Eastbourne 2022

This was the first Eastbourne airshow since 2019 and drew the largest crowds I’ve ever seen there.

For me, the highlight was the MiG-15 of the Norwegian Historical Squadron, a regular to air shows, but recently repainted from its Soviet colours to a US Air Force scheme in recognition of the MiG-15 that fell into American hands during the Korean war.

Rich Goodman showed off the Jet Pitts he’s been building for the last few years. Based on a Pitts S2S, it will eventually fly with two jet engines in addition to the usual piston engine driving the propeller. Unfortunately a minor engine problem cut his display short, but he made a safe landing back at Shoreham. The following day, he displayed with G-EWIZ, his original “Muscle Biplane”.

John Romain displayed in his “NHS Spitfire”, the aircraft he flew around the country to raise money and show his gratitude to NHS workers during our national hibernation.

An RAF Typhoon made a short flypast with the a BBMF Spitfire, reminiscent of the display the two types put on in 2015 that I saw at Dunsfold. The Red Arrows had not displayed at the Eastbourne airshow since 2018 and closed the show with this season’s seven-ship formation, down from their usual nine Hawks.

The future of Airbourne, the Eastbourne airshow, has been in doubt. Hopefully, enough money will have been raised to secure its future for the next few years.

Eastbourne airshow 2022 – my photos