|
|
THIS MORNING'S HELP A HOSPICE APPEAL |
21/12/2006 |
 The Blades battled wind and rain last week to do a surprise display for a children's hospice in Wales. The event was part of ITV 1 This Morning's Help A Hospice Appeal, which aims to raise awareness and money for everyone involved in the hospice movement. The display was almost called off on the morning of Sunday 8th due to the wet and bumpy conditions but the pilots knew how much it would mean to the children at Ty Gobaith in Conwy so they made a brave decision to fly in extremely windy conditions.
"It was touch and go with the weather for a while" said Andy Offer Blade 1. "But we really wanted to give the children one of their best Christmas presents ever." The pilots displayed shortly after eleven thirty over the Conwy valley. They performed a flat display using the aircraft's tight turning circle to give a very intimate display to the children and their families below.
"The display was amazing, absolutely amazing" said Sue who has worked as a nurse since the hospice opened. "It means so much to me when people give their time for the children and their families, especially at Christmas. It's lovely for them all to be together and share such a personal display."
Sandra and her daughter Lucy have used the hospice as a respite for nearly two years. "I've never seen anything close up like that before. It made it so special that they were doing it for the children. Thank you because the hospice is so important to us." Ty Gobaith was opened in 2004 by Hope House Children's Hospice. It provides a facility for children to develop their skills whilst also providing support, respite and advice for parents. The charity relies heavily on voluntary income and 2 Excel's display helped ITV This Morning raise nearly ?Ǭ£200,000 pounds to be distributed to a number of Hospices across the UK.
If you would like to donate money to Hope House Children's Hospice please click here.
|
|
NORTHAMPTON STUDENTS INSPIRED TO FLY HIGH |
20/12/2006 |
 Pupils from Northampton were encouraged to follow their dreams on Thursday after a visit to one of the county's most inspirational companies. The day was part of Enterprise Week - an annual UK-wide week of activities encouraging youngsters to be enterprising and turn their ideas into reality.
The Northampton students were invited to meet the two directors of a brand new company - 2 Excel Aviation Ltd. Chris Norton OBE DFC and Andy Offer OBE shared their experiences on just how to turn dreams and ambitions into reality. The two former Royal Air Force Wing Commanders recently retired from distinguished careers in the Service to set up 2 Excel. Chris and Andy both commanded frontline Harrier Squadrons - but creating and launching 2 Excel was a challenge that also required a fierce determination to succeed. They were able to give great examples of applying past experiences and learning to form their new company. 2 Excel launched in May and has exceeded all targets set out in the 2006 business plan.
"2Excel is a great example of how an idea can be realised" said 17 year old Business Studies student Kathryn Taylor from Moulton Secondary School. "The pilot's careers were inspirational to listen too. I know it's a lot of hard work, but I would be encouraged to go away and think how I can develop ideas now. I never knew there was so much going on at Sywell. Everything here is to the highest standard and it's on our doorstep."
|
|
THE BLADES GET FOURTH RED ARROWS PILOT |
02/11/2006 |
 The world's only full-time aerobatic airline - The Blades - has been joined by a new world-class pilot. Flight Lieutenant Dave Slow, who has only just left The Red Arrows as Red 8, joins the Sywell-based dynamic display team today, Monday 6th November.
The Blades are led by former Red Arrows leader Andy Offer; Dave's arrival makes the team one of the hottest on the display circuit as he joins two more former Reds: Andy Evans and Myles Garland. Brand new this year the Team have already proven a hit with celebrities and the public. They've displayed at over 50 events to over five million people live and over 200 million more through the media.
David John Slow joined the RAF at the age of 21 after gaining a taste for flying whilst studying Agriculture at university. He carried out his Elementary Flying Training at RAF Swinderby on the Chipmunk moving on to the Tucano at RAF Cranwell in 1992 and, in 1993, the Hawk for fast jet training at RAF Valley in Wales.
