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UK Airshow Review 20th Anniversary Competition

Ahhh, the 90s... The decade that brought you Dolly the sheep, the Macarena and Saved by the Bell has a lot to answer for. Remarkably, it was also the decade that gave birth to Paul Osborne's UK Airshow Review, and for that he must never be forgiven. Even more remarkable though is the fact that two decades on from Gareth Southgate's missed penalty, the Spice Girls first single and the release of Independence Day, we're still going strong!

In airshow terms, that time spans the golden age of the post-Cold War thaw that brought rarities like Tu-95 Bears and Tu-22M Backfires to these shores, long-gone airshow favourites like the Grasshoppers and Bf-109 'Black 6' and of course, the rise and fall of UKAR's favourite running joke, the German MiG-29...

Of course things haven't all been rosy. We have witnessed the decline of RAF, the industry has witnessed tragedy and is now subject to regulations that appear to be in constant flux, and of course the England Football team have been consistently useless ever since. One thing is certain, it's clear that the airshow environment looks completely different now than it did back in 1996.

Regarded as the premier airshow review and discussion website in the UK, we continue to provide the enthusiast with a one stop shop for breaking airshow news, great debate, quality journalism, incredible photography and impartial reviews. UKAR's ethos has always been a simple one - we're run by a dedicated team of enthusiasts just like you, passionate and knowledgeable about the hobby, for the benefit of you, the membership.


THE INFORMATION

For us to celebrate two wonderful decades in our history, we sent out a call several weeks ago to our friends, sponsors, affiliates, and the all-round great bunch of people that make up the UK's vibrant and diverse airshow industry; and the response we've had has been staggering. This rather excellent (we think) celebration would not have been possible without their unwavering generosity and support.

As you will see below, we have prizes on offer from almost every corner of the UK airshow industry. There really is something for everyone.

Before being let loose like a child in a toy shop, please note some of the specific requirements and restrictions associated with some of these prizes, marked by an asterisk. Equally important before you submit an entry to the competition is that you read and understand the terms and conditions of this competition found at the bottom of this page. You'll need to be a UKAR forum member too, so if you're not already, click here to register.

When submitting your entry you have an option to mark which prizes you wish to be entered for - if you do not meet the criteria or restrictions for whatever reason, please do not tick the boxes for those particular prizes. By submitting entry to the competition you will be accepting the terms and conditions attached, and confirming that you are eligible to win each of the prizes for which you have entered.

The deadline for submitting your entries is 23:59hrs on Friday 20th May 2016. Best of luck.


THE PRIZES
Air Tattoo WebsiteRIAT 2016 Poster

Courtesy of Royal International Air Tattoo

Royal International Air Tattoo 2016 Tickets & DVDs

There is no bigger airshow in the UK than the Royal International Air Tattoo, it therefore comes as no surprise that we consider our annual review of their event as one of our flagship articles. We've been very lucky over the past 20 years to enjoy a good relationship with Douglas Bader House who regularly use our forums as a platform to directly engage the air enthusiast.

On paper, RIAT 2016 is already looking to be a classic thanks to gems like the debut of the Croatian Air Force, the return of the F-22 Raptor and the international debut of both the USAF F-35A and the F-35B. It's of no surprise that tickets are selling out fast and at the time you read this, Saturday has probably already sold out.

We have a pair of tickets to give away for this years Sunday event to one lucky winner. Do not despair, that's not all we have to give away. Two runners up will each receive a copy of the widely praised RIAT 2015 DVD.

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day WebsiteRNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016 Poster

Courtesy of RNAS Yeovilton Air Day

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016 Tickets, Programmes & DVDs

The Navy's premier show has offered a pair of tickets for the 2016 Air Day, both with a complimentary programme - and the lucky winner will also receive a DVD of the show once it's released!

Showcasing the Fleet Air Arm's abilities both on land and at sea, with plenty of international participation, a host of classic jets and, of course, the world-famous Commando Assault Demo finale, RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016 will mark the last home appearance of the venerable Lynx HMA8 while celebrating the bright future of the Royal Navy's air arm. With the new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and the F-35B Lightning on the horizon, these are exciting times for the Navy - but the past will also be honoured with the 75th anniversary of the Fairey Swordfish's assault on the Bismarck featuring as a central theme of this year's Air Day. Fly Navy!

