Old Sarum Airfield Cancels 2017 Event

Organizers of the Old Sarum Airfield air show have cancelled plans for the September event, citing rules imposed by the U.K. CAA for air shows over the past two years.

In a post on the airfield website, the organizers said that Slipstream, the company responsible for a very successful 2015 event, now believes it will be impossible to stage a similar event this year.

"As a result of new regulations put in place following a number of major incidents at air shows throughout England in the past 2 years, we are sadly unable to comply with the extremely high and complex risk assessment needs that would allow Slipstream and ourselves to put on the show we would like to. Rigorous risk assessments have been undertaken and we are sadly the victims of our past popularity," the post states.

"These regulations define anyone outside of the airfield but still taking up a vantage point within the display area “at risk”. The only way for us to ensure that no-one falls within this category would be to take control of any space within the display area, to cater for these viewers’ safety. However, this would include commanding control of the busy adjacent road network (A345 and Portway), our neighbours at Old Sarum Castle, and Bishopdown and it’s country park. Understandably, with these regulations in mind, we cannot plan for the safety of the people in these areas and therefore the show would not comply with these new conditions. Sadly, these are things outside of our control. We have looked at ways to co-ordinate control of these areas, but ultimately believe that it is impractical. Without such assurances, we simply cannot go ahead."

The airfield is now looking at an alternative way to celebrate its centennial this year.

(Image courtesy Old Sarum Airfield)

FMI: Post