I do not think many thought we would see an Airshow in 2020 when the United Kingdom and much of the World went into lockdown and mass gatherings temporarily banned. So, It came as something of a surprise when the Shuttleworth Collection announced a new idea then – a World's first Drive-In Airshow! The idea was well received and when tickets went on sale, they sold out fast! - a sign of how hungry we all are to see wonderful planes flying again! The concept was born of the idea to meet guidelines around public health and safety currently in place, with many hoops being jumped through to ensure a safe and enjoyable show could go ahead - having time to reflect on the event now, I can safely say they hit the nail on the head, so much so that it felt almost no different to a regular show, and it felt as if they’d been doing it for years in this layout.
I attended the show having been lucky enough to obtain a ticket before they sold out, this also helping support the Collection who have, like many, taken a hit financially during the pandemic. Upon arrival the queues grew extremely fast in the hour or so before the site opened, and when the gates did open at 3pm the stewards on site meticulously filed everyone in safely and smoothly. Once parked up in the 5metre wide bays marked out to ensure social distancing, you were able to get out the car and occupants able to sit safely besides their vehicle if they wished. The showground was marked out into three zones, with each zone having its own amenities and walkways to and from, again to meet the social distancing guidelines. Other measures in place were the removal of congregation at the fence-line, although a few photographers did wander still – however, credit to the volunteers who made the event safe, and ensured that congregation didn’t occur in any real sense, and moved on anyone in a polite but firm manner which helped with the overall atmosphere of a safe environment for all. An unusual step taken by the organisers was the addition of a radio commentary channel to be played in the car, to both provide a less intrusive, optional commentary, but also to encourage the drive-in concept – this was an especially useful addition as it was nice to be able to have the volume low on the radio and enjoy the sound of the aircraft gracing the skies.
Wispy skies for the Spitfire and Sea Hurricane at the end of the evening.
Moving away from the excellent logistics of the event, the flying display was packed with Shuttleworth Collection gems, and the invite of a certain Spitfire which has certainly been making a stir lately. Early billing had a number of aerobatics from Bob Grimstead in his Fournier, as well as the Global Stars solo in an Extra 330, however both were unable to display for different reasons, which meant solo aerobatics fell to a late addition to the schedule with a Pitts S1S Special flown by Stu Goldspink. As mentioned, the addition of the headline grabbing Supermarine Spitfire PR.XI from the Aircraft Restoration Company, or the “NHS Spitfire” as it has become known, was a memorable moment. Flown by John Romain, the aircraft was put through its paces to open the show, and with the “Thank U NHS” message on the belly, as well as the hundreds of names on the tail thanks to the campaign to raise funds for NHS charities lead by ARCo, made it an emotional display – so much so that upon landing the showground erupted with applause and cars honking in appreciation of the display, as well as the message it carries.
Following the display of the Spitfire, a trio of aircraft went up for the ‘Army Co-operation’ segment. Lead by the Westland Lysander in the hands of Rob Millinship, the display did encounter the worst light of the show, with a blanket of dark cloud, however the Lysander was put through an aggressive display with its radial grunt with plenty of topsides, followed by the Polikarpov PO2 and a Piper Cub duo first. Upon landing, the sun finally made its appearance, just in time for the next display which saw the ever fragile-looking Eon Primary be towed up into the air, before carving its way back down to terra firma - being sat on the front of the glider looked precarious to say the least! A short and sweet display came from the rare Parnell Elf which gave a couple of flybys in some gorgeous warm light from the low sun, before gently returning back down to the grass at Shuttleworth.
The bright Miles Magister was up next, originally meant to be joined by the deHavilland Chipmunk, it ended up being a solo slot which saw this elegant, classic trainer in some lovely sunlight, backed by some angry clouds from earlier. The aforementioned Pitts Special followed in the slot of what was meant to be the Extra 330, and whilst a lovely aerobatic performance, did feel a little last minute – however it was the first time I had seen such a colour scheme on a Pitts, during a ! The Piston Provost took to the skies to bring the display back to the Collection’s inventory, and as ever, showed off its angry, raspy, radial! The aircraft did some high aerobatics before coming down for some low passes which showed off the lines of this classic design, as well as its sibling, the Jet Provost!
