Forty Years On: Celebrating the Lynx World Speed Record
This week marked the 40th anniversary of one of the most extraordinary achievements in British rotorcraft history. On 11 August 1986, the Westland WG.13 Lynx 800, registered G‑LYNX, set the …
Where Innovation Takes Flight: The South West at Farnborough 2026
Farnborough International 2026 was more than a global stage for aerospace powerhouses — it was a moment of validation for the South West’s quietly formidable aviation ecosystem. From Bristol to …
Aer Lingus at 90: The Irish Flag Carrier Whose First Destination Was Bristol
Aer Lingus’ 90th anniversary is not only a celebration of Irish aviation history but also a tribute to the airline’s earliest international connection: Bristol, United Kingdom. On 27 May 1936, …
Enabling the Operation: RAF Fairford’s Role in the Bella 1 Seizure
Enabling the Operation: RAF Fairford’s Role in the Bella 1 Seizure The Bella 1—later reflagged and renamed Marinera—became the centrepiece of one of the most dramatic maritime pursuits in recent years, a …
NPAS Breaks New Ground with Beyond‑Line‑of‑Sight UAV Trial
The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has taken a significant step toward the future of UK airborne policing with the launch of its first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) …
Jet-Set Genius: A History of Dyson’s aviation assets
James Dyson, investor, engineer, philanthropist, farmer, has called the south west home for many years. living in Dodington Park near Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire with his Company Headquarters located in …
Blue Islands: A Regional Airline’s Journey from Cargo Flights to Channel Islands Lifeline
Blue Islands: A Regional Airline’s Journey from Cargo Flights to Channel Islands Lifeline From humble beginnings as a cargo operator to becoming a vital regional connector in the Channel Islands, …
Strategic Reach: The September 2025 Bomber Task Force at RAF Fairford
In September 2025, the quiet Gloucestershire countryside once again echoed with the thunder of strategic airpower as the U.S. Air Force’s 307th Bomb Wing deployed two B-52H Stratofortress bombers to …
Thirty Years On: Honoring Captain David Hawkens and the U-2 Crash at RAF Fairford
RAF Fairford, August 29, 1995 In the quiet morning hours, a Lockheed U-2R reconnaissance aircraft lifted off from the Gloucestershire airbase under the call sign Mooch 31. Its mission: a …
VP JD at FFD
When it was announced that Vice President of the United States of America James David Vance and his family would be holidaying in the Cotswolds that RAF Fairford would see …
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2025
The iconic Bristol Balloon Fiesta returned for its 47th year in 2025 and was again held amongst the picturesque rolling hills of the Ashton Court estate near Bristol. This free …
80 Years Aloft: Celebrating the Pitts Special
The Pitts Special has been a regular attendee at airshows throughout the south west for many years, from The Royal Jordanian Falcons or Los Halcones at International Air Tattoos …
Wonderwall Meets Afterburner
When 90’s Britpop sensation Oasis announced they were reforming for a comeback tour, nobody would have thought the Gallagher brothers would be able to disrupt The Masterplan of the Royal …
Diamond Balloons
Many of us had Lockdown projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for Bristol born balloon pilot Andrew Holly it was not re-decorating a room or studying a new language. Andrew …
Article : Badminton Horse Trials
The Badminton Horse Trials is one of the most prestigious eventing competitions in the equestrian world. It takes place each May at the picturesque Badminton Estate in South Gloucestershire, which …
The RAF Puma’s; and their south west connection
After 54 years in service with the Royal Air Force the Westland/Aerospatiale SA.330E Puma HC.2 was withdrawn from use on the 31st March 2025. The Medium Support Helicopter has served …
Article: Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025
Once again South West Aviation Photographers was at the Cheltenham Festival Heliport to capture the movements, and here’s what we shot. …
Article: Channel Islands Air Search
When people think Search and Rescue in the Southwest of the British Isles they probably think of the bright yellow Westland Sea King HAR.3s of the Royal Air Force or …
Show Review: Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024
Taking its usual early August slot, the 46th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta took place from the 9th to 11th August 2024. For this year, due to financial pressures encountered following …
Show Review: Bath Hot Air Balloon Club Night Glow 2024
A short Photo review of the Bath Hot Air Balloon Club Special Shape Inflation and Night Glow, in aid of Suicide Prevention UK and featured a number of local envelopes …