PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
09/07/24

What greater degree of human depravity could possibly exceed Vladimir Putin's obscene attack on a children's hospital yesterday?

It's impossible to follow such a question, there cannot be any answer, in the advanced 21st Century where technology is taking great strides to the benefit of mankind, where we daily learn more about the mysteries of the universe, about ourselves, and the treatment of disease - this man continues his crimes against humanity knowing all we in the western world will do is look on unable to strike back without fear of war that would bring about the end of civilization as we know it.

Nothing to do with Blackbushe and "POTD", but I'm quite certain we all must share such views?

On this day in 1941 another evil regime felt the effect of British technology on their efforts to inflict damage on the UK.. In a span of under three hours, three Junkers Ju 88As suffer controlled flight into terrain in northeast England, believed to be due to a British radio counter-measure 'Meacon' which falsifies German navigational beacon signals and caused the planes to fly headlong into coastal hills. The first Ju 88A comes in from the sea in mist and flies into the ground at Speeton near Bridlington at 2348 hrs. All crew perish. At 0006 hrs., another Junkers flies into a cliff at Cliff Farm, Staithes, Yorkshire, in bad weather, killing all crew. A third bomber comes in from the sea in mist and flies into the ground at a shallow angle at Speeton near Bridlington at 0120 hrs. The aircraft is burnt by the crew who are all captured.




Peace. The Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking prepares for a night of peaceful slumbers shortly after her return to Blackbushe, safe in the knowledge that she has got many years ahead as spokesperson for the rich heritage of both Blackbushe and the Viking..



Wishing you a peaceful day......
PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
10/07/24

Is it possible? Not raining and a degree of humidity in the air...perhaps all is not lost from the weather's point of view?

Talking of weather, how often do you look at the skies and there against the magnificent blue beyond are described short lived vapour trails, evidence of our modern world as aircraft pursue their routes to far away places?




A pleasant day in north-east Hampshire - just a reminder of what blue skies look like...on one of those days that suited the creation of vapour trails



Some while ago I was engaged in a 'friendly' conversation with a chap who was of the green persuasion who obviously believed everything he read about the evils of aviation and in particular he was convinced that the condensation trails formed behind hot engines at altitude are in fact 'chemtrails' and part of some plot by government or some secretive body to sow something into our atmosphere - for what purpose he was unable to say, but obviously these trails are part of a sinister plan to control all that lies below!! Who won the discussion I'm not sure, seems this particular person's climatic concerns were set in concrete and basic science was not enough to convince him that water vapour plays a significant role in our everyday climatic events - con trails included!

The following article in relation to business jets and their vapour trails published in Aviation News back in May indicates efforts toward reducing the quantity of vapour trails in the sky and subsequently reducing the climate warming effect they have. The International Panel on Climate Change claim that vapour trails are responsible for 35% of aviation's global warming footprint...

Here's the article... "Boeing-owned flight-planning company ForeFlight announced this week it has entered a collaboration with climate and clean-energy group Breakthrough Energy (BE) to develop and produce “advanced tools” to enable business aviation operators to avoid producing contrails. The overall goal is to reduce the harmful environmental effects of the artificially generated clouds.

ForeFlight said, according to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), contrails are responsible for approximately 35% of aviation’s global warming footprint. ForeFlight and BE are working on software tools that can analyze weather forecasts, satellite imagery and other related data to model atmospheric conditions that induce contrails. The product will enable business aviation operators, such as Europe’s Luxaviation, to avoid the vulnerable air masses and lessen the environmental impact of the contrails.

ForeFlight Chief Technology Officer Henrik Hansen said, “Dispatchers at Luxaviation and elsewhere using ForeFlight already have access to our most powerful flight planning tools to help pilots avoid turbulence, icing and storms. So, the seemingly next step is surfacing areas where contrails could be created. As the research continues to evolve, we’re excited to explore new and innovative ways to integrate the models and data produced by Breakthrough Energy.”

ForeFlight and BE estimate that slightly redirecting as few as 5% of flights could eliminate most contrail-related warming. While redirecting flights could increase fuel use, the data show that the net effect would be a significant reduction in warming. Matteo Mirolo, head of Contrails Policy and Strategy at BE, said, “Working with ForeFlight is an important step to reaching more aviation operators around the world. We look forward to continuing to find ways to put this useful information in front of pilots and to meaningfully mitigate warming contrails.”



