The Royal Photographic Society South East Region
			Cloudless Skies over Biggin Hill   Some 30 Members at the Airshow Preview Day at Biggin Hill on 1st June enjoyed unbroken sunshine, cloudless skies and a full day of aviation interest unfolding before their cameras. Not only did they have the run of an uncrowded airfield, they were welcomed too at the hospitality pavilion and its well-placed tiered grandstand - an ideal location for picture-taking. Though no official programme was undertaken, there were aerobatic displays, numerous "fly-ins" of aircraft due to take part in the Airshow proper on the following two days, and a photogenic array of planes on the ground. Notable here were a couple of operable First World War replicas; and DC-3 Dakota N147DC, arriving during the morning from North Weald bearing the war-weary scars of its recent deployment in the TV series "Band of Brothers". Current aviation technology was well represented in flying displays by RAF Harrier and Russian Sukhoi SU-27 - the latter a 1550mph front-line fighter in use with the air forces of China, Russia and the Ukraine. Mid-afternoon saw the arrival of Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Photographers alert to the Flight's whereabouts gathered at the north end of the runway in anticipation; unexpectedly, the big four-engined Lancaster made a touch-and-go landing, roaring impressively into the air for a further circuit before landing and parking beside the runway. Minutes later, Flying Fortress "Sally B" landed, and photographers had the fleeting opportunity to capture the two leading heavy bombers of World War II in a single exposure. The entire day was a notable success, both for the Airshow organisers and for our RPS Members and photographers. R. Keith Evans
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