Saturday 29th November 2025 – Cotswold Airport
An afternoon to experience a Blackburn Buccaneer carrying out an anti-deterioration run, also known as an anti-det, or static engine run. This is generally a stationary run, but does, on the rare occasion, include a small tundle. These runs are carried out to exercise the engines and hydraulic systems, also to check any fixes the maintenance team has carried out, and to help troubleshoot any current issues.
On arrival, you will be greeted by our team of volunteers who will help show you to our enclosure, located near the North Apron. (Due to our current location on-site, we are unable to carry out runs on our apron as we have previously.) The aircraft will start up just metres in front of you. Once all groundcrew and ground support equipment have been cleared from the apron, the aircraft will exercise its hydraulic systems – wings folding, bomb door rotation, dropping the arrestor hook, lowering the flaps, and exercising the all-moving tailplane.
One engine at a time, usually starting with the port, the pilot will slowly increase the power up to around 90%, holding it for around 30 seconds before slowly bringing the throttle back to idle. The same will then be repeated with the starboard engine, followed by shutdown.
After the run has been completed, you will be asked to be escorted back to your cars whilst the aircraft is towed back to base. Once the aircraft is back, shocked, and the team debriefed, you will be escorted by our volunteers airside to come and wander around the aircraft so you can get up close and personal. This allows you to meet the team behind all the preservation and restoration work, plus speak to ex-Buccaneer pilots. You will also get the opportunity to have a free cockpit tour of our cockpit section XW550. Our shop will also be open for you to view and purchase our large, unique selection of Buccaneer merchandise.
Adult: £25 / 12+: £18
Note: We do not recommend bringing those below 12 to these events due to the close proximity to a high-powered run.