Although voices from within our new government have been heard to say that private jets will be banned it's interesting that our newly instated Prime Minister agreed that travelling by private jet was the most efficient means of traversing the UK during one of his pre election trips to Scotland. There is no doubt that business jets are the hands and arms of global 'big business' providing travel requirements totally unmatched by scheduled airline operations, any efforts to restrict their operations would be detrimental in the extreme.












Business jets of all shapes and sizes play their part in Blackbushe's everyday activity. Proof that the Airport is playing a significant role in today's business based air transport, a factor that will undoubtedly grow as and when Blackbushe Airport builds her new passenger Terminal and can truly offer a competitive and affordable alternative...




What will tomorrow offer??


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
11/07/24


It's July and at 07.30 it looks like a perfect summer's day!! The year is passing by just too quickly, don't they all? The more you've seen the faster they go.. Farnborough Air Show has almost come around again, where did the past two years go? Anyway, for those of you who are public spirited, reasonably fit and would like to raise money for local good causes there's nothing more fun than the Blackbushe Twilight Runway Challenge on Saturday 21st September. Whether you hop, skip, cycle, consider joining the fun, it'll be good for you and the others you help. Details found here www.twilightchallenge.co.uk/

While your diary is open on September now's the time to note the date of the next Blackbushe Airport Consultative Meeting. Promises to be an interesting meeting as Blackbushe moves toward the future, they're always interesting!! Next meeting is on 17th September in the Pathfinder Cafe, starting at 19.00. You are welcome to attend, the more the merrier as it shows public interest in events and developments at Blackbushe. You've got the date - see you there?? The new runway lights might be on as the darker evenings return...

However, it's only July - we've got the summer ahead, haven't we?

Wondering where POTD is going to go today the editorial department thought we'd go back and look at the various Avro Ansons that have landed at Blackbushe during the past six decades of the airfield being in private hands...




EKCO Electronics brought the first one back in 1962..Ansons alighted at Blackbushe in droves during Farnborough Weeks in the fifties, seeing that old shape back again - even with a bump on the nose - was really rather moving.




..this one too!




A degree of mystery surrounded this one. Back in the sixties in sat on the grass for ages with stories about going to Africa in support of some uprising..




Lord Trefgarne was very supportive of Blackbushe back in the sixties, his 'Treffield Aviation' Anson was a welcome visitor.




The years ticked by until 2016 when British Aerospace agreed to bring their Anson from Old Warden for our first Air Day. They supported further events such as the Blackbushe 75th, but my contact is no longer involved and such support has come to an end.








Our friends up at Sleap have become welcome supporters of our recent Blackbushe Air Days with their war like Anson. Sadly the weather thwarted their efforts to attend this year...



From my very much younger days living in south-east Berkshire, the sound of Ansons passing overhead was past of everyday. The shuttles from RAE Farnborough would routinely go back and forth. Just an everyday occurrence back then, today a passing Anson would be brushed with magic! If you visited Blackbushe during Farnborough Week in the fifties you would have seen rows of RAF Ansons, the force's prime personnel mover!

Another chapter in the book of aviation's treasured memories..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
12/07/24

Blackbushe Airport. A name from the past, a name from today, and it will be a name in the future...

At 'POTD' over our years together we've focused on all three ages. However, focus on the future is the most important aspect if 'POTD' is to gather fuel for tomorrow!

Very briefly, the last couple of days have witnessed aircraft movements that have provided a canvas with 'tomorrow' etched on it.. Visions of future Blackbushe when the new Terminal, new hangars, and new layout are finally sealed and in place. During the past couple of days some examples of what we might expect to become regular sights of the future...




In the foreground the perfect jet for Blackbushe, the Pilatus PC-24, G-DIVE, while in the background the mighty Falcon 8X, P4-F8X, made the first visit of the type adding to the other Falcon models that have enjoyed Blackbushe in recent times..




Challenger 601, N939CC




Another Falcon, a Falcon 7X, VP-CBY.



The future! The new lighting system is almost ready to be 'signed-off', meanwhile a little more patience is required as we await the Planning Inquiry date that will - hopefully- seal the deal and let Blackbushe show what she can do!


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
13/07/24


It's the weekend, but for those of a more senior disposition one day is like any other...relaxed, but always busy, and ever more grateful for the pocket calculator to do the sums! The weather seems to be equally oblivious to the days of the week or surely Saturday and Sunday would be somewhat better than recent weekends have proved?

