Hi,
I know you said something with-in 3 hours of your home, but there is an air show in Portrush NI the first weekend of sep every year.
It lasts two days, is totally free, the area is coming down with excellent campsites.
The show can be watched from umpteen areas around the harbour.
It is defenitly worth a visit, and the whole north coast is excellent.
try googleing portrush air show or simply portrush NI , I can gurantee,if you go you will not be disapointed.
Unfortunitly a little late for this year, but def a must for next year.
anthony.