UK Warbirds 2019

Warbirds remain the most precious aircraft of all—living history kept alive through the dedication of owners, restoration companies, pilots, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Every flight represents an extraordinary commitment of time, expertise, and resources, and every opportunity to photograph these aircraft in the air is something that can never be taken for granted.

Each year, the Aviation PhotoCrew runs a UK project dedicated entirely to flying with warbirds, and the United Kingdom continues to offer one of the most vibrant historic aviation scenes anywhere in the world. With operating costs at Duxford rising significantly, this year’s decision was made to base the project at Sywell Airfield. Its proximity to Duxford-based aircraft, combined with Sywell’s own impressive collection of World War II airframes, made it the ideal location for a focused warbird photomission.

Making such a project possible requires two essential elements: fuel and funding. Thanks to the photographers participating in the mission, we are usually able to operate with six warbirds—this year, we were fortunate enough to have seven aircraft flying for us. With the support of Richard Paver, the UK’s foremost warbird photographer and a key link to owners and operators, an outstanding afternoon programme was assembled. The Pink Skyvan, flown by our highly experienced pilot Phillip Artweger, completed the team, although a last-minute radio issue delayed departure until Sywell’s technicians helped resolve the problem quickly and safely.

The first flight delivered unforgettable moments, with the striking “Shark” Mustang and a gleaming Sea Fury flying both solo and in carefully arranged two-ship formations. This flexibility—allowing individual portraits followed by formation work—is what makes dedicated photomissions so valuable and often results in imagery that simply cannot be created elsewhere.

Weather conditions improved for the second flight, bringing an exceptional five-aircraft lineup that included the rare sight of two Buchóns flying together, followed by some of the most iconic pairings in aviation history. The Spitfire joined the programme alongside the P-51 Mustang, culminating in a memorable finale as “Contrary Mary” completed her solo pass before being joined by “Miss Helen” for a two-ship Mustang formation. With plans already in place to return to Sywell next year, the invitation stands for anyone with a passion for historic aircraft to join us in preserving—and witnessing—the legendary sights and sounds of warbirds in flight.