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There are very few aircraft that can genuinely claim to have helped change the course of history. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain is undoubtedly one of them!
From carrying Allied paratroopers into Normandy during the early hours of D-Day, to towing assault gliders, delivering vital supplies and evacuating wounded personnel throughout the liberation of Europe, the C-47 became one of the most important military aircraft of the Second World War. General Dwight D. Eisenhower later described it as one of the key weapons that helped secure Allied victory.
On Sunday 2 August, COAP Heritage Wings is delighted to offer an exclusive opportunity to spend an afternoon photographing a very special example of one of these remarkable aircraft.
Fresh from a painstaking restoration spanning more than a decade, 'Night Fright' has only recently returned to the skies and now calls Sywell Aerodrome home.
Restored to her original wartime June 1944 appearance, she represents one of the most authentic flying D-Day Dakotas in Europe and continues to preserve the legacy of those who flew, maintained and fought from these legendary machines.
Unlike the fleeting opportunities offered at airshows, this Heritage Wings event has been designed specifically for enthusiasts and photographers. Over three hours you'll enjoy close access to the aircraft as she sits on the grass at Sywell, allowing you to work at your own pace, capturing everything from dramatic wide-angle compositions to intimate cockpit, engine and fuselage details. The afternoon culminates with an engine run, filling the airfield with the unmistakable sound and atmosphere of twin Pratt & Whitney radial engines, a proud moment that signifies the quality of this restoration.
There will be no re-enactors for this shoot as we make this about introducing the aircraft, meeting the restoration team, and learning about the whole project before uninterrupted airframe photography.
Before heading onto the airfield, we'll gather in the Cockpit Room at the Aviator Hotel where we will welcome attendees before handing over to members of the Night Fright team. Through an exclusive presentation and informal Q&A session, they'll share the remarkable history of the aircraft, her wartime service, the extraordinary restoration journey and what it takes to keep this living piece of aviation history flying today.
Whether you're an aviation photographer, military history enthusiast or simply appreciate beautifully restored historic aircraft, this promises to be an fascinating afternoon in the company of one of the UK scene's newest true legends.
Date: Sunday 2 August 2026
Venue: Sywell Aerodrome
Registration Meeting Point: From 1315hrs, Cockpit Room, Aviator Hotel, Sywell Aerodrome
Welcome To Night Fright: Under The Skin of The Most Authentic D-Day C-47: 1330-1430 (approx)
Photography Session & Engine Run: 14:30–17:30
Tickets: £60 per person
A more detailed itinerary will follow closer to the time but the current provisional plan looks like this:
From 13:15: Registration opens in the Cockpit Room, Aviator Hotel, Sywell Aerodrome. You are welcome to arrive earlier and enjoy lunch at either the Aviator Hotel Restaurant or the popular Pilots Mess Café. Complimentary Tea and coffee will be available during registration.
13:30: Welcome and introduction.
13:30: Exclusive presentation and Q&A with members of the Night Fright restoration & history team.
Learn about the aircraft's remarkable operational history, its connection with the airborne campaigns of the Second World War, and the painstaking restoration that has recently returned this historic Dakota to flight.
14:30: Move onto the airfield.
The aircraft will be positioned on the grass ready for the afternoon's exclusive photography session.
14:30 – 17:30: Three hours of unrestricted photography.
Throughout the session you'll have the freedom to photograph the aircraft from a wide variety of angles and perspectives.
During the afternoon the aircraft will also undertake an engine run, providing a superb opportunity to experience - and photograph - the unmistakable character of this iconic transport aircraft.
Approximately 17:30: Event concludes
Food & Refreshments
Attendees are welcome to arrive before registration and enjoy lunch 'À la carte' at either the Aviator Hotel or the Pilots Mess Café.
Tea and coffee are included during the presentation.
Photography Equipment
This is a close-access static photography session designed specifically for photographers.
Recommended lenses include:
16–35mm for dramatic full-aircraft images.
24–70mm for general photography.
70–200mm for cockpit, engines, markings and compressed perspectives.
Longer telephoto lenses are entirely optional.
Spare batteries and memory cards, just in case!
Clothing
Please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on grass.
As this is an outdoor event, we recommend bringing waterproof clothing and sun protection depending upon the forecast.
Parking
Free parking is available adjacent to the Aviator Hotel.
Please Note - As with all historic aircraft, timings remain subject to operational and weather considerations. The engine run is dependent upon serviceability and operational requirements on the day. This event is intended to be relaxed, informative and photographer-friendly, providing ample opportunity to capture one of Britain's most significant historic aircraft in an authentic airfield environment.
