2026 RAF Cosford Air Show
A dream come true is how Brad described the experience of being selected to fly our ASK21 Glider Aerobatics Display at the 2026 RAF Cosford Air Show.
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It follows months of early morning dedicated training which culminated in an independent and searching examination of his skills at Booker before being awarded his Display Authorisation. Brad fitted all that in amongst his normal training and other duties at RAF Cosford.
It almost didn’t happen. In the style of “It Ain't Half Hot Mum” it appeared that at one stage someone at RAF Cosford, decided that “other duties”, which didn’t include a concert party, were more important than the Air Show rehearsal!!
Saturday saw two scheduled rehearsals planned to allow Brad to pick up his bearings at Cosford. It looked at first sight that the wind might be out of limits for a launch. But, with Ian flying the tug the 0950 launch from Shawbury was uneventful, the tug WG and K21 (R22) landing at Cosford at 1010.
A quick team brief……
..…and then some last-minute tips for Brad from the Gaffer.
Our own Top Gun, Laura……..
..…organised a ground crew to push R22 on to the runway for the launch.
While all this was going on, at some stage in the proceedings Amelia managed to blag her way in to Cosford in some old jalopy - is it a Ryanair jobbie?. 😍
Seeing WG and R22 back on our old stamping ground on Cosford’s r’way 24 was a real blast from the past - anyone up for a winch launch?.
Then we launched for two great rehersals from Brad.
Meanwhile, down on the ground out MEF gliding bursary students had been busy setting up our static display in the RAF Sports aviation display area. The DuoDiscus (R2) was rigged and put on wing stands, As in past years, it’s always a popular attraction.
Sunday, the weather had settled and so had Brad’s nerves, which says something when there are 55,000 people on the ground watching your display. Those listening to Radio Shropshire couldn’t help but be impressed with Brad’s early morning interview.
The day started with an aircrew brief.
Then it was time to get into the zone and rehearse the display. We’ve seen Laura do this many times at Shawbury prior to her displays.
The static display members were kept busy with a contant stream of visitors, although this year we did not provide a cockpit selfie opportunity - well maybe for one!
Whether you were on the airfield or watching on YouTube, there followed an immaculate display by Brad.
Brad said:
“To have been selected as the 2026 glider aerobatic display pilot for Cosford Airshow has been such an incredulous, humbling privilege. It still feels surreal, after all this is a dream you have as a kid, to perform at an airshow; you never think you are going to live it.”
Brad is a great credit to RAF Cosford and the young air recruits that he represents, and in recognition of his achievement was presented with a Commandant 22 Group coin.
Top job Brad😍🤩😎
Many thanks to our RSGC team for supporting Brad over the period of his training and also for launching and recovering R22 today at Shawbury.
Finally, none of this would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of RAF Cosford, the RAFGSA, the RAF Central Fund, Capita and the Malcolm Club. Many thanks.
