm, delightful. I say nothing more as to how the British weather can change from the ridiculous to the sublime in such short a short time. Remember Saturday?

I was greatly saddened to read of the loss on Saturday of a Lockheed Electra 'Junior' in Chino, operated by the Chino based Yanks Air Museum it came down just beyond the airport fence and claimed two lives. A Fathers' Day event. The 'Junior' is a six seat version of the Lockheed Electra 10 that attended last year's Blackbushe Air Day.


For those who remember events in 1939, it was in June that Pan Am launched the first direct transatlantic passenger seaplane service from New York to Southampton. Routed via Botwood, Newfoundland, and Foynes, Ireland operating the Boeing Clipper. Departing New York on 28th June, it arrived Southampton on 30th June. Things have progressed somewhat over the ensuing years...




Blackbushe's closest encounter with a long-haul seaplane was when the mighty Princess Flying Boat made a fly-by during the Farnborough Air Show!




Blackbushe's latest amphibian encounter was on Friday when the Grumman Albatross arrived for this year's Blackbushe Air Day.



Had the Catalina not been away we might well have had her sitting next to the Albatross, quite a scoop had it happened! As it was the Albatross was quite a scoop on her own...

Finally, away from Blackbushe for a moment, how familiar are you with AR3664? There are varied suppositions as to what its outcome maybe...

PB, have a nice day!