Out and about

Spring Air Show, IWM Duxford - Sunday 17th May 2009

The sight of magnificent men in their flying machines looping the loop in the skies above Cambridgeshire can mean only one thing - they're gearing up for another of IWM Duxford's spectaculars.

Close up with a Typhoon.

The Spring Air Show celebrates the Best of British in an aerial spectacle that features civil and historic aircraft, both vintage and modern.

And if the weather holds up it's a great excuse to grab the family for a thrilling day out with more oohs and aahs than you can shake your collection of AirFix models at!

Highlights of the show include the Typhoon, Hawk, and the stunning Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane.

A plane landing at IWM Duxford

It also features celebrated British pilots including Guy Westgate, eight times National Glider Aerobatic Champion, who recently set a new record of rolling 'on tow' and will be demonstrating his aerobatic skills in a Swift Glider and Pawnee Tug; Dennis Kenyon, former World Helicopter Freestyle Champion, who will be flying an Enstrom helicopter and Mark Jefferies, four times British Aerobatic Champion who will be flying his newly-acquired Extra 330c.

In addition to this, the show features all three British Red Bull Air Race pilots in an unusual trio of The Matadors' Sukhois and Old Flying Machine Company's P51 Mustang.

American Air Museum, IWM Duxford

As ever, the whole of the museum will be open including the stunning AirSpace and the American Air Museum from early in the morning and once the flying display starts at 2pm, it'll keep you amused for three hours. Mind you don't crick your neck, though! Visitors to past shows have been spotted leaving the site with their heads still pointing skywards - and it's not always by choice...

There's always plenty for kids - big or small - you'll be surprised at how many grown men turn into drooling toddlers at the sight of the flight simulator!

FREE CHILD TICKET OFFER

One child will be admitted free when you purchase an advance adult or senior ticket. For more details about tickets and prices, please check the IWM Duxford website or call 01223 835 000.

Duxford is located just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11. Gates open at 8am and the flying begins at 2pm.