The next segment of the event should have seen a nod to deHavilland, however the DH51 “Miss Kenya” suffered a small snag which preventing it from displaying, which left it to the DH60X to perform a short display solo. Further classic types took to the skies with the Sopwith Pup and Triplane, both of which were displayed low and elegantly against the warm sunlight – a special mention to the display of the Triplane; flown by Stu Goldspink, who really did make use of the “bend” at Shuttleworth. Later in the show further World War One types took part in the display when the Bristol M1C and Sopwith Camel took to the skies to soak in the last of the sunlight.
An especially elegant display came from the stunning and odd little Fauvel – this glider is almost all wing, with a tiny little cockpit and vertical stabilisers, but caught some thermals during its display and stayed airborne for longer than planned (denying the Desouter its moment to be showcased). The aircraft was fitted with smokewinders on the wingtips which added to the display, and with some appropriate music over the radio channel, it was one of the most beautiful displays of the evening.
"Thank U NHS" - John Romain showing the poignant message during the show.
Moving on to what was arguably the highlight of the show beyond the “NHS Spitfire”, and that was the racers! The formation was made up of a pair of Percival Mew Gulls, and lead by the deHavilland DH-88 Comet. Banking in from the right, the formation came through low and fast, and did a further couple of passes before breaking off. The Mew Gulls did a high energy display in formation, as well as in a tail chase before landing and clearing the stage for the Comet. The Comet (flown by Dodge Bailey) caught some of the last of the evening sunlight and was illuminated for its beautiful solo, making it easily the best solo display of the evening! It was an absolute joy to see this wonderful aircraft in the skies, and one day, perhaps, it will be joined by a second!
A wonderful solo display followed with the world’s only flying Avro Tutor which saw this beautiful biplane give a multitude of topside passes for the crowd. A real treat, and crowd pleaser was the Barnstorming display from a mixture of trainers at the Collection; this consisted of the deHavilland Tiger Moth, Miles Magister, deHavilland Chipmunk and a Piper Cub. Doing several circuits first in a mock air race, the aircraft were soon balloon bursting, before going low, as they ducked under bunting erected on the airstrip – the Tiger Moth won. Barnstorming is always a fun element at an airshow and showcases something different to the regular type of display you would normally see.
Closing the show was the iconic duo of the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Sea Hurricane from the Collection. The display began with the aircraft running in low and fast from the right before completing a number of passes and other formations, before breaking at crowd centre and performing solo displays; with the Hurricane doing lots of topsides, and the Spitfire with more high energy aerobatics. The sound and sight of these two wonderful icons, especially against the wispy skies of the summer evening was a moment to remember and concluded the display perfectly. Due to some winds at higher altitude, the Edwardians couldn’t partake in the display, which was a shame, but understandable given their fragility. With the landing of the Spitfire and Hurricane, and the immediate departure of John Romain in the PR.XI, followed by the Red Mew Gull, the World’s first Drive-In Airshow came to a close – and what a roaring success it was.
Fauvel Glider coming into land at dusk.
Immediately after the show finished, I remember thinking: “If this was the only airshow I attended this year, I would be happy.” The whole concept of a drive-in airshow, the way in which the Collection’s staff and all the volunteers operated to make the event feel completely safe, professional, and friendly, but not detract from the enjoyment of the show has to be commended – they can truly hold their heads up high. The Shuttleworth Collection have set the standard, not just for Airshows during Covid times, and not just in the United Kingdom, but for any outdoor event, anywhere in the World. The bar has been set extremely high by the first airshow of 2020, and the World’s first drive-in Airshow.
Words and Photos by Matt Silvaire.
deHavilland DH-88 Comet "Grosvenor House" on its final pass in the hands of Dodge Bailey.