FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
Hi
I've been going to RIAT for many years now but this will be my first with FRIAT tickets. It would be good to get a run down on how it works and what are the generally accepted do's and don'ts.
I understand we will have reserved and numbered seats - I seem to recall something about new FRIAT members having to sit at the bottom of the grandstand. Is this correct?
Does everyone sit down whilst there is a display on?
Do we have to commando crawl to our FRIAT toilets if we need to go whilst there is a display on?
I have a big LowPro backpack to put all my gear in - will the 2017 seating accommodate my bulging sack at my feet?!
If it rains, are umbrellas acceptable?!
Do we get use of the grandstand on Monday for departures?
Cheers
Bob
I've been going to RIAT for many years now but this will be my first with FRIAT tickets. It would be good to get a run down on how it works and what are the generally accepted do's and don'ts.
I understand we will have reserved and numbered seats - I seem to recall something about new FRIAT members having to sit at the bottom of the grandstand. Is this correct?
Does everyone sit down whilst there is a display on?
Do we have to commando crawl to our FRIAT toilets if we need to go whilst there is a display on?
I have a big LowPro backpack to put all my gear in - will the 2017 seating accommodate my bulging sack at my feet?!
If it rains, are umbrellas acceptable?!
Do we get use of the grandstand on Monday for departures?
Cheers
Bob
- capercaillie
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Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
Mantog wrote: will the 2017 seating accommodate my bulging sack at my feet?!
Cheers
Bob
No need to boast Bob.
Basic rule. If something is moving past the stand, don't move. Once its clear of the immediate area move. Only the back row and those standing in front of the stand stand when a display is on. Newbies have to sit on the naughty step and fetch the drinks. Umbrellas are for wusses and banned when aircraft are moving.
Don't crawl in the toilets, you will be removed. Grandstand is the place to be for departures.
Have fun.
- Wrexham Mackem
- UKAR Staff
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- Location: Farndon, Chester
Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
Some quick answers from me then
1. No, year on year membership doesn't get you seat privileges, and new members aren't down the front. Mach-1 members are at the bottom, Mach-2 middle, and Mach-3 top. Within those bands, its first come first served. So you could be a first time Mach-3er and be near the top, if you booked early that year. Top row usually goes to those who booked for the following year at this year's show
2. In general, the top row tend to stand when photographing, and everyone else sits down. Etiquette is to stay seated while there's a display or take-off/landing going on. (Personally, when at the back, I wouldn't object if the row in front of me stood, and it always surprises me that everyone doesn't stand up for the big acts, but they don't, and you are asked to remain in your seat)
3. You nip in and out in the lulls. Something taxying on/off the runway, that sort of thing. If you get back to the stand and there's some action going on you wait in the stairwell until the coast is clear.
4. Should be. It was tight last year but a new grandstand with more room is promised this year.
5. I think I've seen brollies yes. If its brolly weather I'm more likely to be in the pavilion!
6. Yes, open for departures and the enclosure is busiest of all on Monday. Its a great view.
Don't forget if the grandstand isn't for you there's plenty of ground level general spectating space.
Hope that helps!
1. No, year on year membership doesn't get you seat privileges, and new members aren't down the front. Mach-1 members are at the bottom, Mach-2 middle, and Mach-3 top. Within those bands, its first come first served. So you could be a first time Mach-3er and be near the top, if you booked early that year. Top row usually goes to those who booked for the following year at this year's show
2. In general, the top row tend to stand when photographing, and everyone else sits down. Etiquette is to stay seated while there's a display or take-off/landing going on. (Personally, when at the back, I wouldn't object if the row in front of me stood, and it always surprises me that everyone doesn't stand up for the big acts, but they don't, and you are asked to remain in your seat)
3. You nip in and out in the lulls. Something taxying on/off the runway, that sort of thing. If you get back to the stand and there's some action going on you wait in the stairwell until the coast is clear.
4. Should be. It was tight last year but a new grandstand with more room is promised this year.
5. I think I've seen brollies yes. If its brolly weather I'm more likely to be in the pavilion!
6. Yes, open for departures and the enclosure is busiest of all on Monday. Its a great view.
Don't forget if the grandstand isn't for you there's plenty of ground level general spectating space.
Hope that helps!
Last edited by Wrexham Mackem on Wed 15 Mar 2017, 1:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Wrexham Mackem
- UKAR Staff
- Posts: 2518
- Joined: Sun 31 Aug 2008, 4:46 pm
- Location: Farndon, Chester
Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
Caper, we won't tell him first years get their heads flushed down the bog at playtime
Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
Mantog wrote:
I have a big LowPro backpack to put all my gear in - will the 2017 seating accommodate my bulging sack at my feet?!
Make use of the Left Luggage facility, just unpack what you need and leave the rest with the Air Cadets.
Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
Wrexham Mackem wrote:Some quick answers from me then
1. No, year on year membership doesn't get you seat privileges, and new members aren't down the front. Mach-1 members are at the bottom, Mach-2 middle, and Mach-3 top. Within those bands, its first come first served. So you could be a first time Mach-3er and be near the top, if you booked early that year. Top row usually goes to those who booked for the following year at this year's show
2. In general, the top row tend to stand when photographing, and everyone else sits down. Etiquette is to stay seated while there's a display or take-off/landing going on. (Personally, when at the back, I wouldn't object if the row in front of me stood, and it always surprises me that everyone doesn't stand up for the big acts, but they don't, and you are asked to remain in your seat)
3. You nip in and out in the lulls. Something taxying on/off the runway, that sort of thing. If you get back to the stand and there's some action going on you wait in the stairwell until the coast is clear.
4. Should be. It was tight last year but a new grandstand with more room is promised this year.
5. I think I've seen brollies yes. If its brolly weather I'm more likely to be in the pavilion!
Don't forget if the grandstand isn't for you there's plenty of ground level general spectating space.
Hope that helps!
Just to expand on 1) there are some seating privileges on renewal BUT this is primarily for Mach 3 members who obtain a numbered renewal form early on the Thursday morning (around 6am outside blue gate). The lower the number on your form the more likely you will get Row A (top) and/or any special requests will be granted.
Otherwise as the others have said, Top row are allowed to stand up, everyone else is expected to remain seated during displays. That's about it really.
Welcome to FRIAT
I don't tend to bring a big bag with me, I carry my cameras/lenses and have a fishing/shooting vest on with pockets for spare batteries.etc. Just then have a small backpack with a poncho/rain trousers and food in. Some people bring massive bags, a good Belgian friend who is usually in the seat next to/in front of me brings literally brings his gear in a steamer trunk!
Andy
- Wrexham Mackem
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Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
boff180 wrote:Just to expand on 1) there are some seating privileges on renewal BUT this is primarily for Mach 3 members who obtain a numbered renewal form early on the Thursday morning (around 6am outside blue gate). The lower the number on your form the more likely you will get Row A (top) and/or any special requests will be granted.
Yep, that's really what I meant by booking for the next year.. but evidently too lazy to type out a more informative answer as Andy has done.
And yes indeed, welcome to FRIAT, they're a good bunch and all in all the best way to do RIAT.
Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
At the end of the day, it just comes down to being considerate, polite and not impeding on anyone. Follow the lead of everyone else and you'll be okay.
The big one is not to stand up unless you've got a clear runway/sky. Remember that some people still want to photograph acts that my bore you and they have a right to do so without interruption.
Everyone is friendly and you'll have a nice time. Once I went FRIAT (2012) I've never looked back and I wouldn't do RIAT any other way.
We're going back to the older grandstand this year and personally I've never had problems with my big bag at my feet. I got very lucky last year and had three seats free on either side of me while everyone else was squashed in like sardines. Maybe I smell!
One thing that bugs me is people waiting for the last possible moment to sit down when something is rolling (particularly on Monday). It's enough to throw you off your shot.
Lastly, don't be a stranger, chat to those around you. Everyone is there for the same reason after all.
The big one is not to stand up unless you've got a clear runway/sky. Remember that some people still want to photograph acts that my bore you and they have a right to do so without interruption.
Everyone is friendly and you'll have a nice time. Once I went FRIAT (2012) I've never looked back and I wouldn't do RIAT any other way.
We're going back to the older grandstand this year and personally I've never had problems with my big bag at my feet. I got very lucky last year and had three seats free on either side of me while everyone else was squashed in like sardines. Maybe I smell!
One thing that bugs me is people waiting for the last possible moment to sit down when something is rolling (particularly on Monday). It's enough to throw you off your shot.
Lastly, don't be a stranger, chat to those around you. Everyone is there for the same reason after all.
Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
PS. Just to add a little point, be nice to our international friends and make them feel welcome! A friendly reminder is better than terse words.
Welcome to FRIAT! You won't regret it!
Welcome to FRIAT! You won't regret it!
Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
Thanks all! Looking forward to my 1st FRIAT experience!
Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
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Last edited by davidjones533 on Sun 12 Aug 2018, 5:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
It's also very important to wave at those of us the cheap seats (also known as grass) who can't ever do FRIAT.
A royal wave is best.
A royal wave is best.
Buy the sky and sell the sky and lift your arms up to the sky and ask the sky"
- HeyfordDave111
- Posts: 1429
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Re: FRIAT Grandstand etiquette
FRIAT? Bah humbug.
After being there Year in and year out since the wright brothers first flew I missed out on a ticket for Mack3 this year.
I'm seriously thinking of buying a Breightling to get a reasonable view!
Otherwise it will be the first one I've missed since, in all honesty, 2011 as Mach 3 and missed 2008 but no others since I started in 1992.
Enjoy it mate, it's a hell of an experience.
After being there Year in and year out since the wright brothers first flew I missed out on a ticket for Mack3 this year.
I'm seriously thinking of buying a Breightling to get a reasonable view!
Otherwise it will be the first one I've missed since, in all honesty, 2011 as Mach 3 and missed 2008 but no others since I started in 1992.
Enjoy it mate, it's a hell of an experience.
Got to love Russianhardware