RAF Cosford Airshow WebsiteRAF Cosford Airshow

Courtesy of RAF Cosford Airshow

RAF Cosford Airshow 2016 Tickets

When UKAR first appeared in 1996, the RAF had three major annual airshows. Now we are sadly down to one. This is precisely the reason why RAF Cosford airshow is now critically important to the future of the industry in the United Kingdom. Offering the unique (in the UK) opportunity to see Jaguars operating under their own power and providing some special static phot opportunities, recent Cosford events have tried to provide something different that the enthusiast will not find elsewhere.

We’ve been lucky to have been given a pair of tickets to give away by the organisers to this year’s special event. The winner will be provided with a voucher code for the e-ticketing website to allow them to order the tickets themselves.

Hangar 11 Collection WebsiteHangar 11 Collection (© John Dibbs)

Courtesy of Hangar 11 Collection

Guided Tours of the Collection's North Weald Operation

Peter Teichman's famous stable of warbirds are a firm favourite at airshows up and down the country, and UKAR is very proud to offer two prizes of three spaces each for a tour of his unique collection and their facilities at North Weald Airfield. To be conducted by a member of the operating team, you'll get up close and personal with the aircraft and find out what it takes to keep them ticking throughout the year, how they work under the skin and learn about the people behind the mighty aeroplanes. This outstanding prize is one not to be missed!

Due to the busy scheduling requirements the date is currently TBC, expected to be at some point over the summer, which might be subject to change by the operators. Both winners (and their guests) must be able to commit to attending on the same day.

Norwegian Spitfire Foundation WebsiteP-51D Mustang 'The Shark' (© Richard Paver)

Courtesy of Norwegian Spitfire Foundation

Private Tours of Glorious P-51D Mustang 'The Shark'

One of the most popular and attractive Mustangs to appear in the UK in recent years, the Norwegian Spitfire Foundation's "Shark" operates out of Goodwood performing both training and display flights.

We're delighted to offer a tour of their aircraft at Goodwood Aerodrome, for two winners and a guest each, to be hosted by one of the Foundation's pilots. Find out what is involved with operating a high-performance warbird and learn about the work of the Norwegian Spitfire Foundation on this exclusive tour.

The tour will most likely be during the week of the 20th of June, though this is subject to change by the operators. Both winners (and their guests) must be able to commit to attending on the same day.

Westland Wasp Historic Flight

Courtesy of Westland Wasp Historic Flight

Private Tour & Photo Session

We're delighted to be able to offer a private tour of the Westland Wasp XT787/G-KAXT for one winner and up to three guests, to be hosted by its owner and pilot, Terry Martin.

This enigmatic classic helicopter has just joined the airshow display scene and has already been booked for several shows, and hearkens back to those early days of rotary-wing design. A ship-borne design that was adopted by navies as far away as Malaysia, the Wasp saw service with the UK in the Falklands conflict, and the Westland Wasp Historic Flight aims to keep the memory of those crews who flew the type in British service alive and promote recognition of the role that such aircraft have played.

Terry is happy to offer a tour of the aircraft either at one of the air displays he is attending this year, or at the Wasp's base in near Winchester, in Hampshire.

The Centre of Aviation Photography WebsiteThe Centre of Aviation Photography

Courtesy of The Centre of Aviation Photography

Place on a COAP Photography Workshop

The Centre of Aviation Photography is offering a place on a choice of any one of their highly popular photography workshops, run and presented by the very best in the business.

Spearheaded by the world-renowned Rich Cooper, whose amazing 30-year career in photography includes working for a decade as Editor of Combat Aircraft magazine and as Deputy Editor of Aircraft Illustrated, you'll come away from one of COAP's workshops with invaluable tips and game-changing lessons in the world of aviation photography whether you're a seasoned photographer of many years or you're just starting out.

Our prize winner will enjoy a full day of theme-specific tuition, which amongst other things will cover the use of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, learning the "how to" tips and tricks to bring out the best of your images with file handling post-processing and creative editing techniques, as well as a look at the business side of aviation photography and delivering an end product to a client.

