Helen Webb Aviation

15/06/2026

I bring you a B-1 and a B-52 departing RAF Fairford this morning.

Just as I was reading that the US and Iran have agreed a deal to end the war.

Three of each out so far today.

Much running upstairs to see them!

One B-52 was returning to the US, presumably planned.

All the others on training missions, as they have been almost daily since the ceasefire on 8 April.

Pakistan has been mediating and says the agreement will be signed on Friday in Switzerland.

Each side are claiming to be triumphant and full text is yet to be published.

It appears the deal's priority is to extend the April ceasefire in time and scope.

Another 60 days pledging no hostilities while both sides commit to talks.

Pakistan says "military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon" will end - Israel is yet to comment.

The war began on 28 February, it seems the bombers have been here a long time, and they have.

RAF Fairford has had the largest deployment of bombers outside of the US since WWII.

Why am I giving you all this background?

Apart from the fact we will all be wondering if all the bombers (I think we are up to 26 now).

Will depart, and if so will it be quickly?

Sadly today is the day the Air Tattoo site build should have started.

Mainly it's because I think it is important that advising companies and organisations in sector like aviation and aerospace that I should know what is going on in the world.

I hear so often people saying that they don't watch, listen or read the news anymore.

However they do consume a huge amount of information from social media, often incorrect, with specific biases, created by AI, and there for likes and comments etc.

So you can be assured that I use a multitude of different sources to ensure the information I use is correct and I can see through the bias.

Reading around subjects means the ideas I have are based on fact and therefore I can advise clients on real life, achievable strategies to grow their businesses.

No marketing fluff here!

Video Credit: Me hanging out of my window!

28/05/2026

This mornings walk saw the U-2 on circuits followed by a B-1, a B-52, another B-1 and then the second B-52 from the garden.

Normal service has resumed, and you can see them all in the video!

In fact a B-1 took off only 10 minutes after returning home to Fairford on Monday evening after a month working away.

Training flights have continued both day and night since then.

We only popped out to see the U-2 as we missed the old girl.

Really didn't expect all the other aircraft in quick succession.

A few thoughts whizzing round in my head whilst watching these.

Seeing what is happening at RAF Fairford currently, with no end in sight, it was inevitable that RIAT wasn't going to take place.

It's very sad for all involved and having been there for three cancellations I totally understand the dilemma, the heartache and the financial impact of having to make that call.

It isn't my place to comment further but seeing on the feedback online from visitors, volunteers, sponsors and suppliers who are all devastated it reminds us what an impact aviation has.

It's not just about metal machines, it's emotion.

If we could harness that and bring those people that love to view aviation into the workforce I'm sure we would not have so much of a skills shortage.

This is why airshows are so important, even the smaller ones, not just the Air Tattoo or Farnborough. The place for aviation organisations to find their future employees.

My other thought is about all the US airmen and women currently deployed here, in tents, in this heat, doing what their country asks of them.

With lightning and heavy rain (no thunder) last night.

That's all my musings for now, enjoy the video!

Video Credit: Helen Webb Aviation Limited at RAF Fairford, UK.

27/05/2026

*Pilot's Lounge Sponsorship Available - Hampshire Air Festival*

September 12th & 13th, Thruxton Circuit & Aerodrome.

50 Pilots+ and aircraft attending.

We're providing our Pilots a quiet, comfortable environment in the form of a Pilot's Lounge with no public access.

The Pilot's Lounge Sponsor will have full access and marketing rights.

The Sponsor will be the sole industry representation for the Pilot's Lounge.

Pilot's will be out and about at various points engaging with the public when not flying, but the Pilot's Lounge will be their bubble and quiet space.

If this is a door opener to a further conversation for you and your organisation, please contact us by email at: [email protected]

08/05/2026

24/04/2026

Some days I love what I do just a little bit more.....

Yesterday was one of those days, announcing the rare MiG-17F for Hampshire Air Festival.

You probably know by now I am passionate about aviation and marketing.

So the night before it felt like Christmas eve.

Why?

Because this is the very heart of marketing.

Creating a product that delights your customers.

And that's what we've are building at Hampshire Air Festival.

The response to the aircraft has been phenomenal, and translated through to sales.

Now back to the MiG-17F!!!!

Originally built in 1958 and meticulously restored and operated by FUBAR Aviation.

Coming all the way from Poland, it’s the only airworthy MiG-17F in Europe.

In its first year on the European airshow scene it'll be flying on both Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday evening, the MiG-17F afterburner will light up the skies as part of our Evening Extravaganza.

Then on Sunday, a daytime display, showcasing the agility and high-G manoeuvrability that made the MiG-17 such a formidable dogfighter.

Our ticket prices increase on 1 May so please do buy now if you haven’t.

Buy here: https://www.hampshireairfestival.co.uk/

12-13 September
Thruxton Aerodrome, Hampshire

Can you tell how excited at am!

