The Skyvan photoship normally flies in UK airspace just once a year, traditionally for the well-known Warbird Weekend and the Royal International Air Tattoo photomissions. This summer, however, an unexpected opportunity allowed us to add an extra day to the schedule. The timing aligned perfectly with the Sleapkosh Fly-In at Sleap Airfield, giving us the chance to bring the Skyvan to a very different kind of aviation event.

Unlike an airshow, a fly-in offers no fixed programme and no guarantees. You never quite know what will appear, which aircraft will be flying, or what opportunities may develop on the day itself. While we had been in contact with a handful of pilots beforehand, most of the flying was arranged dynamically, briefing directly with crews as the day unfolded. That unpredictability turned out to be part of the charm.

Weather conditions were challenging but well within safe limits, proving once again that sunshine is not a requirement for strong aerial imagery. The Skyvan joined up with a varied lineup of general aviation aircraft, creating relaxed and enjoyable photo opportunities. A welcome bonus came in the form of a genuine warbird, a Yak-3, which joined the photoship and brought a literal and figurative splash of colour to the session.

The standout moment of the day arrived entirely unplanned. We were given the rare opportunity to intercept the Westland Wasp and Fairey Swordfish operated by Navy Wings, the organisation dedicated to preserving the flying legacy of Royal Navy aircraft and helicopters. Catching these two historic machines in formation as they transited the area en route to Blackpool was an extraordinary privilege and an unexpected highlight that elevated the entire day.

In the end, Sleapkosh delivered exactly what makes fly-ins so special: surprise, variety, and genuine moments of aviation history unfolding naturally. It proved to be a relaxed but rewarding start to our UK flying programme, and with the event continuing to grow year by year, it would be no surprise if the Skyvan returns to Sleap again in the future.