How to thrill the crowds at Air Displays in the UK

[Shippo]

Brian Lewis joined the Royal Air Force in 1955. With thirteen years service under his belt, he flew everything from the Varsity to the Meteor.

After leaving the RAF, and having a degree in Aircraft Engineering, he was employed as an engineer by Hawker Siddeley then later Handley Page Limited using his expertise and experience. However, due to various redundancies, he was led to get involved with flying displays at Old Warden as well as being the Air Traffic Controller on display days. He then became the Display Consultant to the Shuttleworth Collection, organising his first display independently in 1972.

In joining the Air Display Association Europe, he eventually became its Chairman for many years. He was also a member of the Air Display Council which was set up to take devolved powers from the Civil Aviation Authority. From this in 1981, Brian set up his company called Airshow Enterprises Limited.

Each year the British Air Display Association committee also mark the achievements of those who have played pivotal roles in the UK Air Display world during their lives. There were three awards given under Lifetime Achievements Awards one of which went to Brian Lewis in 2011

For many Brian has been organising flying displays all over the United Kingdom. He retired in 2012 after being 14 years at the helm behind the scenes at the Lowestoft Air Fetsivals of which he was director.

Brian before retiring has put together well known flying for events such as the Cranfield Classic Jets and Fighter Show together being the organiser for air shows throughout the UK such Yorkshire, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, and the Irish National Air Day. The Seething Air Day, Norfolk, was his last event before retiring as flying director.

He has been invited to give an illustrated talk about his exploits called My Life in Flying Displays.

The lecture will be held in the WW2 gymnasium at the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, Lincoln, on the Wednesday, 24th June, beginning at 7.30pm. Admission is £5.00 for visitors to include refreshments. It is free to Friends of Metheringham Airfield and veterans of 106 Squadron.

For further enquiries contact 01526 378270

John Shipton
Friends of Metheringham Airfield
Wartime home to 106 Squadron
Lincoln