0:00:02 > 0:00:05Can there be anything more British than the love of adrenaline...
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Rolling...now.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10..determination in the face of adversity...
0:00:10 > 0:00:12That is not show standard.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14..which epitomises the RAF?
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Brilliant to watch, never gets tiring.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Over the course of their action-packed summer season,
0:00:20 > 0:00:22we'll be flying with Britain's ultimate pilots...
0:00:24 > 0:00:25..The Red Arrows.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31With their fellow display teams - the Typhoon jets...
0:00:34 > 0:00:35..the Chinook helicopter...
0:00:37 > 0:00:39..and the Hurricanes and Spitfires.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42We're going inside the bubble
0:00:42 > 0:00:44to chart the courage it takes
0:00:44 > 0:00:48to pull off the most famous flying experience in the world.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05This week, the Red Arrows are heading
0:01:05 > 0:01:08to the world's biggest military air show,
0:01:08 > 0:01:09held at RAF Fairford.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16But will they be knocked off the top spot by another stellar act,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18because the true legends of British aviation,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21the Spitfires and Hurricanes of World War II,
0:01:21 > 0:01:22are planning to steal the show.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26They even have the Red Arrows nervous.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28No-one will want to talk to us at that point.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30With exclusive inside access,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34we're in the skies with the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36The first thing to really notice
0:01:36 > 0:01:39when you get in these old aeroplanes is the smell. It's beautiful.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43They are planning an unparalleled flying formation.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Put the two aircraft together, it's brilliant.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Can they muster an unprecedented gathering of World War II planes
0:01:50 > 0:01:52from across the globe?
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Someone said the Dutch aircraft's coming.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56A Dutch aircraft? I didn't even know it was coming.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Adds to the drama of it all.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00But will they fall short?
0:02:01 > 0:02:02Our main star is gone.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05And does everyone get to play a part?
0:02:05 > 0:02:08I know on the outside I'm looking quite calm and happy,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11deep inside, a little sad that I didn't manage to go up.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15As they pay their respects to the 544 aircrew
0:02:15 > 0:02:18who died in the Battle of Britain.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is based at RAF Coningsby
0:02:28 > 0:02:29in Lincolnshire.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32They don't fly fast jets.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37They fly a priceless collection of World War II planes.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42And Squadron Leader Duncan Mason, Dunc, is the boss.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48Three, two, one, 7 o'clock local.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Right, welcome, everyone, to PDA dress rehearsal 2015.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00The BBMF perform fly-pasts at ceremonial events
0:03:00 > 0:03:02and air shows all over the country.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08This is Dunc's last year in charge,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11and he is planning an aerial extravaganza to eclipse
0:03:11 > 0:03:15all other display teams heading to the Royal International Air Tattoo.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19We're coming together with the rest of the Warburg community,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21the civilian Warburg community,
0:03:21 > 0:03:26and we are hoping up to about 25 aircraft, World War II aircraft,
0:03:26 > 0:03:28that represent the Battle, so Spitfires...
0:03:30 > 0:03:32..Hurricanes...
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Messerschmitt 109s.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38We mustn't forget the bravery of both sides.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41These guys, they weren't politically driven,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44they were young men that were fighting for their country.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49As the countdown to the air tattoo gets underway,
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Dunc's briefing Flight Lieutenant Anthony Parkinson.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57Parky is the only other full-time pilot in the Squadron.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59If we've got the prevailing westerly wind,
0:03:59 > 0:04:01it's going to mean that all of these aeroplanes,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04A, they'll need to be pointing the other way for a start,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07and it's how we then get them down and out.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Dunc's planning a mass formation of planes,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12known in the RAF as a Balbo.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16He's desperate to bring together one of the biggest gatherings
0:04:16 > 0:04:19of Battle of Britain fighters seen in decades.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23What he's trying to achieve is supremely ambitious.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28His most pressing issue is just exactly which planes will turn up.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34I'm still trying to find out about, I think it's Volker Bau,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38is the Me 109 pilot, and I still can't get any information on him,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41so I'm going to make some phone calls today.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Other than that, that's the front section.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- And that's the one coming from Munich?- Yes.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50The next section, I'm still waiting to find out about these guys.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53There's a Mk 9 with John Sessions who's coming over from the States,
0:04:53 > 0:04:57and I don't know anything about him yet, so I need to find out.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03If his plans come to fruition, this is the kind of flying
0:05:03 > 0:05:07more than 150,000 spectators will see at RAF Fairford.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16Dunc needs the support of the civilian pilots now more than ever.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Because back in May, just days into the new display season,
0:05:21 > 0:05:23disaster struck.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27His superstar Lancaster bomber,
0:05:27 > 0:05:32one of only two flying in the world today, burst into flames mid-air.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36This exclusive RAF footage was captured
0:05:36 > 0:05:40from the air traffic control tower at RAF Coningsby.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44I'm in the tower, it's on fire, and it's properly on fire.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48Flight lieutenant Tim Dunlop is a full-time RAF transport pilot
0:05:48 > 0:05:52and volunteers with the BBMF to fly the Lancaster.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56He was in the cockpit training a new member of the team.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01At this point, it's a full-on aviation emergency.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03We then see a couple of flames coming out of it.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Clearly, that's very unusual for this type of scenario.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10He positioned the aircraft into a nice downwind position,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13so it's just before we turn in to land the aircraft,
0:06:13 > 0:06:16and then myself and the rest of the crew went through the process
0:06:16 > 0:06:18of physically shutting down the engine.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Not only are the pilots' lives at stake,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25the precious Lancaster itself is now in danger.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29OK, guys, when he's on the runway
0:06:29 > 0:06:33and he slowed right down, let him know he's still on fire, OK?
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Don't put that out until he's down safely.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Nice landing.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39Very nice.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43We then needed to get out of the aeroplane, so the quickest exit
0:06:43 > 0:06:48for us in the flight deck is out of the parachute escape hatch here.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50It's a little bit of a drop.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52That guy that's just got out had a hell of a fall.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54If I hang from it or something like that,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57I've probably only got about three or four feet I need to drop.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I think we just about landed on our feet.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01A couple of us fell a bit onto our bottoms.
0:07:01 > 0:07:02That's the second one.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04Oof!
