This was my first time in Blackpool. The air display was between the Central Pier and North Pier, with the promenade by Blackpool Tower packed with spectators as the beach was closed due to a high tide.
Most aircraft, including the Red Arrows and Typhoon, operated from Blackpool Airport, three miles south of the Tower. The Red Arrows opened the show, followed by BBMF’s Lancaster (their Spitfires and Hurricanes are temporarily grounded following an accident in May).
Local Blackpool operator, L39 Aviation, performed an exhilarating high-energy performance with their Aero L-39 Albatros, but it was difficult to see because their display line was so far from the beach and in front of the sun. The lack of a consistent commentary meant that some of the crowd lost interest at this point, leaving more room on the prom for the more hardcore enthusiasts!
Other displays included the Navy Wing’s Fairey Swordfish, Plane Sailing’s PYB Catalina and Rich Goodwin’s phenomenal jet-boosted Pitts.
Blackpool Air Show 2024 – my photos
Radio frequencies
The following frequencies were in use:
| Display | 121.175 |
| Blackpool Approach | 119.95 |
| Coastguard assets | 156.0 (FM, Ch. 0) 160.6 (FM, Ch. 99) |
Orientation
The display line for the Blackpool Air Show is over water, north-south, with the crowd facing west. The sun starts in front of the crowd for the whole show. Crowd centre is at Blackpool Tower.