RECORD numbers of spectators are expected to attend the Foynes Air Show this Sunday, July 17.
RECORD numbers of spectators are expected to attend the Foynes Air Show this Sunday, July 17.Now in its third year, the event is hosted by the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum on the site of Ireland’s first transatlantic air crossings, which took place more than 80 years ago.
Featuring 26 aircraft and 17 different acts from the UK and Ireland, this year’s event will showcase vintage and modern aircraft, as well as unique and hand built planes flown by the best pilots around.
“We have an exciting line up of classic and aerobatic aircraft with lots of biplanes including three different types of Pitt’s special – probably the ultimate aerobatic biplane,” said Air Show director Gerry Humphreys.
Aircraft taking part include a Stolp Starduster and a lovingly restored 1930’s Belgian Stampe as well as two Russian mini MIG biplanes.
Ireland’s own unique aviation history will be showcased with the ‘Iolar’, Aer Lingus’s first ever plane which will be flying alongside three vintage de Havilland Chipmunks in Irish Army Air Corps colours, displaying for the first time ever with their new smoke systems.
Four formation flying teams will put on spectacular displays in the skies over West Limerick this year.
“The Ravens, a crack five aircraft formation aerobatic display team from South Wales, will perform dramatic close formation manoeuvres with smoke. Also watch out for the Yakovlev’s with their big Russian radial engines making a distinctive sound like no other,” Gerry Humphries told the Limerick Post.
Making their debut at this year’s show are Lauren Richardson, the UK’s top female aerobatic pilot; ‘The Wildcats’, a dynamic duo from Norfolk and ex-RAF pilot Richard Goodwin whose performance in a highly modified ‘Muscle’ Pitt’s special is expected to be one of the highlights of the show.
“We have a fantastic show planned and we would encourage everyone to come along early and enjoy all the activities on site. It is one of only two big air shows taking place in Ireland this year and the only one in the west of the country. The other show is in Bray, so not as easily accessible for people on this side of the country,” said Flying Boat Museum Director Margaret O’Shaughnessy.
More details at www.foynesairshow.ie.
by Alan Jacques