0:07:04 > 0:07:07The other two who were further back in the aircraft
0:07:07 > 0:07:08came out of the back.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Tim's dramatic escape gave him an insight into
0:07:11 > 0:07:15what it would have been like for the bomber crews of World War II.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19They had all the under fire, doing it at night.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21An engine fire to them
0:07:21 > 0:07:24was probably something they'd deal with on several occasions.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Amazing stories about guys going out onto the wing
0:07:27 > 0:07:31to put the aircraft fire out and bits and pieces.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35It's just fantastic, amazingly brave guys back then.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Firefighters managed to save the bulk of the Lancaster.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43But not before the engine was badly damaged.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48Junior Engineering Officer Dean McAllister and his team
0:07:48 > 0:07:50have an enormous challenge on their hands.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54Since the fire itself, the team have split the aircraft down,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56removed all the damaged parts.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Hopefully, we are still aiming
0:07:58 > 0:08:00to have her flight tested by the end of August.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05But that means the star of the show will miss most of the display season.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08And the spectacle of the Lancaster will be absent from their
0:08:08 > 0:08:12critical display at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Having the Lancaster, you know, with its fire,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22so early in the season, essentially, take the Lanc out,
0:08:22 > 0:08:24you know, that's... Our main star is gone.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28However, to take its place at the air tattoo,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Parky has a very special aircraft,
0:08:30 > 0:08:34in the wings, ready to take centre stage.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35She's called P7,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39thanks to the registration number painted on her side.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43She still carries the scars of her wartime service.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48So, this is the Mk II Spitfire.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53The oldest airworthy Spitfire that flew in the Battle of Britain.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57An amazing piece of history in itself.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02It's bad to have favourites, I guess,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04but this would be my favourite.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10This irreplaceable Spitfire rolled off the production line in 1940
0:09:10 > 0:09:12and is believed to be the 14th
0:09:12 > 0:09:16of nearly 12,000 built in just one Birmingham factory.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21She can fly at almost 400mph in a dive,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24powered by an original Merlin engine.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27She's the only airworthy Spitfire that flew in the Battle of Britain
0:09:27 > 0:09:29and you're definitely aware
0:09:29 > 0:09:32that you're flying an utterly priceless aircraft when you fly her.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35She's incredibly light, even compared to the other Spitfires.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38She weighs physically less, she is just lighter
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and even more balanced on the controls to fly.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43And even just the fact that she's brown and green,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46when you look at the camouflaged wing with the RAF roundels on it,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48the hairs go up on the back of your neck.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51There's just something so special about this aircraft.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55With the Lancaster grounded,
0:09:55 > 0:09:57the stakes couldn't be higher for Parky.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01His precious Spitfire, P7, now moves into the spotlight
0:10:01 > 0:10:04with only five days to go until the famous air tattoo.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Today, the BBMF are kicking off the week with an emotionally charged
0:10:24 > 0:10:28fly-past at Capel-le-Ferne's Battle of Britain Memorial.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Often when the BBMF pilots take off, they face uncertainty
0:10:44 > 0:10:46because of the changeable weather.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Flying a priceless collection of vintage aircraft means
0:10:50 > 0:10:52they are under the strictest of regulations.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Anything which might cause damage to the planes
0:10:57 > 0:10:59must be avoided at all cost.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01And that includes the weather.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07At Capel-le-Ferne,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09some of the men who flew in the Battle of Britain
0:11:09 > 0:11:12are taking their seats in expectation.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17But the grey skies don't bode well for the fly-past.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23During the battle itself, the pilots had no choice
0:11:23 > 0:11:26and were forced to fly in all weathers.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30But for the BBMF, poor visibility and heavy rain
0:11:30 > 0:11:33can bring any sortie to an abrupt end.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39Veterans from every generation of the military are waiting
0:11:39 > 0:11:42to hear the first roar of the Merlin engines.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Even people that weren't in the war, when they see the Lancasters,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Spitfires and all that sort of going,
0:11:47 > 0:11:50there's something about them that is really important.
0:11:52 > 0:11:5519, 20 year old, it's amazing, really.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57With so little training as well.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01And they were up there in the thick of it, so this is a very important
0:12:01 > 0:12:06place of pilgrimage, really, to remember what they did for us.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Without them doing the battle up there, we'd have been lost.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11You know.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17Flying vintage planes without hi-tech navigation instruments
0:12:17 > 0:12:18means extreme weather conditions
0:12:18 > 0:12:21can make it impossible to complete a sortie.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27At Capel-le-Ferne, overlooking the white cliffs of Dover,
0:12:27 > 0:12:29the weather is getting worse.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33And then, the heart-rending news,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37the BBMF are not coming.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42After two attempts to fly into Capel, the severe bad weather
0:12:42 > 0:12:45has made it too dangerous for the pilots to risk the fly-past.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51I'd like to have seen it, but it's one of those things.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54We all kind of landed slightly deflated
0:12:54 > 0:12:58because we didn't get Capel-le-Ferne in for the veterans.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01And it was so frustrating with the weather, the band of rain just
0:13:01 > 0:13:04positioned itself in the English Channel and it was just bizarre.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07We took off from Southend to go down
0:13:07 > 0:13:10and we got literally three miles to the north of Capel.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I imagine the veterans could almost hear us, and we had to turn back.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17We'll put that behind us and start looking ahead.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22The entire BBMF team feel
0:13:22 > 0:13:26they've disappointed the veterans at Capel-le-Ferne.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30Now they've got just five days until the Royal International Air Tattoo
0:13:30 > 0:13:34at RAF Fairford where they won't want a repeat of today's no-show.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45The Air Tattoo at Fairford is coming down the tracks fast
0:13:45 > 0:13:48for all the display teams taking part.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52The Red Arrows are rehearsing to make the sure
0:13:52 > 0:13:56they are show ready for the world's biggest military air tattoo.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03But Parky's got a bit of dazzling display flying of his own
0:14:03 > 0:14:06up his sleeve to give the Reds a run for their money.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11He's planning to wow the crowds by merging his vintage Spitfire
0:14:11 > 0:14:15with a brand-new, state-of-the-art, all-singing,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18all-dancing monster of the sky.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23The £60 million Typhoon fighter jet.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26It's really to show the cutting-edge technology of the Spitfire
0:14:26 > 0:14:29and obviously the modern-day Typhoon.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31And show just how proud we are of our past
0:14:31 > 0:14:33and put the two aircraft together, it's brilliant.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37But Parky needs a partner in crime.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Back in January, he teamed up with 32-year-old
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Flight Lieutenant Ben Westoby-Brooks
0:14:45 > 0:14:47who's an elite Typhoon instructor.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Ben was selected to fly alongside Parky
0:14:50 > 0:14:53in a unique Spitfire-Typhoon synchronised display.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59But will the pair make the grade?
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Ben is used to travelling in a plane
0:15:01 > 0:15:04which can fly faster than the speed of sound.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Today, his biggest challenge
0:15:06 > 0:15:10is to replace speed with agility in a simulator.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18Flying at just over 200mph requires minute control inputs.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21If they don't get the display perfect, neither of the pilots
0:15:21 > 0:15:24will progress to flying the real aircraft in formation.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Using the simulator's technology,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31their superiors scrutinise every move the pilots make.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38After the session, Parky and Ben review their performance.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41- Brake.- Now.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Going high, but it's too late to go high, should have gone earlier.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48There's a little bit, I don't know if you see, but on your hull,
0:15:48 > 0:15:50it looks like you're absolutely on my line,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53and on mine it looks like you're a bit over as well.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54I don't know if there's a tiny bit.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56It looks like you're almost to the south of it.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59It looks like you really bussed it to me, but actually you've
0:15:59 > 0:16:01just gone to the north side of the runway, haven't you?
