Flying Legends 2009 - Duxford

01st August 2009
In: Events

Flying Legends took place on 10th & 11th July this year. My plan was to attend the show on the Saturday but poor weather saw me turn back for home from almost outside the gates.
I returned the following morning to much improved conditions and met up with Nigel Blake. Our plan was to visit the static display before heading over to the 'tank bank' an hour or so before the flying began.

The Imperial War Museum's F-15A Eagle fresh from a repaint and on its plinth at the entrance to Duxford,

The Static Display

While it was an additional £4 to walk around the static aircraft the excellent photo opportunities it brings makes it worthwhile. In addition, the flying display didn't start until 2pm so we had plently of time to enjoy the wonderful aircraft.

The 3 images above show Duxford staff and volunteers in period dress and were very obliging in posing for photographs.

From left to right above: Hawker Hurricane, G-HUPW (sepia tone added in editing), Hawker Hurricane MK12A and a Tiger Moth in between 2 Piper Cubs.

The Hawker Sea Fury (above left) and Hawker Sea Hurricane were both displaying well in the sunshine.

The Flug Werk Focke Wulf 90 A8/N

Arguably the highlight of the show was Christophe Jacquard's FW 190A-8N F-AZZJ. Quite remarkable to watch this aircraft fly above the skies of Duxford.

The Mustangs!

Perhaps my favourite image from the show. Big Beautiful Doll (below) departing with dark clouds ahead but lit up beautifully with the reflection of the sun on the canopy adding a touch of sparkle.

The Mitchells

Other Participants

From left to right, Fokker DR1 Replica, Hispano HA-1112-M1L Buchon, Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress.

From left to right, Gloster Gladiator Mk1, Yakovlev Yak-9UM, Hawker Sea Fury T20.

From left to right, Yakovlev Yak-50, Douglas A1D Skyraider.

In Conclusion

It was disappointing to miss out on the Saturday but I am delighted to have got some great pictures from what was an excellent show.

The static display is an integral part of Duxford shows generally offering a unique opportunity to get close to the warbirds.

The flying display started with a bang and never let up, at one point there were aircraft coming from every direction.

The best Flying Legends I have attended.