Today saw the start of one of my favourite weekends of the whole year – the Goodwood Racing Revival. Kevin and I are only going on two days this year (today and Sunday) so we made a plan of action so as not to miss anything. Today was spent exploring the displays inside the circuit and on Sunday we plan to work our way around the exterior of the circuit watching the beautiful historic cars being raced. Unusually I didn’t take many car photos today, although I’ve included two of my favourites from the day here. However, we were blessed with some beautiful light for the air displays so I spent the most time capturing these.

It’s the Spitfire’s 75 birthday this year and this was reflected in the displays we saw – twelve of these beautiful flying machines will be flying over the circuit during the weekend. At one point today there were six of them weaving through the skies which gave me plenty of opportunities to hone my aircraft shooting skills. The other highlight for us was the presence of Sally B, Europe's last airworthy B17 bomber. This particular aircraft was featured in the 1990 film Memphis Belle and Kevin has been a member of her supporters club for 25 years. It was something of a coup for Lord March to attract her to the festival and Kevin caught a few photos of her as she flew in on Thursday lunchtime. For the remainder of the weekend she’s on static display but we were delighted to find that her crew were offering guided tours – an opportunity we jumped at with great relish! Clambering in and out of her was a touch challenging in my 1950s style dress (festival goers are encouraged to dress in a style appropriate to the circuit’s pre-1966 heyday) but it was worth the effort to see her inner workings. Despite any impressions she gives of being a large plane the spaces inside are decidedly cosy!

Helen - these shots are absolutely phenominal right down to being able to see the faces of the pilots!!! They are crystal clear and I was looking and looking - they almost looked as if they were models of planes. What a job you did. I love the insignia on the MB! I used to go every year to two Naval Air Bases near my home and watch the air shows and tour the host of planes - Since 911 - no more shows and tours! danrav · 2011-09-16: 19:22

That's brilliant. I didn't know there were that many still flying. Jarvo · 2011-09-16: 20:03

Great action shots, Helen! It looks like you were in the air with them! lgnelson · 2011-09-16: 20:13

Oh..........brilliant shots. # 5 straight to my favorites!! Davorka · 2011-09-17: 01:56

Super captures. I especially like #3 & #5 I don't understand how you got that perspective, it feels like you're up there with them. yellodog · 2011-09-17: 04:15

Ah man! Spitfires can make the hair stand up on the back on my neck.. I love them and the very distinctive noise they make, but we see them flying so seldom.. and you saw 12... Wow! What an excellent set of photos, I was tempted to save them all to faves... Annbramwell · 2011-09-17: 05:02

Magnificent set Helen ! josy63 · 2011-09-17: 09:11

You are so good with the close-ups! And the rest of them too. Nice set :) MsCumberdale · 2011-09-17: 10:34

wonderful set. I know you are a music tacher but you could certainlly make a side living as a professional photographer. Lynda · 2011-09-17: 12:13

Excellent pictures, Helen! Eiram · 2011-09-17: 12:57

Wonderful set! I love the composition on all the action shots you captured, well done! mwbergeron01 · 2011-09-17: 16:23

Super interesting and well-taken images, Helen! Especially love #s 1 and 2 with the three planes in formation! lookagain · 2011-09-17: 23:00

When I was a child (a lifetime ago), the Spitfires were a model airplane that I loved to build. Beautiful shots of airplanes. But Italian style, is always Italian style :) Yes, I know I'm not impartial. I love the two shots of badges. It seems they are floating in the air. Very good. iso400 · 2011-09-18: 06:20

Wow Lovely tribute The #1,9,10 are my favorites Thanks for this beautiful report helys · 2011-09-19: 12:26

the most famous plane of the england battle! yours pictures are fantastic of clarity! 5 goes in my favs! tomie · 2011-09-19: 12:26

My Dad used to make airfix airoplanes. He gave them to me eventually. Loved the spitfires. We lived near an airfield and occasionally had real ones going over. They're beautiful. Amazing captures. The light is wonderful. iPhoneElorac · 2011-09-19: 16:19

Tagged: spitfire goodwood aircraft sallyb b17 car