Enthusiasts package 2010

[f4phixeruk]

From the website http://www.airshow.co.uk/

ENTHUSIAST PACKAGE APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE ON LINE 1 MAY 2010

[agdickie]

Wonder how many people will pay the +£100 for two ramp walks? Don't think I will.

[Macc]

Wonder how many people will pay the +£100 for two ramp walks? Don't think I will.

Health and Safety get to them about letting them to the sunny side?

[AndyBeau]

That was what they said Macc.

Not going to bother myself this year. With the Q-sheds now gone, it will interesting what they do; a bigger tent maybe?

[agdickie]

Wonder how many people will pay the +£100 for two ramp walks? Don't think I will.

Health and Safety get to them about letting them to the sunny side?

Yip And for those hoping that that decision will be reversed for this year's show; it wont (and that comes straight from the organisers).

So the only extras you really get are the ramp walk on Saturday morning and the Friday afternoon static walk (that was done early last year and as such got canned right at the start on account of some arriving GR4s). There is still your goody bag to get and, of course, the enclosure which gets you closer to the display aircraft on the show day but not necessarily the arrivals as last year they mostly turned off short or were directed to backtrack!

All in all I think you're better off outside now

[f4phixeruk]

That was what they said Macc.

Not going to bother myself this year. With the Q-sheds now gone, it will interesting what they do; a bigger tent maybe?

Will the area not be a building site, as they build the new bang seat bay ??

Cant see them letting us mingle with the posh folk in the VIP tent

[GUNMAN]

Hopefully the package will be fully explained by someone on the inside before they start asking for money.
Tony

[Unknown74]

Well don't think it was all that bad, bet you got some pretty awsome pics of the Vulcan?

[agdickie]

Didn't bother much with the Vulcan, was too annoyed at it blocking what little view there was on the Friday! Compared to what we've got on previous EWs last year's was poor and with no signs of it improving I wont be doing it again.

[jonb]

I think the health and safety argument is just a lack of understanding of risk management. It all comes down to the risk assessment and the control measures required to keep the potential of accidents to minimum. I think they want to reduce the man power required for operating to EP. I am not paying over a £100 pounds to have two (very brief) ramp walks. Now the Q Sheds are gone, it's lost the atmosphere. It's very sad.

[MikeH]

Unlike some, I've only attended Leuchars air-show on the enthusiast package every year since 2000, missing 2007 of course. 2009 was my last, due mostly to only getting similar or worse photographic access compared with that enjoyed by the general public. Better opportunities (with the sun behind you,) can be had from outside the airfield, as long as you are prepared to take the risk. I'll miss the goody bag and excellent camaraderie though.

[maltwoser]

Wonder how many people will pay the +£100 for two ramp walks?

I think it's a slight distortion to price the ramp walks at 100 pounds, Andy/jonb. You do get a bit more than that for your money! Take the price of admission, lunch, programme, bacon butty, chance to eat/mix with the crews etc away from that and you're getting nearer to the correct figure surely?

I think they want to reduce the man power required for operating to EP.

Nope. Exactly the same number of people on duty for the last 2 years that I've been doing it. If you remember the 09 end was manned this year to photograph the arrivals, just as the south side used to be. No bids will have been placed for this years manning. Far more important things to consider for the time being.

last year they mostly turned off short or were directed to backtrack!

Agreed. It was mentioned in the wash-up that this year the crews would be asked to taxi to the enthusiast's end if at all possible. Those F-15s were particularly annoying!

And no, I have no idea what they're going to do now that the Q sheds have gone!

[agdickie]

Wonder how many people will pay the +£100 for two ramp walks?

I think it's a slight distortion to price the ramp walks at 100 pounds, Andy/jonb. You do get a bit more than that for your money! Take the price of admission, lunch, programme, bacon butty, chance to eat/mix with the crews etc away from that and you're getting nearer to the correct figure surely?

Your quite right but those are the things that compliment the weekend and aren't what you'd pay the money for primarily, in my mind at least. Bearing in mind a ticket for the show is only around the £15 mark are those extras worth the money? I've loved the EW package in the past, great atmosphere and first class hosting, but the advertised "superior photographic opportunities" are simply not there - no raised viewing platform a la 2004(?) and no southside access. Now give us those and the extras you've listed are the icing on the cake but when they're pretty much the gist of it...

A shame to see something that was so good slide so down hill, wasn't untill last year's show I ever saw a complaint against the EW package and now more than a few regulars are dropping it altogether.

