The first of two public days got underway today at Farnborough Airshow 2010.
Some of the aircraft from the trade days were not there but except for some die-hard aviation enthusiasts I don’t think many people noticed as there was quite a lot more added to the display to make up for it. For instance a very cool Chinook display.
There was a heavy emphasis on vintage aircraft to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. I could not help feel very patriotic as I walked around the, Spitfires, Hurricanes, a Messerschmitt and the Lancaster Bomber. But of course the fast jets were there too.
The static displays were superb. I could see kids thrilled to be able to get up close the aircraft and in some cases climb aboard. The C17 was a huge hit.
Finmeccanica opened up their huge display stand to the public this morning. I was able to climb aboard a number of Augusta Westland helicopters, the best of which had to be a Danish Airforce Merlin, which was configured in air, sea rescue mode.
The Pavilions were open and the Air Cadets were running a very cool flight simulator, which, was a hit with kids.
I also got to meet some amazing charities doing great work to raise public awareness and much needed funds. So I want to mention a few here:
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)
For 125 years, SSAFA Forces Help has made an unfailing commitment to men and women of Britain’s armed forces. SSAFA are the Farnborough 2010 official charity and it is hoped that the event will raise much needed awareness and funds for their work.
The scope of SSAFA is enormous. In 2009 alone, SSAFA helped over 50,000 people.
While worthwhile charities such as Help4Heroes provided funding for projects such as the one at Headley Court, SSAFA focus on the individual needs of the servicemen/Women and their families.
SSAFA if an incredible charity doing amazing work on behalf of our serving and ex armed forces that need help. The story of 14-year-old Lauren, I think sums up their work perfectly.
Lauren has lived with her grandmother since loosing both her parents. Her father was killed while serving with the Royal Engineers in Bosnia in 1996. Laurens mother died when she was just five years old. When her grandmother found she was struggling to cope financially, she and Lauren turned to SSAFA for assistance.
There is so much incredible work that goes on for people who desperately need help. We are oblivious to it. Please go to the SSAFA web site and show your support.
Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA)
While walking through the pavilion hall exhibitions I bumped into Chris Osborne who is the Blades Project Manager for the RAFA. If you have seen the Blades aircraft, their underbellies are emblazoned with the RAFA logo.
The scope of the RRA work is also enormous but one of their projects literally slapped me in the face when Chris told me about it. I think the fact I am a father of a 3 year old made the Storybook Wings project really strike home with me. It helps bring families together when they are apart.
Take Olivia Sing for instance. Her father Kev is a GR4 technician serving in Kandahar. She is very proud of her daddy. She knows he keeps aircraft flying for the RAF. She also knows he will not be home for her birthday or Christmas. She is only 5 years old and misses him terribly. But Olivia, her sister and baby brother along with her mum Vicky listen to her dad reading Cinderell. Before he left to go on deployment, Kevin was able to record the story and a special message on a CD using professional equipment and editors thanks to the RAFA’s Storybook Wings initiative.
Another 2400 RAF personal will be away from their families over Christmas and so more children missing mummy or daddy. Make a donation now and make a real difference.
The Farnborough Airshow 2010 is not over yet. Tomorrow is the final day and is open to the public. Entry tickets are available on the gate for £30 per person. Under 16′s go free when accompanied with an fee paying adult. More information at the official Farnborough Airshow web site.
If you go tomorrow I recommend hats and sun cream and if your on a budget a packed lunch and drinks. If you get there early you should not have to much trouble with traffic. Free buses from the car parks and back are provided but if you stay to the end, expect long queues. This is a superb family day out that I highly recommend.
Check out our twitter photo page from today’s public day at Farnborough Airshow.
Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