Not too bad today, 08.00 and a cool 13C...

Talking of today, it's 'Wings and Wheels Day' today 13th July at Middle Wallop, are you going?? If that's a "Yes" then please make sure to visit the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's marketing team and their accommodating gazebo and sales table. You're bound to find some tasty aviation books, memorabilia, and a very warm welcome!! Do come and say "Hello"..apparently it's a sell-out occasion and blessed with better weather than some other air-days this summer...




A memory from 2019 when we put together the "Picnic by the Planes" evenings... My job was to beg steal or borrow some aeroplanes to go alongside the picnics, the Army were very keen to assist back then with the Army Historic Flight being regular participants. The Beaver has a certain presence!



From the history books, a good example of the Douglas Dakota's ruggedness was illustrated on today's date back in 1945. An Eastern Airlines Dakota was flying Washington DC to Columbia, South Carolina, when it was struck by a US Army Air Force A-26 Invader whilst on a training flight. The A-26's fin struck the Dakota's port inner wing. The A-26 lost its tail as it sheared off, the two crew take to their parachutes but one is killed. Meanwhile the Dakota having suffered a displaced engine which cut into the fuselage managed to remain airborne until belly-landing in a cornfield. Of the 24 onboard, only one life was lost.

Dear old Dakota, still miss the unique and regular sound of them in the Blackbushe traffic pattern.. happily, being of a senior disposition has not yet removed such recall from the assembled and remaining grey cells.




Some memories from another time.. A Dakota and a couple Eagle Vikings lined up on Blackbushe 'south'...adjacent to the Eagle hangar that one occupied the extreme south-west of Blackbushe. From the air you can still see where the hangar stood and traces of long removed taxiways.



PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
14/07/24

Exciting times. The would-be President of the USA has a close shave, the Wimbledon final - no Brits, and a 'decisive' football match with Brits taking part!

Meanwhile the Blackbushe Heritage Trust volunteers are out there doing what they do so well...representing the Trust at events and strategic locations spreading the word, gathering volunteers, and finances that are the life-blood of the Trust's activity and future.




The shop offers more than shopping opportunities, it offers a wide view of the Airport's extraordinary past via the history exposition..




Since this day in May last year, a huge amount of work has been employed doing the job of clearing out the fuselage and preparing the skin for preservation and that eventual final colour scheme. A way to go yet, if you would like to get involved with our winning team you would be very welcome. Many and varied tasks await amid a great team, take a look at our webpages www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/



Stay safe, and good luck tonight!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
15/07/24

No photos, just an eyewitness report....

Having not been around Blackbushe so much of late due to circumstances, yesterday I felt the time had come to set foot upon the precious acres, and I'm so glad I did. Arrived just in time to witness activity that was akin to a mini-Farnborough, the atmosphere was alive. Car park very busy as always, numerous light aircraft on the move while three jets and a Beech 200 were on the apron, two of the jets in the process of departing, beacons flashing, the sound of turbines winding up and the aroma of kerosene in the air. The first jet, a Cessna Citation C25B, moved to the taxiway and hold for 25, soon after more jet sounds as the PC-24 followed. This was Blackbushe in action! The atmosphere matched the weather, calm and relaxing, the Pathfinder was buzzing as always, the public wandered here and there watching the aircraft and obviously enjoying having such a fascinating airfield at their disposal. No time to get a photo, nonetheless, inhaling the Blackbushe atmosphere and seeing sights that start to match our hopes for the future as the airfield's convenience and affordability are increasingly appreciated left a strong impression as multiple jets and their passengers departed. Dreams of past years turning into reality, enhanced dreams of the future when a brand new purpose built Terminal and facilities become available, Blackbushe showing what she's all about, the moment left me with very positive vibes!!




A PC-24 from earlier times, an aeroplane just perfect for Blackbushe!



Sadly yesterday I arrived too late for a photo-opportunity, but in enough time to see 'tomorrow' in action....