PlanesTV WebsitePlanesTV

Courtesy of PlanesTV

DVD / Blu-Ray Selection Spanning 20 Years of UK Airshows

PlanesTV should need no introduction to UKAR members - the UK's most prominent producers of aviation programming have been supporting UKAR for many years and they've come up trumps for us again for our 20th Anniversary.

We have a bundle of all of PlanesTV's catalogue of 2015 aviation programmes up for grabs, and to offer a graphic illustration of just how long UKAR has been the online home of the airshow enthusiast, a copy of the 1996 volume of 'British Airshows' will show you just how much the airshow landscape has changed in UKAR's two decades as you remember the halcyon days of high-viz roundels, full-colour squadron markings and two-tone camouflage!

The winner will be able to choose their preference of either DVD or Blu-Ray format.

  • British Airshows 1996
  • IWM Duxford VE Day Anniversary May 2015
  • RAF Cosford Airshow 2015
  • RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2015
  • Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow 2015
  • Royal International Air Tattoo 2015
  • Scottish Airshow – Prestwick/Ayr 2015
  • IWM Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show 2015
  • Vulcan XH558: 'Farewell to Flight'
  • 2 Vulcans: The Last Farewell (Wellesbourne)
  • British Airshows 2015
Newark Air Museum WebsiteNewark Air Museum

Courtesy of Newark Air Museum

Family Admission Tickets & Copies of 'RAF Winthorpe' Book

Since opening in 1973, Newark Air Museum has grown into one of the most diverse and unique aircraft collections in the country. Rare exhibits such as the Viggen, Jaguar T2A and Ashton to name but a few make the attraction a real favourite of many an enthusiast.

Despite being a charity run largely by volunteers, the Museum are kindly offering two prizes to each of our three winners. The first of these is a Family Admission Ticket for a day's visit to the Museum (with the date of the visit being entirely up to you) - the ticket allows access for a maximum of two adults and three children. Provided volunteers are available, a number of the aircraft on site may well be open when you visit - giving an exclusive peek into the cockpits of these iconic machines. We do suggest winners arrive early as there is a lot to see and do! In addition, each prizewinner will receive a copy of 'RAF Winthorpe' - a fantastically-written 'in-house' book which records the trials and tribulations that occurred on the disused airfield the Museum is situated upon, from World War Two onwards.

Thanks again to our friends at Newark for their contribution and continued support of UKAR - keep checking their thread in 'Aviation Waffle' for continued updates on the latest happenings!

Flight Radar 24Flight Radar 24

Courtesy of Flight Radar 24

Business and Gold Subscriptions

Flightradar24 is widely recognised as the premier aircraft tracking tool available to the public, and is frequently seen in the media reports regarding aviation. Following a revamp of their subscription structure and the launch of their new-look website earlier in the year, flightradar24 have provided us with 4 Gold Subscriptions and 1 Business Subscription, each valid for one year from the date of activation, for the lucky winners!

Features of the Gold Subscription include:

  • Full aircraft details for tracked aircraft on the map
  • 180 days access to flight and aircraft history
  • Extensive options for customisations and alerts
  • Navigation points, ATC boundaries and oceanic tracks
  • More views for the map

The Business Subscription includes the above, plus enhanced customisation options, even further access to flight histories and full airport and fleet views. Full details can be found at the subscription page on their website.

HAF 'ZEUS' F-16 Demo Team WebsiteHAF 'ZEUS' F-16 Demo Team

Courtesy of HAF "ZEUS" F-16 Demo Team

'Goodie Bags' of HAF Zeus Demo Team Merch

We're proud to offer three goodie-bags of merchandise courtesy of the Hellenic Air Force's F-16 Display Team "Zeus", to be collected from their stand at the Royal International Air Tattoo this July. If you've seen it before you'll know what a selection they have available!

Returning to the UK after making their debut at the Air Tattoo last year, where it won the "Best Livery Award", their fantastically painted aeroplane will once again roar through the skies of Gloucestershire.

