Visitors to several UK air shows can expect reduced aerial displays this bank holiday weekend in the wake of the Shoreham tragedy, with one organiser defending its decision to cancel its 2015 event.
Earlier this week, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) imposed restrictions on vintage aircraft performing aerial displays over land as investigations continued into the crash that killed up to 20 people.
Skyline Events, organiser of the Teesside Air Show in England’s north east, said it had made the “correct decision” to postpone its family event until 28 May 2016.
Spokesperson Chris Petty said CAA restrictions would have limited the flying displays of jet aircraft scheduled to take part on 29 August, including an Avro Vulcan and aircraft from the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight.
“We had put together an excellent programme of events but clearly the tragedy at Shoreham has forced us to consider very carefully whether it would be right to go ahead,” Petty said. “Obviously this is not a decision we have taken lightly because we appreciate that thousands of people were looking forward to having a great day out this Saturday.”
Many fans reacted angrily to the decision, with one Twitter user describing the postponement as a “knee jerk reaction”.
However, the organiser is not alone, with CarFest South in Hampshire also cancelling its aerial displays.
“Both as a mark of respect and in consideration of the air show review,” a company statement said.
Earlier this month, a pilot at sister-event CarFest North was killed while performing in an aerial display.
At the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta in Devon, the Red Arrows Team will conduct two flypasts, instead of performing a full aerobatic display.
Meanwhile, the organiser of the Rhyl Air Show, in North Wales, has only amended one programme element, because most displays take place over the sea.
“The only item with any element flying over the crowd will be the Red Arrows, who have received special permission from the Ministry of Defence and CAA,” said Rhyl Air Show flight director Mike Wood. “For this, they will be flying high, straight and level in a stable formation.”
The two-day Clacton Air Show, which also features seaside displays, has added a tribute commentary to its programme, according to the BBC