0:16:01 > 0:16:02Yeah.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06I actually want to be more displaced off the south side of the runway.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16They have precious little time, with the display season round the corner.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19It's a great privilege to do this display this summer.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Parky and I need to work as a team,
0:16:21 > 0:16:26especially using our radio calls to make sure that it's spot-on.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Now, their bosses think they're ready to rehearse for real...
0:16:31 > 0:16:35in a £60 million Typhoon and a priceless Spitfire.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39We've spent weeks doing a lot of training in the simulator,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43but also airborne as singletons, Typhoon and the Spitfire,
0:16:43 > 0:16:47working down from 5,000 feet all the way down to 100.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49And tomorrow is going to be the first time that I'll fly
0:16:49 > 0:16:53alongside the Spitfire and we'll practise our routine in full.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00The pilots aren't the only ones preparing for the air show.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04The BBMF has 30 full-time engineers,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07specially selected from the wider RAF.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10They're working round the clock
0:17:10 > 0:17:13to get their vintage planes ready on time.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Coming down. Go on, then.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23While a car needs an oil change, on average, every 10,000 miles,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26the Merlin and Griffin engines need one
0:17:26 > 0:17:29after only 28 hours of flying time.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33The BBMF engineers have six aircraft to get ready
0:17:33 > 0:17:35for the busy three-day event.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39At RAF bases around the country, it's a similar story.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43The Red Arrows fly Hawk jets. Some of them are nearly 30 years old,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46and they need just as much love and attention.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Not many people have a 35, 40-year-old car,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53so it's basically the same sort of procedure really,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56so they do take a lot of maintenance and hours to keep in the sky.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58For the Reds' engineers,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01the International Air Tattoo is THE showcase event.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Their pilots have the added pressure of knowing this year
0:18:06 > 0:18:09the BBMF are threatening to steal their thunder
0:18:09 > 0:18:13with Dunc's Balbo and Parky's synchro.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19It's the morning of Parky and Ben's
0:18:19 > 0:18:22first Spitfire-Typhoon synchro practice flight.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25And after weeks of rehearsing in the simulator,
0:18:25 > 0:18:27they're ready to take it to the skies.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30So, fingers crossed, a first look
0:18:30 > 0:18:33at an airborne synchro Spit-Typhoon.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37It's the day of reckoning for the whole of the BBMF...
0:18:37 > 0:18:39if the weather cooperates.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42There was a fog prob, but that's now gone.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45It's then a becoming, and this is the thing to worry about,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48the becoming, then, is form 8 to 10Z,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51so 9 to 11 local, 7K in Hayes.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53If they don't come up to scratch,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56the synchro won't display at RAF Fairford.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58The canopy will be closed, I'll give you a thumbs-up,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01you give me a thumbs-up, then I'll roll at that stage.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03That's all I have.
0:19:03 > 0:19:04Have fun.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12It's now down to Ben and Parky to show they have what it takes
0:19:12 > 0:19:14to become a first-rate display team.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20The pressure is on,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23and Dunc and the team in the control tower are also feeling it.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- Is she all good?- Yeah.- Do it.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31As Parky taxies out, the Typhoon takes to the sky.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37It's important they minimise the time in the air for the older plane.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53It's a tense time for both pilots.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Will they make the grade?
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Ben is slowing the Typhoon down to the Spitfire's speed.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01He raises the nose to maintain lift.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04This makes the plane more challenging to fly.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14Ben's boss from the Typhoon Squadron is Wing Commander James Heald
0:20:14 > 0:20:16and he is watching his every move.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20At this point, Parky will be verbalising the wind
0:20:20 > 0:20:22so that they're both working exactly the same wind corrections.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Ben will acknowledge that.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Then he's going to basically run in straight at us
0:20:27 > 0:20:31and if the weather is fit, they'll split and to the synchro bit.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34In his Typhoon, Ben follows Parky's Spitfire
0:20:34 > 0:20:36and the display is looking good.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41As they split, they go into a manoeuvre where
0:20:41 > 0:20:43they fly head-to-head.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45When they spot each other, they call "tally"
0:20:45 > 0:20:47and know it is safe to proceed.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Unfortunately, the visibility is just not good enough
0:20:56 > 0:20:59and they are forced to terminate the display.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Thanks, everyone.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02For his very first go at it,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06when the viz is right on the mist, it is not sensible to carry on.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10So maybe later today or maybe next week. We'll see.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16They may not have been performing in front of the public,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19but Ben and Parky's first attempt at a synchro flight will be
0:21:19 > 0:21:21scrutinised by the boss, Dunc.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26They quickly get down to business.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30He wants to talk through the decision that ended the display.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32The fact that I was sat in the tower,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35"Come on, boys, call tally," and of course there were no tally calls
0:21:35 > 0:21:38and then you called blind and then you were climbing as well,
0:21:38 > 0:21:40which was exactly the right thing to do.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42It is weird how a Spit is difficult to see in its camouflage.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Because I said, "I'm over the woods,
0:21:44 > 0:21:48"I'm in your ten o'clock at about a mile," you know, and I think you
0:21:48 > 0:21:51just get better practised almost at seeing a Spit, the more you
0:21:51 > 0:21:54get used to where it is and, you know, that's the sort of position
0:21:54 > 0:21:58I'll be on that one there but again I'll just call your eyes on to me.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02We look at that viz today, it's just a real mark in the sand as to
0:22:02 > 0:22:04what we should go and try at Hatton.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07We know the fact is that if it's at RIAT,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09the pressure will be to go and do it.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Ben and Parky now need to get in the air as often as possible
0:22:13 > 0:22:16if they are to be ready for the Air Tattoo.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20There is another new pilot in the BBMF.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25Jez Attridge, station commander of RAF Coningsby
0:22:25 > 0:22:30is in charge of three Typhoon Squadrons and over 2,000 personnel.