[DarrenBe]

Lets put a different slant on this.

Granted I missed 2009 EP, but to me, the 'package' is more than just the static walks and south side access. Its about having a more enjoyable airshow experience as virtually all your needs are taken care of and you don't have to fight the masses on the crowdline.

Of course some of my biggest Leuchars highlights came from the EP - from getting onboard PA474, getting access to the F3 sim and conversing, over lunch, with some fascinating old men and their exploits flying aircraft such as the mosquito, spitfire, etc.

[maltwoser]

Andy, what was used as a raised viewing platform?

[agdickie]

Wasn't on the package then (think I heard it was a big set of air stairs?) but it allowed shots like...

]

and

[maltwoser]

Strewth, how did they decide whose turn it was and how long you were allowed up there? Can't see them making a comeback any time soon.

Maybe there'll be a shift in the ratio of people who are mainly there for the photography to those who are there for the all-round experience? It'll be interesting to see the response when tickets go on sale.

[Bill_M]

You are correct. Air stairs were in position in front of the QRA sheds in 2003,2004, 2005, if I remember correctly.
I think that there was an accident when the hinged towing arm fell down. Seem to remember a young lad being injured - not sure if he had been climbing on the base frame of the unit at the time. The stairs did not appear again.
Going further back (1996?), which would probably be the first time we bought the EW ticket, another type of raised platform was used. The Friday trip along the static was in an open top bus. Think this had been used in previous years.
Thinking about it now, and given the annual complaint about how close the barriers are, this seems like a really good idea that has been lost. Would have thought if such a vehicle was still available somewhere locally, it would allow visits to the static area earlier on the Friday as it allows a decent view of the aircraft and also restricts our ability to wander off! Probably too many people now to make this practical.
If I'm lucky enough to get a ticket for the EW this year, will certainly go again. I accept the points made about photography as I remember some superb sets of images being posted here which were taken from the south side with sun behind the photographer. As stated, the photographic opportunities offered may not be the best available due to the positions we have access to.
Will be interested to see what changes, if any, will be made to the arrangements on offer. Delighted we have an airshow to attend again this year.
Bill

[agdickie]

It'll be interesting to see the response when tickets go on sale.

I've no doubt that they'll sell out but I wont be paying for the privilege to photograph some silhouettes when I can enjoy the day on the beach and come away with better shots. At least if I do that I know what I'll be getting, unlike last year's EW when we were told on arrival that there would be no southside access. If you're going to change the status quo you can at least warn people beforehand!

I'll concede that if photography isn't your be all and end all and you're there for the day out then you'll probably have a good time but from a photographers point of view the EW has lost its way.

[GUNMAN]

Haveing only been to the last four years on the EP I am a newbie, but enjoy the whole experience, wasn`t bothered with the southside bit , I prefer catching the aircraft and crews at arms length near the q-sheds, the food is of unbelievable quality , the girls and boys in the tent are smart , polite and a great advert for the RAF. The walk around the pan on Saturday morning is great almost as good as a photo call with the added extra of really close up with no barriers and the crews making sure all weatherproof covers are removed (Waddington/Fairford take note), the Polish Mig crews have been on two different occasions extremely helpful with posing the aircaft with canopy open and all covers removed. The walk on Friday evening is not overly praisworthy with the aircraft extremely close and in some cases barriers already in position. Will I go this year , yes if I receive an invite and if they will explain where we will be positioned/based on the airfield. Will I care about the cost , within reason No, my wife and I look forward to the socialising with fellow enthusiasts(bacon butties, cakes and meals), aircrews , veterans, and the girls and boys of the RAF.

Tony

[AndyBeau]

Wonder how many people will pay the +£100 for two ramp walks?

I think it's a slight distortion to price the ramp walks at 100 pounds, Andy/jonb. You do get a bit more than that for your money! Take the price of admission, lunch, programme, bacon butty, chance to eat/mix with the crews etc away from that and you're getting nearer to the correct figure surely?

I think they want to reduce the man power required for operating to EP.

Nope. Exactly the same number of people on duty for the last 2 years that I've been doing it. If you remember the 09 end was manned this year to photograph the arrivals, just as the south side used to be. No bids will have been placed for this years manning. Far more important things to consider for the time being.

last year they mostly turned off short or were directed to backtrack!

