The Black cats kicked off their season for 2010 at the Duxford Spring Air Show in Cambridgeshire. As this was the first event of the season, hopes were high that the weather would hold and the display would flow. Luckily both did!

The crowds had already gathered to see the various visitors turn up on Saturday despite the formal air displays not being until the next day. The Black Cats were joined by a huge range of other aircraft including Spitfire, Hurricane, Tiger Moth, Dakota and Mustang amongst many others.

Icelandic volcanic ash then threatened to disrupt the whole of Sunday when the scheduled Eurofighter Typhoon display was grounded at RAF Coningsby and there was talk of many other aircraft cancelling theirs’ as well. Thankfully at 1400 displays kicked off anyway with the Black cats scheduled for 1700.

At 1700, the Black Cats taxied out for their first display of the season in front of about 10000 spectators and the timing was perfect as the passing shower cleared in time for the run in. The new, compact, crowd centred display was well suited to a slightly smaller scale event such as Duxford and the routine was well received by the crowd.

Overall, enjoyment levels far exceeded expectation for everyone in the team and this bodes well for the rest of 2010.

The team has undergone a transformation with the arrival of two new pilots: Lt Becky Frater (Black Lead) and Lt Chris Chambers (Black 2) have taken the helm. It is an exciting time for the Black Cats; we have an interesting array of upcoming events, a redesigned, dynamic display and a brand new logo.  The team continues to operate two AgustaWestland Lynx helicopters

The team schedule for 2010 is as follows