David Jason 

He's more used to three wheels - but not today.

It was a special 'Trotters Independent Trading' helicopter that brought Sir David Jason - AKA 'Del Boy' - to Fairford, near Swindon, this morning to officially open the 2007 Royal International Air Tattoo, which takes place this weekend.

Bonjour Fairford!: Sir David Jason (Del Boy) arrives to open the Royal International Air Tattoo

 

Britain's favourite comedy character arriving in grand style just after 11'o'clock, raising a smile as soon as he stepped out of his aircraft.

 
'Del Boy' more than happy to lap up the attention and get one up on his old mate from Only Fools and Horses - Boycie.

Flying in: the Trotters Independent Trading helicopter

The only thing that disappointed the dodgy dealer being the quality of the cocktails on offer - not quite his usual Pina Colada!

But even Del was happy to concede the real stars of the show were the aircraft and superb aerobatics and displays planned for this weekend.

All set for Swindon's skies: the USAF Thunderbirds display team

A jam-packed programme of aerial activity featuring planes from all over world - including the US Air Force Thunderbird display team, making a re-appearance at Fairford for the first time in six years.

 

It promises to be quite a show - pictures of which, incl. video, you'll be able to see here on SwindonWeb on Monday.