Photo Credit: This is a representation as the aircraft hasn't displayed at dusk with afterburner yet.

22/04/2026

The last B-52 mission before the ceasefire two weeks ago which was meant to end today.

This morning it's now been extended for more talks to take place.

For the first week of the ceasefire it was eerily quiet at RAF Fairford.

It's strange what you can get used to.

Counting aircraft out during the day and then back in during the night.

Training missions commenced in the second week.

The number of tourists coming to watch has declined significantly.

But we still have the largest deployment of bombers outside of the USA since WWII.

The local businesses have definitely been enjoying the influx of people.

And it's not an unpleasant place for US service men and women to while a way some time.

The Cotswolds in the spring.

Waiting for what happens next?

What will happen next none of us know.

And this beast of an aircraft celebrated its first flight last week, 74 years ago.

Scheduled to continue for 100 years in service with its new Rolls Royce engines.

It's said that it's last pilots and crew haven't been born yet.

Now that's a thought.

Video credit: Moi from the end of RAF Fairford runway.

20/04/2026

A week in the life of....Helen Webb Aviation

Last week much time was spent away from the laptop.

Site visits, meetings and presentations.

With so much that can be done 'online'.

I'd almost forgotten how beneficial it was to get out and about.

I don't mean attending convention and conferences, I still do plenty of that.

But actually 'walking the ground'.

Meeting up with Jonathan Moore at Thruxton Circuit & Aerodrome.

To start planning the site layout for the Hampshire Air Festival.

What can a say, a fabulous area for spectators to view the flying and static displays.

I was extremely impressed and pleased for what is shaping up to be a great aviation event.

Then to the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and a meeting about partnering for our Business Networking event.

More info to follow soon on that.

Finally to the a meeting of Montserrat Events volunteers, not just for the Air Festival but also for their other events.

I talked about what the marketing strategy and plan were for the Hampshire Air Festival,

and more importantly why and what the outcomes will be.

It was good to meet so many people face to face who are all so dedicated and committed to delivering.

A great team and so much more to come.....

We also slipped past the 150 days to go until the show on 12 & 13 September.

Don't forget to book your tickets if you haven't already: www.hampshireairfestival.co.uk

PS Whilst at Thruxton we also got to see the Avro RJ70/BAe 146 (G-ETPK) operated by QinetiQ from nearby Boscombe Down. It's used as a 'flying classroom' for the Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS). It was quite far away!

07/04/2026

Over the past few weeks at RAF Fairford, we've been hearing, and often seeing the unmistakable shape and sound of the C-130 Hercules.

And today, the 7th April, marks the first flight of the production C-130A Hercules in 1955 at Marietta, Georgia.

While the prototype YC-130 took to the air in August 1954, it was the production aircraft that is still going strong and being produced!

Designed initially as a tactical airlifter, the Hercules went on to become one of the most versatile and longest continuously produced military aircraft in history.

Used for everything from troop transport and humanitarian aid to aerial firefighting and weather reconnaissance.

It recently celebrated its 70th anniversary of production, an extraordinary feat of longevity and adaptability.

The Royal Air Force operated its fleet of C-130s from 1967 until their retirement in 2023, spanning more than five decades.

Even after the sad retirement from the UK military , the aircraft is still hard at work for the military elsewhere in the world

(and frequently back in the UK at the moment).

As soon as you hear that sound, you know it is a 'Herc'

A robust and dependable aircraft.

Happy anniversary to the Hercules, a legend in its own lifetime.

What an aircraft!

Video credit: By me, C-130J 'HKY744' on 28 March 2026 at RAF Fairford.

07/04/2026

Over the past few weeks at RAF Fairford, we’ve been hearing, and often seeing the unmistakable shape and sound of the C-130 Hercules.

And today, the 7th April, marks the first flight of the production C-130A Hercules in 1955 at Marietta, Georgia.

While the prototype YC-130 took to the air in August 1954, it was the production aircraft that is still going strong and being produced!

Designed initially as a tactical airlifter, the Hercules went on to become one of the most versatile and longest continuously produced military aircraft in history.

Used for everything from troop transport and humanitarian aid to aerial firefighting and weather reconnaissance.

It recently celebrated its 70th anniversary of production, an extraordinary feat of longevity and adaptability.

The Royal Air Force operated its fleet of C-130s from 1967 until their retirement in 2023, spanning more than five decades.

Even after the sad retirement from the UK military , the aircraft is still hard at work for the military elsewhere in the world

(and frequently back in the UK at the moment).

As soon as you hear that sound, you know it is a ‘Herc’

A robust and dependable aircraft.

Happy anniversary to the Hercules, a legend in its own lifetime.

What an aircraft!

Video credit: By me, C-130J ‘HKY744’ on 28 March 2026 at RAF Fairford.