Throughout Sunday the weather situation defied even the Brize forecaster's array of computers. Both Duxford and Southport were cancelled when it became clear that there was no safe, VFR way of making either.
However, the weather then began to clear from the west. It would not clear sufficiently along the required route to Duxford before the display closed; however, it was just possible for the aircraft to make it to Southport. Contrary to all expectations, the crew worked miracles and were able to reach Southport and to display to a crowd who hadn't had any chance to see her before. But there was no way a safe transit and display could still be achieved to Duxford in sufficient time.
It was amazing that '558 flew at all on Sunday and for that at least some had cause to be thankful.
If folk can't understand the vagaries of the British weather, perhaps they should reconsider travelling long distances given the appalling forecast which had been in force for several days beforehand.
As I write I am sitting outside in the evening sun on the Bodensee (Lake Constance) having flown down last night from Hamburg. None of my colleagues can really believe what an appalling summer the UK has had.
But hey, maybe I can have a word with Big G (or Big A for some) and ask him/her to ensure that next time the sun will shine?
Last edited by BEagle; 15th September 2008 at 13:04.
Reason: p-k-b had the decency to edit his post, so it's only fair that I should edit mine!!