AeroFest - Tiger Trophy & Pitts Fly-In, 2025 results
CD report
What a great weekend! I find myself saying this every time I write a CD report. This time it is after the Sleap weekend; last domestic power competition of the year…….where did the year go?
So, the objective was to fly the Tiger trophy, probably the most prestigious trophy in the competition calendar after a national champions trophy. Next, the Golding Barratt trophy, competed for by pilots at Sports Category and finally the Kernow Cup; a little-known trophy normally flown at Bodmin airfield, last flown in 2008 and won by Peter Rounce. Also, we happen to be flying during the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Pitts Special. I remember that great turnout 10 years ago for the 70th anniversary. Could we replicate or better that?
First of all, from the moment registration started on the Friday morning, Bruce Buglass and his team at Shropshire Aero Club could not have been more accommodating. We were afforded our own hanger for briefings and overnight security plus a large parking area for the aircraft during the day. They also guaranteed us two excellent days of weather, well almost. The third day, the Sunday, was not looking good so we had a challenge…….to get it all done, including the fly-in all in two days!
We ended up with 14 pilots across the field, two having dropped out at Unlimited level due to their aircraft going “tech”. We had c. 40 flights to complete and some wonderful Pitts aircraft to admire. Brian McCartney would be the chief judge/contest director in our “Concours d’Elegance event.
Starting time was set for 12.45 on Friday but the moment we agreed a start time dark clouds appeared from the west; flying delayed more teas / coffees consumed. “Come on Sky Gods, be kind to us”. They listened, an hour or so later we were off, working like a well-oiled machine getting the aircraft at the hold (on the ground), airborne and landed all without hitch. Well done to all that flew that day. The focus was the Tiger and at the end of the first day we had got all bar two pilots flown – Carl Cox at Advanced and Phil Burgess at Unlimited. Also worth noting, I believe Bruce Buglass was the first airfield operator that was not only keeping a watchful eye on his super-efficient young team but also flying his first competition at Club level.
We needed to get a lot of flights done the following day but with the forecast set for CAVOK and an 08.30 briefing we were going for it! And yes, once again, the Sky Gods thought they would have some fun. Sending low cloud and even a bit of drizzle in from the SE to delay us for another couple of hours. What fun! Gradually, we got the well-oiled machine running again, the excellent line-up of judges and their assistants stayed put on the line and got fed in between the aerobatic levels. Also, we had some lovely Pitts arriving throughout the day. Not as many as 10 years ago but I think the forecast, including gusts right across the runway deterred some. Nevertheless, we had twelve aircraft and quite a few pilots and passengers all having a good chat about their characteristics.
Onwards and upwards………….by around 16.00hrs local we had finished and got all the trophies flown and all flown safely. Special congratulations to Robert Berger in his first competition at Sport level winning the Tiger Trophy and the Golding Barratt trophy! Congratulations to Nick Riddin winning the Kernow Cup and to Bruce Buglass winning his first Club competition and on his home ground. Last but not least, the Concours d’Elegance award goes to Alex Cartright and his stunning Super Stinker Pitts G-EWOK. What a machine!
Also, many thanks to our pilots, judges, assistants under the ever professional eye of SteveGreen, and brilliant support throughout the 2025 season by Jamie Williams who really does go the extra mile to get it all done. Our airfield operator at Sleap, excellent work from the tower and from catering considering it was rammed. And finally, from all the neighbours. I think we only had one complaint, thank you – great result!
Phil Massetti, Contest Director
