RIAT -- Royal International
Air Tattoo July 16-17
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Location: RAF
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK. |
Admission: Varies,
kids under 16 free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. |
Parking: FREE |
Value: Excellent
if the weather is cooperating! |
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One
of the largest air shows in Europe, (as air shows go, and not
EXPO or Trade show type such as Paris or Farnborough) this year
once again. With performances lasting 8 hours per day, the air
show is held annually in July at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire. This
year in total, 219 aircraft took part in the Air Tattoo, representing
17 nations. Approximately 138,000 people
attended over the two days, which was down about 10% from last
year.
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Admission
pricing varies, but to attend RIAT, by North American standards,
is quite expensive. In someway,
the costs are somewhat similar to Oshkosh, however, RIAT, in our
opinion is a far superior show and a better value over all. Even
if one just buys the most economical tickets it can add up quickly.
Thus the question arises is it worth it? Absolutely YES!
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Warning: Tickets
MUST be purchased ahead! One cannot buy tickets to the air show
during the event on site! This means that one takes a gamble that
the weather will be good enough and it will not be cancelled due
to weather. There are no refunds due to rain. FYI, it was cancelled
in 2008, due to bad weather. |
This
year, the RIAT was celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Air Tattoo
itself, thus it was a special event. The famous Tiger squadrons (NATO
and otherwise) were invited to participate as static and flying displays,
as they celebrated their own 50th year anniversary, earlier this
year in France at the NATO Tiger Meet. Unfortunately, due to the
Libyan conflict several nations couldn´t accept the invitation.
At RAF Fairford one could see the Vulcan bomber performing, one of
the most iconic warbirds of the Cold War era, USAF A-10 West Demo
Team, WWII Lancaster bomber, French Rafale C, with the latest RAF
aircraft in one event. |
Both
days saw participants pulling out all the stops to entertain with
some superb flying, one of the highlights being the Hawker Hunter
60th Anniversary flypast with the veteran aircraft turning out to
mark the 40th anniversary of the Air Tattoo itself. And making their
UK debut, the Saudi Hawks display team lived up to expectations with
an impressive performance. The Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker" was
the aircraft every enthusiast wanted to see, and it didn't disappoint,
flying in from the Ukraine accompanied by a giant Ilyushin IL-76
transport plane before going on static display. |
Prior
to Saturday and after Sunday, there were possibilities to watch
the arrival or leaving, of aircraft to and from RIAT. One must
have Park&View tickets for these. However these can be bought
at the gates. Buying them ahead one can save a bit. The Park&View
gets very crowded quickly, and once again one must come very early
to secure a good spot for viewing or photography. Comfortable walking
shoes, ear protection against noise, and water proof clothing and
protection for any camera gear is highly recommended. |
The
RIAT is a very large event and spreads out on a very large airfield.
It has its own radio broadcast during the show and as mentioned
it has its own bus service. It is a very clean and well planned
layout with plenty of facilities, and food vendors. Pricing for
food varied from vendor to vendor: fish&chips were £8.00,
some roast pork or beef was £4.50, water or pop were £1.00
to £1.50. There were a lot of other vendors hawking all kinds
of items from model planes, toys, clothing, souvenirs to perfumes!
There were plenty of activities for kids and of course100+ plus
of static aircraft to view. |
The
weather, well what one can say about the British weather: it rained
both days in the morning, and improved towards the afternoon, with
the airshow closing in sunshine with a thrilling finale by the
Breitling Jet Team, performing a unique flypast with their fellow
Breitling Wingwalking Team. |
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The Best Overall Flying Demonstration - went
to Maj Murat Keles, flying the F-16C "Solo Turk" from
141 st Sqn, Turkish Air Force.
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Best Solo Jet Demonstration – went to Capt
Michael "Mikael" Brocard flying the Rafale C from EC01.007,
French Air Force.
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Best Individual Flying Display – went to
Maj Severino De Luca, Maj Francesco Ferreri and Chf Master Sgt
Ugo Sabeni from Reparto Sperimentale Volof of the Italian Air
Force, flying the C-27J Spartan.
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Best Flying Demonstration by a UK participant – was
awarded to Mark Bowman flying the BAE Systems Typhoon FGR4.
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Best Livery award went to Maj Ingo Heinle and
Capt Rene Lorgen of JBG 32, German Air Force with their Tornado
ECR.
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Over
all, RIAT was a worthwhile and splendid event, if somewhat expensive
when compared to North American air shows, (not taking travel cost
into consideration, just only the cost of attending the event).
The weather certainly had a major effect on the show. We would
highly recommended attending this show for any aviation enthusiast! |
Major
Aircraft/Performers Presented:
- Red Arrows Display Team
- USAF A-10 West Demo Team
- USN Mercury E-6B
- Austrian Saab J105 OE Tiger 50
- Belgian F-16AM Tiger 50
- Apache Solo Demo Team from Holland
- Belgian F-16 A MLU
- Saudi Hawk Aerobatic Team
- Ukrainian Su-27
- JAS39C Gripen Swedish Air Force
- Vulcan XH558 bomber
- and too many others to list.
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Rating:
9.25 out of 10 |
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Review by AIRSHOWSREVIEW
LLC. Photography by Peter Thivessen or as noted. |
© 2011
AIRSHOWSREVIEW LLC All Rights Reserved. |
All trade names, trademarks and
manufacturer names are the property of their respective owners. |
