Flighfest 2013
FlightFest, a once-in- a-lifetime, international fly past, will take place in the centre of Dublin City on Sunday, 15th September 2013. This will be a truly historic event involving more than 30 aircraft flying along the path of the River Liffey right through the centre of Dublin.
FlightFest is expected to be one of the largest National events of ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ and is expected that thousands of people from Dublin, all over Ireland and abroad, will line the banks of the River Liffey from Dublin Port up to the Customs House.
FlightFest is a free family event. A large section of the quays will be pedestrianised, with many family attractions and festivities available, contributing to a carnival atmosphere that will showcase Irish aviation. Large commercial aircraft from Ireland and abroad will fly past, including the Boeing 737 and 767, ATR 72, Embraer 195, Airbus A320, A321, A330, A340 and A380 Superjumbo aircraft. The Irish Air Corps and the Royal Air Force will also participate and spectators will enjoy a variety of helicopters and historic aircraft, including the B-17 Flying Fortress and Vulcan B2. See http://www.flightfest.ie/displaying-aircraft for details of the aircraft on display.
There will be restricted airspace imposed over Dublin ways not previously seen - this is what the pilots will be using on the day:
The Geocaching Event
While the main event is taking place above the quays, the reality is that you'll only see the underside of the passing aircraft. I have chosen the Southeast Corner of Merrion Square for us to gather at 1.30pm, as there is a high possibility, weather permitting, that the view will be much more interesting. I'm guessing we won't be the only ones with this idea, so be early!
The aircraft should head up the quays at FL8 - that's 244m to you and me - that's low enough to feel your ribcage vibrate and to fill your nostrils with the fine scent of Jet-A and at a general speed of 180kts, which is slow enough to see the whites of the pilots' eyes as they pass. As the aircraft pull up and bank out, they should turn south and the chosen location location location should allow us to view the sides and perhaps even the tops of the aircraft depending on their angle. It's not an everyday sight in the middle of a city.
In particular, the British Airways Airbus A380 (biggest), the Ethiad Airbus A340-600 (longest) and The Vulcan (most likely to bomb The Falklands) will be worth seeing. A personal favourite, though, is EI-RJX - the Leinster Rugby Jet that brought The Heinekin Cup home to Dublin in 2012!