In 1995 Dave was chosen to fly the Harrier. He completed the Harrier Operation Conversion Unit (OCU) course at RAF Wittering, staying there to join No 1 (Fighter) Squadron. He stayed with No 1 Squadron until 2000 seeing active combat over Kosovo and Serbia for Operation ALLIED FORCE with two other 2Excel pilots: Chris Norton and Myles Garland. For a short while he returned to RAF Valley as a Qualified Flying Instructor and Qualified Pilot Navigation Instructor on the Hawk but by 2001 he had returned to the Harrier as a flying instructor and Electronic Warfare Instructor on 20(R) Squadron.
In 2003 Dave was selected to be the Harrier Display Pilot. Later that year he was accepted in to The Red Arrows and he joined the Team on their five week tour of The Middle and Far East. Dave flew as Red 4 for his first two years and then moved to Red 8 for his final season for which he was also the Team's second in command.
Dave jumped at the opportunity to join The Blades display team when he was asked by 2Excel directors Chris Norton OBE DFC and Andy Offer OBE. "I was very lucky to be offered the chance to join The Blades; my previous experience put me in the right place at the right time. I watched with great interest as The Blades formed but never thought I would get asked to join. I feel very privileged to go from flying in the Reds to an equally challenging job in the civilian sector."
|
|
BLADES PICK THE WINNERS AT SYWELL |
24/10/2006 |
 Andy Evans and Myles Garland, pilots from the only aerobatic airline in the world, The Blades, chose the lucky prize winners for the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) Grand Draw 2006 at Sywell on Friday. The Blades were chosen because 2Excel donated a once in lifetime chance to fly with The Blades to the Charity.
Tony Hirons, RAFA Communications and Marketing Manager, selected the home of The Blades at Sywell Aerodrome to carry out the prize draw. The airfield was the perfect backdrop for one of the most exclusive prizes ever to be drawn.
A Saab, with its boot full of over 150,000 tickets, sat proudly between two of 2Excel's sparkling orange and black Extras. Blades 2 and 3 hung up their helmets for the day to dive in to the car and help retrieve the prize winning tickets.
"We are delighted to be hosting RAFA's Grand Draw 2006" said Andy Evans, Blade 2 and former Red Arrows pilot. "As ex-members of the RAF we're very keen to continue our support of a charity that looks after our ex-colleagues. Congratulations to winning ticket number 2572031. You really are in for the ride of a lifetime!"
|
|
BLUE PETER PRESENTER OVERCOMES TRAVEL SICKNESS WITH THE BLADES |
10/10/2006 |
 - compressed.jpg) Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones flew with The Blades on Friday overcoming his usual bouts of air sickness. Previously, Gethin has flown in a Hawk with The Red Arrows and in a Spitfire and was sick on both occasions. So when The Blades were set a mission by Blue Peter to not make him sick the Team jumped at the chance.
Gethin flew twice in the Team's highly manoeuvrable Extra 300. His first sortie was an introduction to the aircraft and its capabilities but for his second sortie Gethin experienced some of The Blades' more daring manoeuvres during a Blades Display. He was not sick on either sortie.
Flown by Blade 1, Andy Offer, in the front seat of G-OFFO Gethin flew a loop, barrel roll, aileron roll and also flew upside down for over ten seconds, all within a few feet of Blades 2 and 3.
Gethin was extremely excited. "I can't tell you how different I felt flying with The Blades. I enjoyed the sortie so much. That's down to the Team and especially Andy. Thanks so much - I'll definitely be back!"
The pilots helped Gethin feel at ease by explaining every step of the mission and the physics behind each manoeuvre; Gethin knew exactly what to expect and how his body would react. He was aided by a few old fashioned homeopathic remedies and a session with a hypnotist before his second sortie.
"Flying Gethin in order to help him overcome his air sickness was extremely rewarding" said Andy Offer, Director of 2Excel and Leader of The Blades. "Gethin now has a lot more confidence than he had and will step into an aeroplane a lot less apprehensive than he was. We are looking forward to challenging him a little more and we would welcome him back!"