0:22:30 > 0:22:36His privilege as station commander is being able to fly with the BBMF.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38But as a new boy, he's only allowed
0:22:38 > 0:22:45in Britain's first eight-gun fighter plane with retractable undercarriage,
0:22:45 > 0:22:47the mighty Hurricane.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51First thing to really notice
0:22:51 > 0:22:53when you get into these older aeroplanes is the smell.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56It's just... It's beautiful.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59You can smell the oil, the petrol, you can smell the age of it.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01This has got things you can catch your knees on.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04It is actually an ergonomic nightmare.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07When you take off, you are of course flying with your right hand
0:23:07 > 0:23:09and your hand is on the throttle with the left.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12The actual undercarriage lever is on the right-hand side
0:23:12 > 0:23:14so just after you've taken off, you swap hands
0:23:14 > 0:23:16and you have to pull the undercarriage up.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18When you fly this, it takes you
0:23:18 > 0:23:20a while to get over the fact that you're in a Hurricane.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22My first long flight,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25when I was flying with Parky and he was in a Spitfire, I just
0:23:25 > 0:23:28remember looking at him and thinking, "That's a Spitfire,"
0:23:28 > 0:23:30and then suddenly realising I was in a Hurricane
0:23:30 > 0:23:32and it's the greatest pleasure there is, I think.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Don't tell my wife that.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45As RAF Fairford prepares to host the Royal International Air Tattoo,
0:23:45 > 0:23:47the planes taking part are checking in.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53It's the biggest show of its kind on earth and aircraft of all shapes
0:23:53 > 0:23:57and sizes from across the globe are landing thick and fast.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02The Red Arrows are one of the first to arrive
0:24:02 > 0:24:06and for Mike Ling, Red 10, it is familiar territory.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11My eighth RIAT with the Red Arrows so...looking forward to it.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13It's not Groundhog Day.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16For Junior Engineering Officer Marcus Ramsden,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18it's his first time at the Tattoo.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20There's a little bit of nerves
0:24:20 > 0:24:22because it is the main premium event for us.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27So the pilots, they want to display the best they can do
0:24:27 > 0:24:29so a little bit of pressure on them,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32a little bit of pressure on the engineers to make sure they
0:24:32 > 0:24:35have the correct aircraft at the right time for the big air show.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42Back at BBMF HQ, the excitement is palpable.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45They're pinning their hopes on not one but two
0:24:45 > 0:24:49of the most jaw-dropping displays of the entire event -
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Ben and Parky's synchro and Dunc's Balbo.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56But they're still stuck at base
0:24:56 > 0:25:00and Dunc's plans are getting hijacked by the weather.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02The wind speed is rising.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Just touching base again.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08We know the wind's right on the cusp of our crosswind.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11What are you showing on your clock there at the moment?
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- '131 at 11.' - And what is the max gust you've had?
0:25:15 > 0:25:18'13 about 20 minutes ago but they haven't seen anything since then.'
0:25:18 > 0:25:22It's a very tricky decision. It's right on the cusp of crosswinds.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- 'Yeah.'- Cheers, Ian.- 'Cheers. Bye.'
0:25:26 > 0:25:28- So it has.- It has been out.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- I think it's probably...- We don't need to push it, do we?- Yeah.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39As the wind is now blowing across the runway at RAF Fairford,
0:25:39 > 0:25:43it means Dunc has four planes which cannot land until the wind drops.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49The Spitfire was designed to take off and land into the wind.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53During the war, they used mowed fields with landing strips running
0:25:53 > 0:25:58in varying directions to allow the pilots to land into the wind.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02Today's fixed direction tarmac runways make it more challenging
0:26:02 > 0:26:04if the wind is blowing across their path.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16At RAF Fairford, their competition is already practising.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20But even the Red Arrows can be railroaded by the weather.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Low cloud means they can't fly at the heights
0:26:23 > 0:26:26they need to rehearse their more show-stopping moves.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Unlike the BBMF, which is made up of mostly volunteers selected from
0:26:32 > 0:26:39the wider RAF, the Red Arrows are the only full-time aerobatic team.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43The nine pilots have the backup of over 100 full-time engineers
0:26:43 > 0:26:44and support staff.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54Back at RAF Coningsby, the weather is crossing swords with Dunc's dream
0:26:54 > 0:26:58of flying in one formation and landing at Fairford in style.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01His challenge now is just getting there.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04There's a couple of variables,
0:27:04 > 0:27:05all down to the weather,
0:27:05 > 0:27:07so pin your ears back.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10What we're looking at is the 15-knotters
0:27:10 > 0:27:12going down as a three ship.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17That is me, Milli and Smithy walking out of here at quarter to four.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- Station commander, does that work for you?- Yes.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- Sure?- Yes, I'll make it work.- Good.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Then the wheezy boys in the ten-knotters, Parky in P7,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Hells in AB, Disco LF and Jez in PZ.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33We're all immensely looking forward to it so, yeah, I think
0:27:33 > 0:27:36everyone's all fired up, ready for a good one.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40The engineers have done their job.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42The planes are made ready for the pilots,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45who are limbering up before the off.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- Everybody fit to fly?- Yeah.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Mobis to fly mode. Have a good one. I shall see you on the ground.
0:27:51 > 0:27:52And I'll wave you off.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56For Dunc, the International Air Tattoo has been a long time
0:27:56 > 0:28:00in the planning and this will be his last year at the helm of the BBMF.
0:28:02 > 0:28:03His replacement, Milli,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06will take over at the end of the display season.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Not looking forward to this in the slightest.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21But just as it looks like Dunc's plan is coming together,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24the radio in Milli's plane has stopped working.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28It's all hands to the pump to fix it,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31but it's an old hand who comes up with a solution.
0:28:37 > 0:28:38I fixed it!
0:28:39 > 0:28:42If he'd shut down, you'd know straightaway, that's bad,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45but cos he kept it going, it's just one of those annoying, little
0:28:45 > 0:28:49radio snags, which we fixed, so there you go.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52Adds to the drama of it all.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56At this year's Royal International Air Tattoo
0:28:56 > 0:29:01they'll have stiff competition with worldwide aerobatic teams on show
0:29:01 > 0:29:03as well as a plethora of fast jets.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Dunc's hoping it's his Balbo which steals the show.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20It's nice to be here.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26This civilian pilots are landing bang on time and Dunc couldn't be happier.
0:29:26 > 0:29:27Here we are again.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30I've been here for a number of years now. It's nice to be back.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32It'll be great to see these aeroplanes
0:29:32 > 0:29:34arrive for tomorrow's display. So it's exciting, it's good.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Wait and see how many turn up
0:29:36 > 0:29:39and then do whatever we can with what we've got.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45With each new arrival, Dunc's Balbo takes a step closer to
0:29:45 > 0:29:49becoming a reality, while he rapidly becomes a parking attendant.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- Mate, are we going to get a Hurricane in there?- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:29:55 > 0:29:58I think we will, won't we? Just.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Nothing's a problem for fighter pilots.
0:30:01 > 0:30:02We just take it all in our stride.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05The thing is, certain aeroplanes have dropped out
0:30:05 > 0:30:07and certain aeroplanes we've never seen before.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10That's the guy, John Sessions has brought that from America.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13So someone said the Dutch aircraft is coming, we're like,
0:30:13 > 0:30:15"There's a Dutch aircraft? I didn't even know it was coming."
