The Biggest Air Show Ever to Take Place Over the West of Ireland Skies.
One of the most recognisable planes of its generation - the Douglas DC-3 has been unveiled as the latest in a long line of iconic aircrafts and acts to sign up for this year’s Foynes Air Show, supported by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Margaret O’Shaughnessy, Director of Foynes Air Show, announced that the newly refurbished DC-3, which revolutionised air transport in the 1930s and 1940s, will take to the skies over Foynes on Saturday July 22, 2017, as part of the largest ever air show to be held along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Revealing a comprehensive list of events for Foynes Air Show 2017, Ms O’Shaughnessy said, “This year’s show in Foynes will be one of the biggest events to be held along the Wild Atlantic Way, with more than 32 of the world’s most famous and iconic air craft taking to the skies over west Limerick. The 18 plus acts will be made up of dare devil displays from Europe’s most skilled military pilots, breathtaking aerobatics by Ireland and Europe’s most experienced aviators, as well as flybys by some of the world’s most historically significant aircraft.”
“We are delighted to have the Douglas DC-3 in this year’s show, which will be a first for Ireland. Its impact on the aviation industry and its role in World War II make it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made. We can also reveal today that the P51D Mustang and Strikemaster will be part of Foynes Air Show 2017.
“Exclusively to the Foynes Airshow on July 22 will be displays in SUKHOI SU26, CAP 232, RV7, Christen Eagle, Pitts Special 2S2 and Russian Mig, adding fun and dramatics to this family event,” added Margaret.
“Added to all the acts already announced, including a first for Ireland -the Spanish Air Force F-18 jets; British Spitfires; Viggen jets, and a pair of Vampires from Norway. this year’s show is a must for any summer holiday or stay-cation.”
“For us here in Foynes - the home of Irish aviation - the most significant aircraft taking part in the show will be the Catalina. The Catalina flying boat G-PBYA, will mark the 80th anniversary of the first transatlantic flight, undertaken on July 5, when flying boat G-ADHM Caledonia, commanded by Capt. A.S. Wilcockson, took off from Foynes for Botwood in Newfoundland,” she said.
Ms O’Shaughnessy also reminded potential visitors to the show that the Foynes Air Show is not just an event for air craft enthusiasts, but an afternoon of entertainment for the whole family.
The main supporter of the Foynes Air Show is the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) as part of its #AviationIreland campaign to promote aviation across the State. The IAA also supports the Bray Air Display which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, 2017.
Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority said, “Aviation is a hugely important economic driver for our country and this year under the IAA’s “Aviation Ireland” campaign we are supporting not just one but two spectacular air shows over the same weekend at Foynes and at Bray, making this year an extra special one for fans of aviation across Ireland. We see this as a great avenue to raise the profile of aviation and to generate an interest in our industry.”
Foynes Air Show 2017 Line Up:
Douglas DC-3: This plane revolutionised air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its impact on the aviation industry and its role in World War II make it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made. This particular aircraft was first delivered to the USAAF in September 1943 before transferred to the RAF in 1944. After the war it served the South African Air force until 1981 when it was stationed at Langebaanweg Navigation School. It was the first DC 3 to be fitted with radar equipment while with the South African Air Force. The plane was sold to Aero Rebuilds in 1995 and then on to Springbok Classic Air in 2002. In 2009 the plane underwent a full restoration to flying condition. This work took place over 10 months with 4 people working on the plane. In 2015 it was bought by its current owner Mr. Peter Adrian of Trier in Germany where it is stationed at his home base of Zwiebrucken EDRZ.
F-18 jet, Spanish Airforce: This will be the first time that the exciting Spanish display team will perform at Bray represented by Captains Herrera and Agulló, both based at Zaragoza airbase in Spain.
Catalina flying boat: The Catalina flying boat G-PBYA, will make a notable return to the skies over Foynes, as it marks the 80th anniversary of the first transatlantic flight, when flying boat G-ADHM Caledonia made the historic crossing from Foynes to Botwood in Newfoundland on July 5.
Patrouille Tranchant: A Celtic jet team from Brittany, France flying Fouga aircraft Patrouille Tranchant pilot Hugues Duval became the first pilot in aviation history to cross the Channel on an electric powered “CriCri” aircraft on July 9th 2015.
Norwegian MIG & Vampires:The Norwegian air force historical squadron will demonstrate their MIG and Vampire aircraft.
British Spitfire & Mustang: Vintage glamour will be on show with a spitfire and mustang in the skies over Bray.
Irish Historic Flight Foundation: Commemorates aviation achievements as well as encouraging an interest in Irish aviation. Flying IOLAR and three Chipmunk aircraft.
The Ravens: A UK based formation aerobatic display team formed in May 2014 flying six RV aircraft.
The Viggen: Representing the ‘Swedish Air Force Historic Flight’ flying ‘Viggen’ aircraft.
SUKHOI SU 26: Dave Bruton will take to the skies in this single-seater no-compromise pure aerobatics plane from the former Soviet Union. First flown in 1984, the type has undergone many refinements over the years and has dominated Aerobatic World Championships since.
CAP 232: Irish aerobatic champion, Eddie Goggins, will display his incredibly versatile skills in this French designed AVIONS MUDRY CAP 232 and its 300 horse power, 9 litre, 6 cylinder engine.
RV7: Pigs might not be flying but cows will when Gerry Humphreys, Ireland’s beloved “flying farmer” takes to the sky in his Vans RV7, nicknamed “The flying cow”.
Christen Eagle: Andrew Fenton will display his aerobatic sporting biplane Christen Eagle II which is very similar to the Pitts Special, and was designed by the same person - Frank Christensen.
Pitts Special 2S2: The uniquely modified Muscle biplane of ex-RAF Tornado Pilot Rich Goodwin, is set to delight and leave visitors to Foynes Airshow in awe! ‘G-EWIZ’, which has been specially modified to provide the ultimate Biplane for air show entertainment.
Russian MIG-15: Designed in Moscow this particular aircraft was built in Poland in 1952 as a SBLim-2, and served in the Polish Air Force until 1990.