Blue Peter will be broadcasting the footage of Gethin Jones and The Blades on 16th January. The Programme is broadcast on BBC 1 at 5PM.
|
|
LAST CHANCE TO SEE THE BLADES 2006 DISPLAY |
18/09/2006 |
 This weekend will be the last opportunity to see the breathtaking 2006 display by The Blades Aerobatic Display Team. Next month they will announce the arrival of another full-time pilot and over the winter they will be choreographing a new display sequence to impress us with in 2007.
The Team will dazzle local crowds on Sunday as they perform on home turf for the Sywell Air Show. Rounding the season off in style, the pilots will dedicate their final display to friends, family and those based at Sywell and beyond as a thank you for all their support over the previous months.
Leader of The Blades and ex-Red Arrows Leader, Andy Offer OBE, is looking forward to giving everyone in Northampton their personal display. "It's very appropriate to end our season at Sywell as we will be able to thank the local community and our families for their continued support. Many people in the surrounding area have seen us flying to and from the air shows or practising at Sywell, therefore we are thrilled to demonstrate our full display to all visitors on Sunday."
|
|
THE BLADES PAY TRIBUTE TO WWII VETERANS FOR BATTLE OF BRITAIN WEEKEND |
18/09/2006 |
 The Blades paid tribute to veterans of The Second World War at the weekend donating their show to the Battle of Britain Air Show at Shoreham Airport, the only air show to take place on the Battle of Britain Weekend.
2Excel has also donated a once in a lifetime chance to fly with The Blades to The Royal Air Force Association. The company chose to support RAFA because of the pilots' RAF Heritage and to acknowledge the valuable work the charity does. Andy Offer OBE, Blade One, said "It's important to pay tribute to those who've fought for our country. RAFA is a very worthy charity and I'm delighted The Blades can support it."
"Shoreham is a beautiful air show" said Blade 2 and ex-Red Arrows pilot, Andy Evans: "I was brought up in Brighton so it was great to return to my home ground and display to friends and family and it's even better that we can also support RAFA on the Battle of Britain Weekend."
|
|
BATTLE OF THE ENGINES: BLADE 3 RACES VS MITSUBISHI EVO |
01/09/2006 |
 - compressed.JPG) Myles Garland, Blade 3 and ex-Red Arrow pilot, raced a Mitsubishi Evo 9 round a race track in Kent yesterday, beating the car with ease. Myles was racing Fifth Gear presenter Tiff Needell round Lydden Hill race track. It is an extremely small and tight track to fly round so it forced Myles to pull up to eight times the force of gravity to get round the corners on the two lap race. On the hair-pin Myles pulled up and performed an aerobatic manoeuvre known as the Cuban in order to make sure he kept ahead of the car.
"The tight circuit led me to believe that the car would have the advantage" said Myles: "But the manoeuvrability and agility of the Extra 300 LP tipped the balance in my favour. It was very dynamic and challenging to fly and definitely up there with the most exciting flying I have done to date."
|
|
HEAD FOR HEIGHTS? DAREDEVIL FROM SOUTHPORT WINS FLIGHT WITH THE BLADES |
15/08/2006 |
 Stephen Miller flew in formation with The Blades today after winning a competition through the Southport Air Show. He was entered by his mother-in-law and wife who wrote in describing him as an 'angel who is one in a million'.
Stephen, who has only been in an aircraft once before, is a full-time carer for his terminally ill wife, Helen. He said "My hopes weren't very high when I found out I had been entered but, when I got the call to say I was in the top three I started to get excited. Then, when I got the call to say I had won, I was over the moon."
Stephen's pilot was Blade 2, Andy Evans. Flying in formation with Blade 3 (Myles Garland) the pair did loops and rolls and rounded off with stall turns. Andy said: "He was a very courageous passenger. I couldn't see his face until we watched the tape afterwards but I could hear him laughing. I don't think we could have picked anyone more deserving and enthusiastic."
James, Stephen's nine year old son, accompanied Stephen to Sywell. "I wanted it to be a day for James, he loved being able to meet the pilots and sit in the aircraft. It was my dream come true. It was an amazing, amazing experience."
|
|
2EXCEL DONATE PRIZE TO STARLIGHT CHILDREN'S CHARITY |
12/07/2006 |
 compressed.jpg) The winners of a unique prize, a four ship formation aerobatic flight, took to the skies today and flew with The Blades. 2 Excel Aviation Ltd donated the prize to The Starlight Shooting Challenge to help raise money for the children's Charity.
