July 18, 2010 - Fairford, Royal International Air Tattoo, Royal Air Force..... These are sounding words that ring a bell in every aero enthusiasts ears. By far the largest air show in Europe (and beyond). There's always some new equipment to be seen. Not a different story this year.

For the team it is a highlight of the 2010 season. But also the last airshow of the first half of the 2010 season. After this, the team will be getting a three week leave to pump up those batteries again for the second stage of their display tour.

The team was already on their way on Thursday July 15th. Transport, hotel and the position of  our PR booth were arranged perfectly. Upon arrival on Saturday, Mitch's F-16 was serviced by the crew. We were all enjoying our stay at Fairford from the first moments.

We don't know what caused this storm of enthusiasm amongst the crew. Was it the weather, the atmosphere, the influence of the Dutch.... We will never know. Anyway, they don't bite.

Mitch performed very well. A little pitty that the weather wasn't perfect, but the crowd loved it anyway.

Top of the show was the demo of the United States Air Force F-22 Raptor. What was that?!! Superb aircraft with an outstanding demo and ditto overall performance. We always thought an F-16 meant power. And that's also a fact. But an F-22 is - let us say - out of our league.

We managed to get to the F-22 team and make some new friends from the States.

During the ending ceremony, the organisation revealed a number of prices. To our amazement Mitch was selected for the Lockheed Martin Cannestra Trophy. This trophy is earned by the best overseas display at the Royal International Air Tattoo. Mitch and the entire team were very proud with this trophy as it underpins the efforts the entire team does every single show to make it happen in a safe way.