Commemorative Flypasts

A variety of aircraft are due to take part in flypasts throughout 2009 to mark the Centenary of Naval Aviation.  Modern and Historic aircraft, from training squadrons and the front line as well as from the Royal Navy Historic Flight will combine in unique formations.

Commemorative flypasts will take place at London and Liverpool to coincide with visits by aircraft carriers, with attractions planned on the ground at both locations.  The London flypast will route over HMS Illustrious at Greenwich on 7th May 2009, and will include every current type of front line helicopter.  Greenwich will also be the scene of small flying demonstrations over the weekend of 9th and 10th May, in which a naval helicopter is expected to demonstrate some of its maritime roles in conjunction with surface vessels.

The two flagship air days of the Fleet Air Arm, hosted by its key air stations at RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Culdrose, will see the largest flypasts of the year, combining helicopters and fixed wing aircraft from the front line and training squadrons.  The aircraft are due to perform ‘Balbo’ flypasts, in which successive small formations of aircraft fly past to form a single long formation.  As the formation rumbles noisily overhead, turboprops and jets will overfly the slower helicopter and piston-powered aircraft, resulting in several layers arriving over the display sites simultaneously.