Tim Hoare outbid everyone to win the auction held at Highclere Castle in Berkshire in June. Unable to make the flight today Tim allowed his son and three friends to take his place.
|
|
THE BLADES DISPLAY IN HONOUR OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN |
03/07/2006 |
.JPG) The Blades performed their breathtaking display in honour of Her Majesty The Queen's 80th Birthday Celebrations at Balmoral Castle for 'A Truly Scottish Evening' over the weekend. Since their first public appearance just over four weeks ago they have now displayed in front of more than one and a half million people across England, The Netherlands, Ireland and France. News of their display has been reported across the world as far as China, Australia and South America.
The Blades arrived to a downpour at Dundee Airport on Friday afternoon; but, the Team were lucky with the weather as the clouds in the Dee Valley parted in time for a stunning dusk display. It was a perfect setting with the castle, the mist and the valley in the distance. The crowds gasped and clapped throughout the display as the Team twisted and tumbled above them.
Co-Director of 2Excel, Chris Norton OBE DFC, has spent 14 years of his 21 years in the RAF flying Harriers, primarily on the front line. With combat tours in Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1999 and he commanded No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron during the war in Iraq in 2003. Chris said "As true patriots who have spent many years in Her Majesty's Armed Forces, we were delighted to be able to display as such a prestigious event and it is the highlight of our first year."
|
|
2EXCEL UNVEIL UNIQUE ADVERTISING PLATFORM AT ADVERTISING FESTIVAL |
21/06/2006 |
 The Blades thrilled delegates at this year's International Advertising Festival in Cannes with a spectacular display at last night's Opening Gala Party.
Just as the sun was setting on mid-summer's eve The Team flew in and conducted a display consisting of formation flypasts, rolls and opposition breaks in front of thousands of people who were watching from the Plage de la Croisette.
The Blades can provide a platform for a complete advertising solution for any brand. Andy Offer OBE says: "Our product is exceptionally relevant especially as this year's theme of the Cannes Lions 2006 festival is the 'revolution in advertising affairs'. In our fast moving technological world, ensuring your message is the one that is heard in the media cacophony is increasingly difficult but remains extremely important."
The four aircraft act as a platform for direct mass brand exposure. Quite apart from world-class flying skill, the cutting edge technology in The Blades' aircraft and the company's professional excellence mean the Team is attractive to a broad range of events. Recent events have included T4 'On The Beach' and the opening of the Beckhams' Pre-World Cup Party. The latter saw The Blades exposed to over 39 million viewers and readers across an international platform over TV, print, radio and the web.
The Blades' cutting edge technology includes a sophisticated on board camera system connected to a live TV quality video link, that allows real time transmission of the aircraft's cockpit and external views to receivers on the ground below. Combing this immediacy with innovative emerging advertising and marketing technology, The Blades offering includes an interactive element for any brand, creating viral reach. 2Excel's new and exciting branded content platform will revolutionise 'through the line' advertising.
|
|
FIRST LIVE VIDEO DOWN-LINK AT AIRSHOW FOR THE BLADES |
20/06/2006 |
 This weekend Lincolnshire crowds will witness a world-premier when The Blades have their first live video down-link from their aircraft to massive screens on the ground. Crowds will be put in the pilots' seats throughout the display watching each manoeuvre at exactly the time it is being performed in the sky above. Those watching will see thrilling footage from 16 different cameras mounted in the cockpit and on the wings of the aircraft; they will see the earth spinning around the pilots' heads, aircraft flying just feet away, and Blade 1, Andy Offer OBE, as he leads the Team through their moves. It is truly unique footage that is set to take air shows in to the 21st Century.
Andy says "Our live video footage is fantastic to watch. It's extremely entertaining and means the crowd have more interaction with the pilots and their display. I have flown at Waddington a number of times and am delighted to return here to display leading our new world-class Team."
|
|
THE BLADES BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM |
21/05/2006 |
 The Blades performed their first display tonight to stars and celebrities for The Beckhams' Pre-World Cup Party, officially opening the event.
