Jetfest 2019 Review

Jetfest 2019 was an event which was filled with great promise following a successful 2018 event, it is a Fly-in primarily with some local flying but was made clear from the outset that It was not a flying display. Beginning as a coming together of classic jets, it somewhat morphed into more of a generalised fly-in with lots of classic trainers and other types, as well as some helicopters and general aviation. The preliminary fly-in list was impressive, with a large number of jets, prop and rotary aircraft scheduled to appear. Unfortunately due to a battering of bad storms across the country much of the promised line-up was unable to travel from their various bases across the country to appear. 

For several months leading up to the event the organisers did a great job of building up the aircraft appearing and hyping It up in a majority of ways with an overzealous manner which gave away their enthusiasm and passion for the aircraft they operate and this event to celebrate them. This passion did lead to some more basic information being omitted though, with a lack of clarity regarding more general issues and enquires such as facilities (I.e.: toilets, food, drink, and parking – including disabled parking). The very vague information being given by the social media channels, coupled with a somewhat sarcastic and unhelpful tone (whether intentional or not) adopted by those behind it led to some confusion and frustration as it proved rather hard to get a straight answer on these sorts of important topics and led to them feeling unapproachable.

In my opinion, with how important social media has become to promoting and providing information for airshows and aviation events (including the teams), to be vague and sarcastic in dealing with those who bought tickets to attend isn’t a practical way to engage and publicise an event which has such great promise to grow and expand. One solution could be to take on board someone who can take the time to answer the more general enquiries regarding things like parking, facilities, and layout in a factual manner. Whilst the aircraft announcements being hyped up is great, and the information provided for each one with the brief history on specific airframes was definitely a great way to drum up interest, I think a balance between that passionate enthusiasm and a factual reply to serious questions would go a long way to addressing the social media foibles. 

This issue would have been far less prominent if when arriving at the airfield it was properly signposted, and people weren’t being marshalled into an adjoining and previously unmentioned market being held on the opposite side of the runway. Having to figure out where to go to get round to the actual Jetfest site ground with little help from the marshals, coupled with unhelpful signs saying no entry to the road which was the only way to get to the Jetfest showground did leave a fair few people confused and wondering where to go. Eventually it became clear that you had to drive around the perimeter of the runway to get to the showground, but some clear signage would go a long way to removing this issue, as would, again, mentioning it on social media. 

In my case, I arrived fairly early, and it seemed at that time, around 9:30am, the parking hadn’t been figured out either as I was directed firstly down towards the grounds, being told the next marshal would be able to park me up, this continued past another 2 marshals before I found myself in the show ground itself with nowhere to go – thanks to the generosity of the Aero Legends team, they kindly parked me up with their cars, thanks must go to them for allowing the car to be parked with them for the duration of the day and helping sort that confusion out. 

As mentioned, the weather was not favourable, and this played havoc with the scheduled aircraft due in, with most having to cancel. However, there was still a diverse selection of home-based aircraft and some visitors to get up close with and indeed, go inside of. It was sad to see that the lack of aircraft and indeed flying was blamed on the organisers, when it was clearly stated that it wasn’t an airshow, and the high winds and temperamental rain halted much flying from happening and aircraft from attending.  Many of the aircraft, such as a large number of deHavilland Chipmunks and Scottish Aviation Bulldogs were unable to make the journey, although two Bulldogs did brave the weather to attend on Saturday morning. Further aircraft, such as The Gazelle Squadron, who were flying from their base in Hampshire had to cancel as well, as did the likes of the Fieseler Storch, a Boeing Stearman and a fair number of other types. 

Two other aircraft which were scheduled to be parked in the static line-up were the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 and a lovely schemed black Jet Provost, however when arriving I noticed both of these parked away from the main showground area, with the MiG tucked away behind a number of smaller Pipers and other general aviation types. This was a shame as I was personally looking forward to going around the MiG-17, as it was one type I hadn’t seen up close before. 

Whilst a lot of aircraft didn’t or couldn’t attend, some stalwarts of the UK Airshow scene did, these included Plane Sailing’s Consolidated PBY5a Catalina which came over from nearby Duxford for the weekend on static and was open to tours throughout both days. Other “heavies” came in the form of the North Weald based Douglas C-54 Skymaster which is undergoing extensive restoration with their brilliant team of dedicated volunteers and crew. Another Douglas aircraft, that of the Aero Legends C-47A Skytrain “Drag-Em-Oot” was on static display and formed part of Aero Legends extensive profile at Jetfest 2019, as they also brought over their deHavilland Tiger Moth and Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9 “Elizabeth”. They were planning to do passenger flights across the weekend but that did not happen on the Saturday at least. A Boeing Stearman joined the Tiger Moth to keep it company as well. 