RAF Red Arrows WebsiteRAF Red Arrows (© Crown Copyright)

Courtesy of RAF Red Arrows

A3 Print signed by the 2016 Red Arrows Pilots

Considered by many to be the world’s best military display team, nothing exemplifies the great British airshow more than the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. The arrival of the "Reds" at any event is guaranteed to make every visitor stop in their tracks to watch, they are the epitome of national identity and pride for many. Many of the UKAR Staff Teams first memories of attending airshows are from seeing the reds perform and gave us the bug that lead us to where we are today.

It’s for that reason that we are so grateful to the RAF Red Arrows for supporting our 20th anniversary celebrations with the kind donation of a prize. On offer is a limited edition numbered Red Arrows print that has been signed by all the 2016 Red Arrows pilots themselves.

Rich Goodwin Airshows WebsiteRich Goodwin Airshows

Courtesy of Rich Goodwin Airshows

Signed Oris T-Shirts and Signed Prints

Rich Goodwin is a pilot who needs no introduction. His aerobatic displays in his Pitts Special "Muscle Biplane" have wowed audiences up and down the country and even overseas, and his place as one of the most popular acts on the UK airshow circuit is very well earnt indeed.

Seasoned show-goers will look forward to his display on any programme, while newcomers are blown away by what is always a surprising and jaw-dropping routine. Already booked for several shows this season, we can't wait to see what he can do this year in his wonderfully-painted machine.

Rich has donated four Oris watchmakers t-shirts for our competition, which can be signed if requested! Each shirt will also come with a signed photo.

Shackleton Preservation Trust WebsiteShackleton Preservation Trust

Courtesy of The Shackleton Preservation Trust

Signed Airfix 1:72 Shackleton kit

Our friends at the Shackleton Preservation Trust will provide a signed 1:72 scale Airfix kit of their Avro Shackleton WR963, which is being restored to flying condition at Coventry Airport by a dedicated bunch of volunteers.

The model kit, which has only been on sale since the last few weeks of 2015, is the result of nearly six years' hard work and painstaking research and sophisticated modelling to form one of Airfix's best yet.

Aside from looking fantastic on anyone's shelf, there is immense satisfaction to be had in building the model of WR963, before visiting volunteers doing the same thing on the 1:1 version at Coventry!

UK Airshow ReviewPiper Cherokee

Courtesy of UK Airshow Review

A Flight with UKAR Staffer Daniel Ledwood

Airshows tend to showcase the ultimate advancements in aviation technology from various decades, but the aviation careers of all pilots began with taking the controls of fun, agile, piston powered light aircraft. On offer is the chance to be a passenger and operate a light aircraft piloted by one UKAR’s resident pilots and aspiring commercial pilot; Dan Ledwood.

The aircraft of choice is the Piper PA-28-160 Warrior, with the durable PA-28 family arguably one of the most popular choices for private pilots across the world.

Departing from the small but friendly general aviation airfield of Gamston/Retford in Nottinghamshire, one lucky winner will have the opportunity to see the landscape from a totally different perspective after a fully comprehensive flight brief on the ground prior to getting airborne. The recipient will even get the chance to take control of the aircraft high in the sky and conduct a series of turns, climbs, descents plus some straight and level flight. On return to the airfield, depending on aircraft traffic in the vicinity, a couple of circuits will be conducted before parking the aircraft up and enjoying a well-deserved beverage after a de-brief.

* A 15 stone / 95kg weight limit applies to this prize, and the winner will need to organise their own personal travel plans and costs to/from the airfield. No additional equipment required, unless you wish to bring a camera! The prize winner will be notified of the exact date and time to arrive at the airfield in advance, with an approximate date currently set for early to mid-August. Further correspondence will take place via e-mail prior to the flight.

Grub Street Publishing WebsiteGrub Street Publishing

Courtesy of Grub Street Publishing & Bob Marston

Signed copies of Vulcan, Lightning & Harrier Boys

Grub Street Publishing have given us a set of signed copies of their three most popular aviation books - Harrier Boys, Vulcan Boys and Lightning Boys, part of their enigmatic and entertaining series of publications telling the pilots' and crews' stories about working with some of the most iconic British aircraft from over the years. Written with style, it's easy to get sucked into the anecdotes and tales between the covers, told with great love and affection - and frequently a little bit of exasperation. Enjoy a side of British aviation less-often heard!