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
16/07/24


There's no doubt that "Farnborough Week" is getting close, confirmed yesterday by the thunderous roar of the F15 being put through its paces. It's desperately frustrating when that aviation gene in your blood can hear such 'aviation' taking place but can't see it.. Tree growth has not helped since last time! Also noted yesterday was the drastic closure of certain roads requiring a significant diversions. The flying programme at Farnborough appears to again be a reduced version of the past yet certain roads are suffering from more draconian closures by the authorities than ever before. The days of enjoying Farnborough from the 'outside' are seemingly days from the past, but for those who enter it promises to an extraordinary exposition of technology. Of great interest will be the zone focused on flight 'tomorrow' and what we might expect as automation takes control...

Not a Disney attraction but the real world's moves toward low emission automated flight..An area that might be of great interest to airfields such as Blackbushe, sustainable low emissions, almost silent, who knows which way the road to tomorrow will lead...




...from the Air Show website > "Connecting people and ideas, the future of flight will be further explored at the Global Urban & Advanced Air Summit (GUAAS) 2024, where industry professionals, regulators, investors, OEMs, members of academia, media and aviation enthusiasts are invited to share ideas, form partnerships and increase collaboration at our world-famous conference. Taking place on Thursday, 25 July, FIA visitors will gain access to this flagship forum and get a chance to discover a destination where the future is a sustainable, efficient and accessible flight".







From a nostalgic point of view and Farnborough Week at Blackbushe the event cannot pass by without some reflection on the role of Blackbushe during "Farnborough"...






























The fifties!

































































Those 'classic' Farnborough Weeks in the seventies come to mind when the late and much missed Roger Russell and myself took a week's holiday from our aviation jobs to manage (voluntarily) the parking of Farnborough visitors when we'd fill runway 14/32 with visiting aircraft - sometimes on both sides and still needed room elsewhere on the airfield! If any days were filled with magic, it was those days when for a few days we'd see Blackbushe operating as a very busy airport..


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
17/07/24

For those who follow the Vickers aircraft line's growth after WW2, today marks the first flight of the Varsity on this day in 1949.. A familiar shape at Blackbushe during the fifties, especially during Farnborough Week!



A Varsity after having received the Eagle refit treatment at Blackbushe.. Royal Jordanian Air Force Varsity VK-501 October 1956 prior to delivery to her new owner.


An item of news on this day back in 1962. Major Robert M White took the X-15 to an altitude of 314,750 feet (59 miles, 96 km). Imagine! I thought cruising at 42,000 in a VC10 was quite high...

That's all for today, duty calls!

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
18/07/24

Morning! The July sun poked its head out from behind the clouds for a while yesterday showing what it's capable of. Will it come back today? Talking of things in the sky yesterday, while chopping through rampant vegetation in the garden there were 'those moments'.... A couple of F15s directly overhead departing Farnborough en route to Fairford followed shortly after by two F16s who were in something of a hurry, but what a great sound!!

Hopefully Blackbushe might see some visitors for Farnborough next week, I've no idea, sadly it will never be the same as it was when Farnborough would not take visitors - and Blackbushe picked up some significant traffic movements through the week. Sometimes demonstrators would pop across to Blackbushe for the convenience of meeting customers and showing off their aeroplanes in a more relaxed fashion than in the heart of the airshow... You never quite knew what was going to happen!




Italian Air Force arrived around lunchtime on one occasion with this Aeritalia G222. Great surprise, we parked him on the intersection of 01/19 and 14/32, for a while one could imagine those magnificent days in the 1950s when Blackbushe was covered in visitors many of which were of military origin.




It rained, of course! But as we filled up the runway with visitors it was easy to wish traffic like this was an everyday affair.




Blackbushe was popular for demo flights, but one year Saab based this aircraft here for the week. It would depart every afternoon to participate in the Air Show and then return to Blackbushe until the next day. I can't remember the exact reason, but I think his display started at altitude with a spin or something hence operating from Blackbushe allowed time to climb to the necessary height.




This excited the nerves, rows of business twins turbo prop and piston powered. The contrast with the Monday following Farnborough was stark, the airfield pretty much empty, just the resident club operations and a few twins on the apron. Two more years until the 'next time'....




In earlier times we parked visitors only on the apron, there were not that many. Nonetheless, at the time seeing just a few twins on the apron was heart warming! In this photo dated back to the sixties you can easily see how the east end of Blackbushe looked after the council had dug it up and before the freshly cleared ground grew into the jungle that resides there now - blocking those great views to the east.




Looking back at today's photo of the Aeritalia G222, it was on this day in 1970 that the type made its first flight. You live and learn!

PB