Shortly after the red carpet arrivals, at 2020 exactly in a perfectly timed break in the rain, the four Extra 300 LP aircraft appeared from behind the trees to get the Party started. The four highly manoeuvrable orange and black aircraft were branded with the St George's Cross under their right wings. They flew in from the east and conducted a series of formation flypasts, rolls and opposition breaks in front of the guests who thronged outside the marquee. They flew just feet apart in 'Box', 'Line Astern?' and 'Tango', bending into the small gap between the towns of Harlow and Sawbridgeworth in which Beckingham Palace nestles. The Team had to remain 'flat' below 1500ft and be especially careful not to use the vertical in case they set off the collision avoidance systems of the airliners flying in Stansted airspace overhead.
Over the last few weeks, The Blades have worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority, the National Air Traffic Service and Stansted Airport, all of whom have been instrumental in making this happen. Beckingham Palace sits under the Stansted Airport flight path just 5 miles from the runway. In the spirit of the World Cup, the Authorities granted special permission for the special aerial event to occur in their congested controlled airspace.
Chris Norton, co-founder and Director of 2 Excel Aviation and The Blades says "Putting on the display at this site was tricky due to the surrounding villages and the complexity of the airspace which we had to work with. However, the pilots are exceptional and their skills really shone through. We are delighted to have been part of the England Team's send-off and we hope England excels in the World Cup."
|
|
THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT |
04/05/2006 |
 Jamiroquai front man Jay Kay, flew with The Blades at 2Excel Aviation's official launch today. An extremely keen aviation fan, Jay Kay made a spectacular entrance to the launch by flying in with the 4-ship formation as they arrived at airfield. The display included 'The Excel Loop', and the heart stopping 'Blades Break' at closing speeds of 400 knots. Upon arrival, Jay Kay emerged from the plane thrilled and excited with his experience.
With over 70 select national and regional press, industry experts and private guests, 2 Excel Aviation Limited introduced the core of their business units, their distinguished pilots, and highlighted a unique and sophisticated technology system that relays images and visuals directly from the cockpit to screens on the ground.
The Blades went on to perform for the crowds with a truly breathtaking display. Whilst in formation the pilots flew within feet of each other, performing loops, rolls and opposition passes that left the people on the ground awestruck. The pilots flew at around 200 feet for the formation flying but the solo gyroscopic manoeuvres were performed as low as 50 feet. |
|
THE BLADES RECEIVE THEIR DISPLAY AUTHORITY |
02/05/2006 |
 2Excel's display Team, The Blades, received their Display Authority (DA) today. The Team have worked extremely hard to create a safe but dynamic and exciting first show for the general public. It is a legal requirement for every display team to be awarded a DA before they can display to the public. A Display Authority Examiner from the Civil Aviation Authority awards each pilot their DA and it is a testament to the pilots' skill and heritage. |
|
QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE IS FIRST PERSON TO FLY WITH THE BLADES |
06/04/2006 |
 Kerry Katona became the first person in the world today to fly with The Blades Aerobatic Display Team. They are a brand new Team comprising three ex-Red Arrows pilots and a world championship-level aerobatic instructor.
Kerry took to the skies for ITV's Celebrity Daredevil. Her pilot, Blade 3, Myles Garland, introduced her to the aircraft and gave her the safety briefing. She was particularly apprehensive before she flew, taking her time to climb in to the aircraft; but, once she was strapped in, there was no going back!
Kerry performed a series of low level loops and rolls above the Northamptonshire countryside and flew in formation with Blade 1, Andy Offer OBE. She was very vocal in the air! Kerry was up for flying a lot of manoeuvres but she did make a lot of noise. She was great fun to fly and it was extremely entertaining to watch the video afterwards.
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Come Fly with Us
Want to fly with The Blades? |
Testimonials
They've flown but what did they say? |
Display calendar
Where will The Blades be next? |
|
