Dodgy Dossiers, Rained-off air shows, consolidation madness,  and the Heathrow BA incident may all sound like a distant memory, but they all happened in 2008! And as customary i thought it would be good to reminisce about the year and give some end of year cheer.

 My highlights this year:

1. Oshkosh - such a great event and really got a sense of love for aviation there
2. F-22 at a muddy RIAT and a mild Farnbourgh
3. BA Heathrow incident at the start of the year caught the attention of everybody asnd was a massive story
4. Michael O'Leary and the Ryanair Calendar girls - that guy really has no shame 
   

Looking at last year's predictions for this year , Rapier's prediction doesn't seem to have materialised:

The world will be shocked to learn that most of the passenger aircraft flight's for the last few years have been pilotless, with an inflatable captain and with the in flight messages being relayed from the flight crew canteen on the ground. How else could they afford to sell flights so cheaply

But there is still time this year!

Looking at last year's predictions for this year , Rapier's prediction doesn't seem to have materialised:

The world will be shocked to learn that most of the passenger aircraft flight's for the last few years have been pilotless, with an inflatable captain and with the in flight messages being relayed from the flight crew canteen on the ground. How else could they afford to sell flights so cheaply

Maverick, please, for "rapier" read "Vtol" .....

Unfortunately I have no crystal ball .....

 

Yes without a doubt seeing the Vulcan back in the air again was the best thing of this year. I was lucky enough to video its first flight back into the air again at Bruntingthorpe. For everyones enjoyment here it is again! Pump up the volume and enjoy!

• seeing the Vulcan's first flight was great.
• seeing the F-22 display twice (RIAT + F'boro)
• 90 aircraft flyby to celebrate the RAF's 90th birthday was cool despite having been drenched by the weather moments before.

Same as every year, flying young eagles, and when you get an email that one of your YE got his/her ticket you feel great.