0:30:15 > 0:30:18So we've worked out he's actually going to fly with me
0:30:18 > 0:30:21so that's where that needs to go. So it's just getting everything
0:30:21 > 0:30:22in the right order for tomorrow, really.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25It's a bit of exercise as well, isn't it?
0:30:29 > 0:30:31And when Ben's Typhoon arrives,
0:30:31 > 0:30:35only Parky in P7 and the rest of the BBMF planes are missing.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41Hopefully my boys will arrive fairly soon.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46Over the next hour, aircraft of all shapes and sizes arrive,
0:30:46 > 0:30:48and there's time for a bit of ribbing from the Navy.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54Look, that's what you want to be seeing. OK?
0:30:56 > 0:30:59He's senile. He doesn't know what's going on. He's not a pilot.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02He just turns up every now and again.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04And Parky finally arrives.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11All Dunc needs now is for the weather to play ball.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15We'll get the forecast tonight and see what they say.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18But until we get to tomorrow and see what it actually does,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21we'll see what happens and then, again, plan from there.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28More than 150,000 spectators
0:31:28 > 0:31:31are due at the event over the next three days.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35The BBMF are expected to fly two show-stopping displays
0:31:35 > 0:31:39but, with the wind speed still changing, it's uncertain
0:31:39 > 0:31:42any of the BBMF planes will be allowed to fly.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51It's the opening day of the Royal International Air Tattoo
0:31:51 > 0:31:53at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire
0:31:53 > 0:31:57and the crowds are already piling into the airfield.
0:31:58 > 0:31:59It's the moment of truth.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01After months of rehearsing,
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Parky and Ben's Spitfire/Typhoon synchro display
0:32:05 > 0:32:07is about to open the entire show.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12But there's a crushing blow for Parky.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15The dreaded crosswinds are too high for him
0:32:15 > 0:32:18to fly the star of the BBMF's planes,
0:32:18 > 0:32:21the beloved P7 Spitfire.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25He's forced to fly another, more robust plane.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28I was looking forward to flying. It's definitely not the summer's day
0:32:28 > 0:32:29we all hoped for but as long as
0:32:29 > 0:32:31we can get airborne, I think that the key.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34It looks like a little bit of a shower coming through
0:32:34 > 0:32:37so I'll speak to the guys and then jump in in just a second.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Parky's taking the Mk XVI Spitfire.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44It can handle higher crosswinds.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Contact call.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49At stake is all the months of rehearsing.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51It's the countdown to takeoff,
0:32:51 > 0:32:56as Ben and his Typhoon and Parky in his Spitfire taxi down the runway.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- TANNOY:- 'Here we have aircraft that span the generations.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03'This display has been dubbed Synchro 75 by the Royal Air Force.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05'We have a Supermarine Spitfire
0:33:05 > 0:33:07'from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
0:33:07 > 0:33:09'at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire,
0:33:09 > 0:33:14'and we have the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, also from RAF Coningsby.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18'The aircraft taking part in this synchro display
0:33:18 > 0:33:20'has a very special colour scheme -
0:33:20 > 0:33:23'markings of a Hurricane flown in the Battle of Britain
0:33:23 > 0:33:27'by James Brindley Nicolson VC.'
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Red One synchro pair to takeoff display.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33The wind is 26. 13, gusting 18.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36They go into their well-rehearsed takeoff routine.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41In front of an expectant, crowd-lined runway,
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Parky takes to the air first.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54With the Spitfire safely off the ground,
0:33:54 > 0:33:55Ben now hits fast forward.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27As soon as Ben levels out, he's on the hunt for Parky.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Once he spots him, he's quickly on his tail.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40200.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Coming left now.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Coming left...now.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11Now they manoeuvre into their line astern formation,
0:35:11 > 0:35:13with Ben tracking Parky's every move.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18They're flying just 20 feet apart.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Parky's pushing the 70-year-old Merlin engine
0:35:22 > 0:35:24towards the top of its limits.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27At just 250mph, Ben is operating
0:35:27 > 0:35:31the Typhoon towards the bottom end of its speed capability.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Synchro. Break, break, go.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Following this, they make their split.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Now for the precision head-to-head.
0:35:53 > 0:35:54As he banks round,
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Ben's trying to spot Parky through the canopy of his Typhoon.
0:35:58 > 0:35:59He's two miles away.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Ben knows where Parky should be
0:36:03 > 0:36:05but will he locate him in time?
0:36:06 > 0:36:10Unless both pilots confirm visual contact with the call "tally",
0:36:10 > 0:36:14they'll have to abort the display.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15It's a high-pressure moment.
0:36:15 > 0:36:21They're flying towards each other at a closing speed of 500mph.
0:36:21 > 0:36:22Tally.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Tally.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29Ben spots Parky. They have tally and it's all systems go.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Two planes, 75 years apart - perfectly synchronised.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47Reaching across the decades to commemorate the Battle of Britain.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51A symbolic moment for both young and old.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54The next manoeuvre is a joint victory roll.
0:36:54 > 0:36:55Roll.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02To understand this iconic piece of flying,
0:37:02 > 0:37:06we go inside the bubble with Parky.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09The victory roll is synonymous with the Battle of Britain.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13The pilot would roll the plane 360 degrees to announce
0:37:13 > 0:37:16the shooting down of an enemy aircraft.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18The pilot is pulling the nose upwards
0:37:18 > 0:37:22and then rolling the Spitfire with the ailerons.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26The Spitfire nose naturally comes down as the aircraft rolls.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30That is just sensational.
0:37:30 > 0:37:31That was absolutely superb.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35You have got two different aircraft there spanning a 75-year period
0:37:35 > 0:37:39and yet absolutely every time the synchro went off the display data,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41it was absolutely on the numbers.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44That was very impressive, given the wind conditions as well.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47Superb display. And what a great start.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51That was a very, very safe display, very professional
0:37:51 > 0:37:53and absolutely in the right place all the way through.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54Superb stuff.
0:37:56 > 0:37:57They've done it.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Ben and Parky's Spitfire-Typhoon synchro
0:38:00 > 0:38:04has opened the Royal International Air Tattoo 2015.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08It was a lovely summer's day, wasn't it?
0:38:08 > 0:38:10I was just clocking the showers coming in.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Actually north, we were out of it, but I could sense you boys
0:38:13 > 0:38:16were getting a little bit wetter than I was. It felt fine.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20The winds actually behaved. We've opened Fairford. It's good.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27The BBMF still have Dunc's Balbo to pull off.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29But the boss is happy with Parky's display.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- Was it all right?- Yeah, well done. That was really good. Honestly.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35- It pains me to say it.- Really?
0:38:35 > 0:38:36It was in the middle, in that wind,
0:38:36 > 0:38:39it was awesome. You were doing a great job. Brilliant.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41- What are you going to do now? - I'm trying to see Geoffrey.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Geoffrey Wellum is a former World War II pilot
0:38:44 > 0:38:47and a VIP guest at the Tattoo.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48Well, you can try if you want to.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51I have passed on your regards and I said that you were flying
0:38:51 > 0:38:55and doing all the bits there, so, you know...
