Flying Legends 2009, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, UK
Legends 2009 was one of disappointment - and enjoyment. Disappointment because several of the Fighter Collection aircraft were not allowed to fly due to a beaurocratic blunder. Also, B-17 Sally B was unserviceble - not good. However, there was a lot of new aircraft to see fly so that made up for the disappointment. New aircraft for me were the three Fokker DR1 replica's along with a Neiuport 17 and a Bleriot. Kind of quaint to see these old aircraft floating around. They sure are not fast! Nice to see the Horsemen, Jim Beasley (the leader), Dan Friedkin (right wing) and Ed Shipley (left wing). These guys know how to fly Mustangs in a very tight formation. I was lucky enough to meet Dick Lord of "Vlamgat" fame. What a nice man! We chatted about the SAAF and Waterkloof airbase, Mirage F1's and Flying Legends. We met again at RIAT and continued our conversation. Unfortunately Dick passed away in October after a long illness. R.I.P. Dick, you were a gentleman of note.
Thanks to Shaun Melass, my mate who travels with me to UK airshows. Without you there mate, Legends is just not the same. We did however enjoy this year....
One word on photography! Never use a new camera at a major airshow - learn to use it before you get there. I had just bought my Canon 5D Mk II and battled to get decent shots. Took some time to get used to it.
