14th-16th August 2009 – Airbourne is the world’s largest free seaside airshow and regularly attracts the cream of displays from the UK and Europe as well as regular participation from the USAF.

The Swift Team based out of Southdown Gliding club for the weekend, and made the 30 minute transit along the cliffs each day.

The published holding pattern before display was infront of Beachy Head cliffs, and the stunning setting provided the perfect backdrop for photographs for many internet bloggers and the team alike!

The wind made for rough conditions in the lea of the cliffs, and the flights on Friday and Saturday were difficult. After Sunday’s Seaside display, we headed north across the Thames into East Anglia for our second appearance of the year at Rougham. FDD Peter Eager has transformed the provincial Rougham airshow into a very large event with some of the best display acts around, but crucially it keeps its local feel and wonderful warm atmosphere.

There were appearances from Sally B, the Gnat pair and F86 Super Sabre, and the highlight for many was Peter Teichman’s freshly restored Hurricane Bomber. Rougham is unusual as it has a kinked crowd line and the faster aircraft used the corner to fly lots of topside passes.

The team were most taken with spitfire MH434 flown by Brian Smith in formation with Al Kay in the Mustang, Brian flew in a style the late & great Ray Hanna would have been proud.