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- He said he didn't want to meet you! - "Who?"
0:38:58 > 0:39:00He said, I've had enough of that bloke!
0:39:00 > 0:39:05Parky rushes off to find his star pilot of yesteryear.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07The Red Arrows have arrived.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10And they are being mobbed by fans of their own.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13- Excuse me sir, what red are you, please?- I'm number one.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17- Would you mind posing with a bear, please?- Yes, no problem at all!
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- Thank you very much.- That's all right. No problem at all.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24I've posed with a lot worse things!
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Take the suit off and nobody knows who you are.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29So, that is a very good thing, I think.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Parky has tracked down his own hero.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35This way, first. Give them a quick smile, because you on camera.
0:39:35 > 0:39:3994-year-old Geoffrey was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
0:39:39 > 0:39:40for his bravery in action.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44After the Capel-le-Ferne disappointment,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Parky is keen to see him.
0:39:46 > 0:39:47How you, how was your visit?
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- You know Geoffrey Wellum, don't you? - I know of him.- The legend.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52- That is him in person. - Justin Hughes.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53An ex-Red Arrow mate of mine.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- Parky and I used to fly together on the Red.- Oh, dear.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- In the old days.- A million years ago.- It gets worse, doesn't it?
0:39:59 > 0:40:01- Nice to meet you. - Lovely to meet you.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03I had better do as I'm told, they get very touchy.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Geoffrey, I have got to leg it. See you whenever I see you.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- Safe recovery, chum.- And you. Take care.- Nice to see you, Parky.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Even though the Reds are heroes to their fans,
0:40:15 > 0:40:17the pilots have their own idols.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20We know the guys of the BBMF.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24We always pouring around aircraft, climbing all over it,
0:40:24 > 0:40:26dreaming that we could one day maybe fly them.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28And so, people always say that we have got a dream job,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31but those guys in the BBMF, getting a chance to fly Spits
0:40:31 > 0:40:33and Hurricanes, incredible.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35I don't think there is a guy here
0:40:35 > 0:40:37that wouldn't pass up that chance at a shot.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43Display teams from around the world are strutting their stuff in the sky.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46The countdown has begun to Dunc's planned Balbo.
0:40:46 > 0:40:51It's less than an hour until takeoff and the weather has forced his hand.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54It's time for the pre-flight briefing.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57In true Dunkirk spirit,
0:40:57 > 0:41:00they are meeting in a hut in the middle of a field.
0:41:01 > 0:41:0315 seconds...
0:41:03 > 0:41:06But not everybody is going to be happy.
0:41:06 > 0:41:12Three, two, one, hack. It's 12:30 local, Jez.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14It's RIAT 2015 and the aim of this
0:41:14 > 0:41:18is to get everyone up safely, back down safely,
0:41:18 > 0:41:23and do a good show both for the veterans and for the crowd.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26We are, overall, known as Viceroy formation.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29We are going to stick with the plan for the outside of 15-knot plan
0:41:29 > 0:41:32at the moment, it is too late to change it.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35So we we'll go through that.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Jez is putting a brave face on things.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41Dunc's plan, to only take up the planes
0:41:41 > 0:41:43with a 15-knot crosswind limit,
0:41:43 > 0:41:45means he can't fly.
0:41:45 > 0:41:50Parky has to leave his beloved P7 Spitfire on the ground once more
0:41:50 > 0:41:52and jump into Jez's Hurricane.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- Look at him, he is pleased about it. Can't believe it.- Skipping off.
0:41:56 > 0:41:57Unbelievable.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00This is a definition of FOMO - the fear of missing out,
0:42:00 > 0:42:01right now.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04There will be some retribution for this, you can be sure of that.
0:42:06 > 0:42:0975 years after the Battle of Britain,
0:42:09 > 0:42:1414 World War II planes are once again on stand by for takeoff.
0:42:16 > 0:42:21At stake for Dunc is the reputation of the entire BBMF.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Will his dream become an airborne reality?
0:42:25 > 0:42:29It's Viceroy formation, the way we are looking to start presently...
0:42:29 > 0:42:31Can you confirm we're on time?
0:42:32 > 0:42:36We are running seven minutes late, display is seven minutes late.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41Copy, thank you.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45The wind at the moment is 25014 knots.
0:42:48 > 0:42:49With a crosswind of 14 knots,
0:42:49 > 0:42:54Dunc has made the right decision to ground two of their planes.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58As the previous display ends, Dunc gets the all clear.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09The Merlin and Griffon engines fire into life.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12Wheels roll and finally,
0:43:12 > 0:43:15Dunc gets to lead his band of brothers out to the runway.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22In a VIP area, some of the veterans
0:43:22 > 0:43:26who flew in the Battle of Britain are led to their front row seats.
0:43:26 > 0:43:31Ken Wilkinson, Tony Pickering and Geoffrey Wellum were young airmen
0:43:31 > 0:43:34who all saw action in the battle.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37It's in their name that the BBMF fly today.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41AIRCRAFT ENGINES HUM
0:43:41 > 0:43:45The crowds grow quiet as the soundtrack of World War II
0:43:45 > 0:43:48rings out across the airfield.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50Just as Dunc planned it.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Jez might be standing on the sidelines,
0:44:18 > 0:44:22but he diverts his disappointment about not flying into pride
0:44:22 > 0:44:25at being part of such a momentous event.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28And I think, if we could just have the commentators quiet a second,
0:44:28 > 0:44:31we will get to hear the Merlins which just makes
0:44:31 > 0:44:33the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42Dunc leads the front section in a Hurricane,
0:44:42 > 0:44:45flanked on either side by another Hurricane and a Spitfire.
0:44:47 > 0:44:48Blue section follows,
0:44:48 > 0:44:51and Parky is at the helm with a Hurricane on each wing.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55Next, the yellow section, led by Milli,
0:44:55 > 0:44:58leading another legendary Spitfire.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00He is followed by three more.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04I know on the outside I'm looking quite calm and happy,
0:45:04 > 0:45:07deep inside, I feel sad that I didn't manage to go up.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10The main thing is we had the fly-past.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13Bringing up the rear in a symbolic gesture of remembrance
0:45:13 > 0:45:16is a German plane, the 109 Messerschmitt,
0:45:16 > 0:45:19re-enacting a tail chase with a Spitfire.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21It's all about actually the aeroplanes,
0:45:21 > 0:45:23it's not about us flying the aeroplanes.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26It's about this, about having those aeroplanes in the air
0:45:26 > 0:45:27for people to see them.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29And is just tremendous to see that.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33To actually have, 75 years after the battle, these aeroplanes
0:45:33 > 0:45:36which were only built to last for a couple of months, that's it.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39And we are able to put them up now.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42To show to everybody the history and the heritage that we have got.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48The planes are battling the crosswinds to land,
0:45:48 > 0:45:51but for the veterans, this is what they faced,
0:45:51 > 0:45:54day in, day out, throughout the war.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59They're generally quite tight-lipped about their experiences.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02When we manage to sit down and talk to them, they are interested
0:46:02 > 0:46:05in the modern air force and we want to know about the Second World War.
