Souvenir programmes were available on the tables, which included guides to the aircraft, timetable of events and a map of the area. The ground exhibition covered a very large area and included trade stalls, a family zone and funfairs. Certainly something for everyone! We were also pleased to see litter pickers at work all over the site throughout the day.
Although we had a display schedule we were advised that flight times and even flights themselves could change at the last moment if the weather conditions deteriorated.On arrival we had already been told that the coastguard & lifeboat display had been cancelled as they had been called out for an emergency.
We were kept up to date with weather forecasts and flight cancellations by the commentary team but luckily the first flight display did take place right on time - and what a start it was.
The noise of the Typhoon coming along the coast had everyone looking skyward and the pilot gave us a fantastic display showing off the aircraft capabilities. We saw the typhoon at high speed twisting and turning in the sky, powering away into the distance with an orange glow from the afterburners.
The sound - although very loud - is also quite amazing and some of the twists and turns look as if they ought to be impossible with such a large aircraft.
The maneuverability of the aircraft was very ably displayed by the pilot and as an introduction to the displays couldn't have been any better.
In complete contrast the next aircraft, although seemingly just as maneuverable, was much smaller - and quieter! Amazing skill from the pilot as he "threw" the aircraft around the sky!
A jet fighter dating from the Cold War period next appeared in the distance. We had all heard of the Russian MIG fighter but were quite surprised by the look of it.
Two other aircraft then appeared in the distance and we were told to watch carefully as we were to see something special - something not seen everyday. Two mustangs were chasing after the MIG!
To see Miss Helen and The Shark flying alongside a MIG was quite special.
We were actually introduced to the pilots of the two mustangs later in the afternoon!
Wee Dram was next to appear! It is 74 years old and looks slow, but at the same time very graceful. The pilot - Hamish - runs a flying school based at Prestwick Airport. He even managed, despite the rather choppy sea, to bring the plane down low enough to just touch the water before lifting back into the sky.
Our next display was outstanding - the pilot, Lauren Richardson, has previously been the British female aerobatic champion - and it shows.
The way she flies the aircraft through the sky, twisting and turning in every direction, with hardly any time between rolls or twists and at times holding still in one position for what seemed like ages, was incredible.
This year the Scottish Air Show presented its first international Air Force - making the show a truly International Airshow. The Belgian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon was a real treat for the show.
The latest version of the aircraft is considered the most technologically advanced fighter aircraft in the world and is operating with 28 different forces! After the display we could definitely see why.
As the aircraft flew through the sky - at times upside down - the pilot ejected flares. As he is in 31 squadron he ejected 3 flares, then another 1. What a surprise for the onlookers!
It is difficult to express in words the power that this aircraft displays and the skill of the pilot in showing its capabilities. WOW springs to mind!
To complete his display the pilot then ejects 10 flares in a row!
Remember Little Nellie in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice? Well we thought she had arrived when our next aircraft appeared ...
One of the sponsors of the show then made a rather sedate (compared to some of the others!) flypast.
A very distinctive new livery for Logan Air with its tartan tail. Did you know Logan Air is Scotland's oldest airline?
More aerobatics then from this aircraft used for training purposes and air experience flights.
I hope the pilot doesn't complete all the maneuvres he showed today when giving someone an experience flight! They might never go in a plane again!
The next pilot is one who may well take you on holiday as he still flies jet airliners with a large airline. However he is also fascinated by aerobatics and gave us a display that was breathtaking.
He has modified this aircraft and the power it exhibits is awesome. It flies at incredible angles and even looks as if it has stopped in mid-air at times. Because of its power this version of the aircraft is known as the "Muscle."
... and then came the final display. What many had been waiting for and were hoping would still happen if the weather was co-operative! Despite some heavy showers during the afternoon we were finally told that yes! they were coming!! Hurrah!
As usual they were spectacular!
Hope you can imagine the sound.
A brilliant end to a brilliant day (if you don't count the weather!!)
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