Our runner-up in this category will receive a single copy of Harrier Boys Vol.1 which comes signed, courtesy of the author, Bob Marston.

PB Photos WebsitePB Photos

Courtesy of PB Photos

Copy of UK Military Airfields Guide

This 2016 edition of the UK Military Airfields Guide has been produced for aviation enthusiasts, spotters and photographers. It includes the United Kingdom’s military airfield establishments featuring full colour maps of those operated by Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Army, United States Air Force and the Ministry of Defence

This essential guide features 22 maps of the major operational airfields with associated units and airfield radio frequencies plus 26 maps of minor and satellite airfields. A location map of Volunteer Gliding Schools has been incorporated to this edition.

We have one copy to give away courtesy of the author Peregrine Bush, aka UKAR forum member 'Habu Hunter'.

Wallhangers! WebsiteWallhangers!

Courtesy of Wallhangers!

Framed and Mounted Photographic Print

Time to dustdown that harddrive and search for one of your all time favourite photos!

Wallhangers of Shropshire are giving one of our UKAR Forum Photographers the chance to have one of their high resolution digital images printed out and mounted behind non-reflective glass within a beautifully handcrafted natural wood frame. The frame measures approxiamately 60cm x 50cm (that's 24" x 20" in old money), so all you have to do is decide which wall it's going to hang on!

* Further details will be sent to the winner. Please note, free postage and packaging is only applicable to a UK mainland address.

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED - THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED. THE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON.

In these conditions "prize provider" means UK Airshow Review, or third party organisations, howsoever specified, for each individual prize, providing prizes for the sole purposes of this competition. In these conditions "prize winner" means the registered member of UK Airshow Review selected at random by UK Airshow Review staff members to win one of the gifts or prizes on offer for the sole purposes of this competition. All prize winners agree to respond to a winning notification e-mail within one week of such winning notification being sent, if no response is received, the prize will be withdrawn from the prize winner by the prize provider and be awarded to another competition entrant chosen at random. All prize winners agree to have their name used in publicity releases by UK Airshow Review and/or third party prize providers. Prize winner contact details will not be shared in public domain. Entering this competition or being chosen as a prize winner does not form a contract with any and all prize providers. Entrants must supply a valid e-mail address and all prize winners will be notified by e-mail. One entry per person - first entry counts, further entries will be discarded. Prizes are not exchangeable and no cash alternative is offered. Prize winners agree for their contact details to be provided to third parties in order to administer prize distribution and/or organisation. The competition is not open to current UK Airshow Review staff members. UK Airshow Review's decision on which entrant wins a prize and becomes a prize winner is final and no correspondence disputing the prize or requesting an alternative will be entered into. The prize winners and their prizes will be drawn at random from all the correct entries received by the advertised closing date (23:59hrs on Friday 20th May 2016). No competition entries will be accepted after the advertised closing date. This competition is open exclusively to registered members of the UK Airshow Review Forum, a registered and approved username must be provided with the competition entry for it to be valid. To register please click here. Where applicable, the prizes may only be available on specific dates or at specific times, it is the prize winner's responsibility to make themselves available at a date and time specified by the prize provider. Where applicable, the prize winner is responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and costs. Where prizes are provided directly by a third party, UK Airshow Review accepts no responsibility for prizes not provided. Where prizes do not arrive due to postal delays or failure or are withdrawn for other unforeseen circumstances out of the control of the relevant prize provider, the prize provider accepts no liability and will not provide a replacement/alternative. Where applicable, prizes are subject to operational commitments, and the prize provider reserves the right at any time to cancel, withdraw, postpone, or vary the whole or part of the prize offered. The prize provider shall not be responsible for any indirect or consequential loss, howsoever arising from from such a cancellation, withdrawal, postponement, or variation of the prize offered. Where applicable the prize provider or any representative thereof may require further information for security and information purposes. The prize winner consents to provide this information if requested to do so by the prize provider. UK Airshow Review or prize providers reserve the right to modify or vary any or all of these conditions at any time.