0:46:05 > 0:46:07Going up on a sortie and flying one of these aeroplanes
0:46:07 > 0:46:08is an amazing thing
0:46:08 > 0:46:10and we feel it when we jump in these aeroplanes.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13But for them, it was five, six, seven, eight sorties a day,
0:46:13 > 0:46:15day after day after day.
0:46:15 > 0:46:19So they were working at the limit of endurance for the aeroplanes
0:46:19 > 0:46:20and themselves.
0:46:20 > 0:46:25They experienced so much in what was a fight for life or death.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31It's mission accomplished for Dunc
0:46:31 > 0:46:34and he has got no regrets about grounding his boss.
0:46:37 > 0:46:38When you back came in to land,
0:46:38 > 0:46:41actually the wind had gone round to a 240 direction.
0:46:41 > 0:46:45Gusting up to 25, so it was over ten knots across when we landed.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47So actually, it was good we stuck with that decision
0:46:47 > 0:46:50and we didn't try and launch those extra aeroplanes.
0:46:51 > 0:46:56For the entire BBMF team, it has been a day they will never forget.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58But they can't rest on their laurels.
0:46:58 > 0:47:02Dunc is hoping that his last Balbo will be even bigger.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06For Parky, there was just one thing missing.
0:47:06 > 0:47:11The Spitfire which actually flew in the Battle of Britain, P7.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14She's the star. She was here 75 years ago.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17To bring her all this way for her to sit on the ground
0:47:17 > 0:47:19with everything else flying, it seems wrong.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22We need the fortunes to smile on us a bit and get her airborne.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31The International Air Tattoo is the showcase event
0:47:31 > 0:47:34for all of the RAF display teams.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37And for others from around the world.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41But the Red Arrows are probably the most instantly recognised
0:47:41 > 0:47:43in their distinctive red jets.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46Obviously, the highlight will be the Red Arrows.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48Brilliant to watch and never gets tiring,
0:47:48 > 0:47:51no matter how many times you see the display. It's brilliant.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53They have been so anxious to see them
0:47:53 > 0:47:56so we managed to get all their signatures on the back
0:47:56 > 0:47:59of their jumpsuits so we can keep them for ever.
0:47:59 > 0:48:03They have a fanbase which crosses generations and geography.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09And within the BBMF, they have some of their biggest admirers.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11Dunc and Parky once wore
0:48:11 > 0:48:14the world-famous red flying suit themselves.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21Most people are so proud of the Red Arrows and they tend to go,
0:48:21 > 0:48:24"They're the best in the world," and it's such a lovely support
0:48:24 > 0:48:26from the country and you are definitely aware that,
0:48:26 > 0:48:28you know, you've got this reputation to live up to.
0:48:28 > 0:48:33I think they are the best. You know, you watch all the other teams and...
0:48:33 > 0:48:36Massively proud of the Red Arrows, you know, they are...
0:48:36 > 0:48:38such a special thing that this country has got
0:48:38 > 0:48:40and we should be very proud of them
0:48:40 > 0:48:43and, you know, to have been a part of the team...
0:48:43 > 0:48:44Yeah, fabulous.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48It's not like you just strap in and go and do your job.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50You've got to be up for it when you're on the Reds,
0:48:50 > 0:48:53an event like here, you've got to get fired up for the display
0:48:53 > 0:48:55and the boys will be revved up for it.
0:48:57 > 0:49:00The enemy of the Red Arrows is not the wind, but low cloud.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03Today, the gods are on their side.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06It's been three weeks since the Reds have performed
0:49:06 > 0:49:09their most dynamic show, the full display.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13Commentating on the ground is Red Ten.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18Another shape change now as the jets now reach 6,000 feet,
0:49:18 > 0:49:21slowing down to around 150mph
0:49:21 > 0:49:25as they come through that small amount of cumulus cloud.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28At 150mph, the controls are slightly less responsive,
0:49:28 > 0:49:30so working hard now,
0:49:30 > 0:49:33they're going to shape change into the form of the Feathered Arrow.
0:49:36 > 0:49:40The pilots are experiencing 4G, four times the force of gravity.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42Their blood is being pushed downwards,
0:49:42 > 0:49:44away from the heart, towards the feet.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51It could mean the pilot blacks out,
0:49:51 > 0:49:53but wearing a G-suit which inflates,
0:49:53 > 0:49:57putting pressure on their stomach and legs, stops this from happening.
0:49:58 > 0:49:59It's weird.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03You know, you can still remember the colours and, you know, the smoke
0:50:03 > 0:50:06and weird stuff comes back to you, watching it,
0:50:06 > 0:50:08and it's hearing the comm on the radio,
0:50:08 > 0:50:10it brings back happy memories, actually.
0:50:10 > 0:50:12It's something you'll never forget.
0:50:12 > 0:50:14It was so ingrained, the show that you did,
0:50:14 > 0:50:17you could always remember the shapes you did in different years
0:50:17 > 0:50:19and there are some lovely shapes in that show.
0:50:19 > 0:50:2211 years ago. Where has it gone?
0:50:29 > 0:50:317,000 feet!
0:50:33 > 0:50:35Because this is the full display,
0:50:35 > 0:50:39the Reds can perform on of their signature moves.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42They haven't been able to perform this for three weeks...
0:50:43 > 0:50:45..but you wouldn't know it
0:50:45 > 0:50:48because the heart and spear is pitch perfect.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53APPLAUSE
0:50:54 > 0:50:57As well as the crowd-pleasing high moves,
0:50:57 > 0:50:59there's the usual selection of low-level precision flying.
0:50:59 > 0:51:05Now going to fly over the trees and the perform the Goose.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26Smoke is on for the Vixen Break.
0:51:29 > 0:51:32You've been watching the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team,
0:51:32 > 0:51:34the Red Arrows!
0:51:34 > 0:51:38APPLAUSE
0:51:38 > 0:51:41That was a very pleasurable 25 minutes, watching the boys, then,
0:51:41 > 0:51:44and I thought that was a really tidy show.
0:51:44 > 0:51:48Dunc and me are very lucky to have done BBMF and the Reds.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50It's degrees of perfection, really.
0:51:50 > 0:51:52I couldn't choose which was better,
0:51:52 > 0:51:54it would be like picking your favourite child,
0:51:54 > 0:51:56you know, it would be so difficult, but...