Obviously, being Jetfest, it needed a few jets! Excluding the aforementioned MiG-17 and JP which weren’t really part of the main show, there was still three other Jet Provosts, one of which carried the famed “Red Pelican” display team colours. The armed cousin to the Jet Provost, the Bae Strikemaster was on show from the Strikemaster Display Team based at Hawarden, who flew both their MK82a’s up for the weekend in the hands of Mark Petrie and Ollie Suckling. Another rarer type was that of the Aero L-29 Delphin which looked slick in its all black livery - and indeed looked as menacing! 

The home-based contingent was made up from no less than five Folland Gnats! Four of these came in the form of the trainer T.1 variant, whilst the fifth was an Indian Air Force schemed F.1 fighter variant. Lined up together they looked immaculate and like they were going very fast, even standing still, albeit miniscule in comparison to the Hawker Hunter parked next to them. The Hunter was a fantastic addition and being able to get fairly close to this famous aircraft was a treat indeed – hopefully, it will not be long before we see one flying in the UK again. 

As well as the jets and prop powered aircraft, we were treated to two helicopters as part of the main static line-up, with both making flying appearances too.  First up was the wonderful Huey, the famous Vietnam-era Helicopter with its distinctive sound and blade slap. The aircraft flew a number of times over the weekend, making a nice rumble as it did so. The second was probably the highlight of the show for many, and the only Royal Air Force participant, that of the Westland Puma HC.2 which came from 230sqn at their home base at RAF Benson on the Saturday. Arriving mid-morning to a large number of photographers, mainly due to the fact they were bringing their special Tigermeet schemed airframe, XW224. Right on time, they arrived with the grey striped helicopter which was parked up and later opened up to the public throughout the day, and indeed the crew were incredibly friendly and welcoming in showing off the helicopter to the constant stream of people wanting to look inside and speak with them - It was a real coup to get this fantastic machine to Jetfest! The local based Police helicopter and Air Ambulance also flew in and out throughout both days, with the Police giving a spiriting arrival just after the RAF on the Saturday with a hard bank over to their base of operations. 

As well as the complete airframes, there was also two cockpit sections, of course of the classic jet variety! A brilliant Blackburn Buccaneer cockpit made to look rather tiny next to the huge McDonnell Douglas Phantom cockpit next to it – both of which were open to people to sit inside and have their photos taken. Other stands and stalls were around the ground including some restoration projects, although it felt a little empty with a military vehicle zone away from the rest of the stands, and some other stalls somewhat laid out a bit randomly. 

There was some commentary provided by the familiar voice of Ben Dunnell, however it seemed that even he did not know what was happening during the day as plans changed around flying - several times mentioning that an update would come shortly, but that seemed to go on for several hours in the end. He was clearly trying his best to keep those on site informed with some of the few arrivals and giving information on whatever was flying – including the Police EC135 and Air Ambulance AW169, which felt a little like a desperate attempt to say something and fill some time. Credit to him for his usual informative way in which he commentates and helping during some of the slower periods of the day. Maybe next year there could be some information on each airframe on static given over the PA system, similar to the information provided during the announcements prior to the show? 

It’s difficult to sum up Jetfest 2019 because whilst it had some glaring issues which I do hope will be addressed in 2020, it has an immense amount of potential and having any new aviation event on the calendar is a bonus! The enthusiasm and ambition of the organising team is great to see, and its clear that there is ample amounts of both, however the lack of information shared on social media regarding things like facilities, and parking, as well as failing to mention things like the huge market on the other side of the airfield, coupled with the sarcasm adopted by the social media team is something which I, and going by various comments, others, feel need addressing for next year. 

Besides those more serious issues and the lack of on-site signage and marshalling, the polishing up of the approach to the commentary, site layout and other minor criticisms are things which I imagine will come with progress of the show in coming years. The weather compounded some of these issues further and prevented so many of the aircraft appearing that it is hard to determine the quality of that aspect, but what was on show was accessible and enjoyable, with a nice range of aircraft, both civilian and military – the RAF involvement was fantastic to see. It was a laid back fly-in with some unusual types to view, and I ce look forward to what is to come and hope that the show grows in the coming years, with lessons learnt from this year! 

Words and Photos by Matt Silvaire.