Agreed. It was mentioned in the wash-up that this year the crews would be asked to taxi to the enthusiast's end if at all possible. Those F-15s were particularly annoying!

And no, I have no idea what they're going to do now that the Q sheds have gone!

2009 was frustrating because we have had it so good for so many years. However, Steve is right, what you get for the weekend is actually fantastic value for money especially when compared to say the FRIAT package. Ok FRIAT you get some decent views of the action but I think Leuchars is superior in terms of gaining ramp access and the ability to get close to stuff plus 2 course meal both days, goody bag and lots of other stuff. Unfortuately, for photography it isn't ideal but that's always been an issue. My biggest gripe with 2009 was the sheer lack of the Leuchars soul that we're used to but thopefully that was a one off.

For those interested in a relaxed airshow weekend with a great view of the action and fantastic hosts then this is for you. Nothing beats it.

[boff180]

2009 was frustrating because we have had it so good for so many years. However, Steve is right, what you get for the weekend is actually fantastic value for money especially when compared to say the FRIAT package. Ok FRIAT you get some decent views of the action but I think Leuchars is superior in terms of gaining ramp access and the ability to get close to stuff plus 2 course meal both days, goody bag and lots of other stuff. Unfortuately, for photography it isn't ideal but that's always been an issue. My biggest gripe with 2009 was the sheer lack of the Leuchars soul that we're used to but thopefully that was a one off.

For those interested in a relaxed airshow weekend with a great view of the action and fantastic hosts then this is for you. Nothing beats it.

I disagree, it was my first Leuchars this year and I got on the Enthusiasts package. I was excited and anticipated a brilliant weekend after all the reports on here of the excellent access for photographers. Needless to say I came away disappointed and am not going back this year.

Right now for the photographer, FRIAT is far superior, decent ramp access on the Friday, a good elevated view of arrivals and departures with the sun in the right place! Mach 3 costs less per day of the package too!

What compares most to the Enthusiast package in my opinion? The Silverwings enclosure at Waddington. Ok, you don't get food for free or arrivals access but you do get a private area with an earmarked table where you are allowed to do all the photography you like with no-one on the crowd line. Additionally, you get priority parking which is always a bonus.

Just my 2 cents...

Andy

[onemac]

2009 was my first EW package and I was all 'pumped up' with expectation. I enjoyed the weekend but when I saw a couple of posts taken from outside the fence my mind was made up. I will probably buy a ticket this year and use it early morning for the static but the only place to be is outside the fence.

Now, were those binos the dogz or what???

Al

[f4phixeruk]

Now, were those binos the dogz or what???

Al

if the dog was less than 2 foot away from you

I'll still be going for the EW this year. I only do 1 show a year so may as well support the local one.
was too late to get on the EW package in 2008, but still went in the rain. I missed having somewhere to sit inside.
Plus a hot meal would have gone down well.

[AndyBeau]

I disagree, it was my first Leuchars this year and I got on the Enthusiasts package. I was excited and anticipated a brilliant weekend after all the reports on here of the excellent access for photographers. Needless to say I came away disappointed and am not going back this year.

Right now for the photographer, FRIAT is far superior, decent ramp access on the Friday, a good elevated view of arrivals and departures with the sun in the right place! Mach 3 costs less per day of the package too!

What compares most to the Enthusiast package in my opinion? The Silverwings enclosure at Waddington. Ok, you don't get food for free or arrivals access but you do get a private area with an earmarked table where you are allowed to do all the photography you like with no-one on the crowd line. Additionally, you get priority parking which is always a bonus.

Just my 2 cents...

Andy

To be fair Andy, photography at Leuchars has never been the best (and I noted that in my post above) and no one would hide that fact. Everyone has/had the opportunity to see the images from previous years on here and other sites. The only difference in 2009 was the lack of south side access (and a few other issues relating to aircraft management as has already been mentioned) but that is only one part of the weekend. Luckily, an enthusiast encompasses more than just those interested in taking photographs. I've been going to Leuchars on the EP since 1997 and got into photography at roughly the same time. What other major airshow allows you the opportunity to walk around both the flying display aircraft and the static? Not many. Also being able to mingle with various crews and veterans alike is also quite unique in my experience.

I'll say this, if anyone is interested in going to Leuchars on the EP but are only purely looking at it from a photography point of view then you are going to miss the whole point of it. There are numerous threads on here from those who have been on the EP over the years. There are good photo opportunities if you know where and when to get them even with no south side access.