0:51:57 > 0:51:58Brilliant.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00We're so lucky.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05Parky is not the only one feeling lucky.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08Going for a full display was a late decision by Red One.
0:52:11 > 0:52:12It was pretty low cloud base
0:52:12 > 0:52:15until about half an hour before we got airborne,
0:52:15 > 0:52:16so as we sat and briefed here,
0:52:16 > 0:52:20we thought, "We may be able to roll the show."
0:52:20 > 0:52:23It was about 1,700 feet, we thought it would climb to 2,500 and...
0:52:25 > 0:52:27One of the benefits the British summertime
0:52:27 > 0:52:28is sometimes it can be bad
0:52:28 > 0:52:31and then it can get pretty good pretty quickly,
0:52:31 > 0:52:35so airborne, said to the boys to be ready for the full show
0:52:35 > 0:52:38and we were, so it was really good to fly.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40Yeah, a real bonus to go and do that.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44The Reds are a hard act to follow for any display team
0:52:44 > 0:52:48and now it's Dunc's turn to impress the crowds.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50Over the course of the weekend,
0:52:50 > 0:52:53more civilian pilots have arrived to join his final Balbo.
0:52:53 > 0:52:58If he can get the original Battle of Britain Spitfire, that is P7,
0:52:58 > 0:53:00into the air, he will fulfil his dream.
0:53:03 > 0:53:06One year in the planning, one weekend in the making,
0:53:06 > 0:53:10Dunc is about to lead the most poignant Balbo of his career.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12Great. Let's have another good one, boys.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16Thanks ever so much for all your engagement and endeavour on this,
0:53:16 > 0:53:18it's been... well, frankly, astounding.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21I'm absolutely delighted with how everyone has conducted themselves,
0:53:21 > 0:53:24and how we have conducted ourselves as a formation.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26- Thanks again, everyone and... - Thank you.
0:53:26 > 0:53:28- APPLAUSE - Yeah, well led.
0:53:29 > 0:53:33- It's not over yet!- It's not over yet, exactly! Be careful!
0:53:34 > 0:53:39If he pulls it off, he'll end his tenure as the boss of the BBMF
0:53:39 > 0:53:43laying claim to his own piece of flying history.
0:53:43 > 0:53:47I'm hoping that this final one is the best of all that we've done.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51We've finished the briefing and it's just a case now of going
0:53:51 > 0:53:53and putting on a great show for the public.
0:53:53 > 0:53:57The final count now stands at 18 World War II planes
0:53:57 > 0:54:00ready to make a powerful salute,
0:54:00 > 0:54:04commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14The crosswinds have dropped.
0:54:14 > 0:54:18All of the BBMF planes can finally get in the air
0:54:18 > 0:54:21and Station Commander Jez eventually gets to fly.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23Stand by, one minute.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29The engineers have played their part and, once again,
0:54:29 > 0:54:32the planes are on stand by for takeoff.
0:54:38 > 0:54:42- ON RADIO:- Viceroy formation, cleared.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44Yellow One and Green Section, ready.
0:54:44 > 0:54:48- Black Section, ready. - Yellow Two is ready.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55I love watching the Spitfires.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59My grandad used to build them back in Southampton during the war,
0:54:59 > 0:55:03so I like to watch them whenever I can, really.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05It's nice to come here and see so many today.
0:55:09 > 0:55:12RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
0:55:12 > 0:55:16Parky and the other pilots line up for their Balbo fly-past.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21You feel the crowd has gone very quiet.
0:55:24 > 0:55:29Once again, Dunc leads from the front, this time finally flying P7,
0:55:29 > 0:55:33the Spitfire which saw action in the actual Battle of Britain.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37Parky is in the Mark V Spitfire.
0:55:37 > 0:55:4275 years ago, a band of young airmen, many of them inexperienced,
0:55:42 > 0:55:47fought to the death in cockpits like these.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52Today, flanked by the civilian warbird community,
0:55:52 > 0:55:57Dunc and the entire BBMF team are paying their respects
0:55:57 > 0:56:00to all the aircrew who took part in the battle.
0:56:04 > 0:56:08With 18 World War II planes flying in one formation,
0:56:08 > 0:56:12it's the biggest Balbo seen at the air show in decades,
0:56:12 > 0:56:14just as Dunc hoped it would be.
0:56:22 > 0:56:27To see that many all together... Magic. Magic, absolutely magic.
0:56:27 > 0:56:32As Dunc lands, Parky is the first to congratulate him.
0:56:32 > 0:56:35We've been coming to these things for quite some years
0:56:35 > 0:56:40and that's the most aircraft for a memorial flight we've seen.
0:56:40 > 0:56:41Fantastic.
0:56:42 > 0:56:46It was great and it was just fabulous to get all of the aircraft,
0:56:46 > 0:56:49all 18 aircraft, airborne on the final day here,
0:56:49 > 0:56:53as our final salute to the boys. So I couldn't be happier.
0:56:53 > 0:56:58I couldn't be happier and I hope the veterans and RIAT
0:56:58 > 0:57:03and the nation are proud of what the boys did all those years ago.
0:57:03 > 0:57:05It was bloody brilliant, mate.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10The shadows... Did you see them on the ground?
0:57:10 > 0:57:12Spits, Hurries, 109s everywhere.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14- Celebratory mint?- Thanks, mate!
0:57:14 > 0:57:17I could do with a beer, but there you are.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20- We'll have to have one later. - Yeah, probably should.- Yeah.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23- It was pretty special. - Yeah, it was.- Yeah.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27What an event the Royal International Air Tattoo has been,
0:57:27 > 0:57:30for all of the RAF display teams.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33The BBMF opened the Air Tattoo
0:57:33 > 0:57:36with a dynamic Spitfire Typhoon Synchro Flight
0:57:36 > 0:57:41and won the Steedman Sword for Best UK display.
0:57:41 > 0:57:44The Reds got to fly a full display, which was one of their
0:57:44 > 0:57:47most spectacular shows of the whole season.
0:57:48 > 0:57:51And Dunc's Balbo had the veterans on their feet
0:57:51 > 0:57:55and was awarded the best display of the entire air show,
0:57:55 > 0:57:58winning the King Hussein Memorial Sword.
0:58:00 > 0:58:06Next time, the Red Arrows perform with a total legend of aviation.
0:58:06 > 0:58:07Great day! Just had a sortie
0:58:07 > 0:58:11with one of the most iconic British bombers of British aviation.
0:58:11 > 0:58:15The Chinook helicopter team battle the Irish Sea
0:58:15 > 0:58:18to display at the UK's oldest air show.
0:58:18 > 0:58:21Seeing them doing that, it was just amazing.
0:58:21 > 0:58:25And they have to reckon with a broken Chinook.
0:58:25 > 0:58:30- Knock it off.- I'm knocking it off. - The aircraft does not like that.