Cosford 2009.... What did you think?

[Abingdonman]

Well we were on the airfield until about 8.00pm and we still didn’t get to see the tornado that the commentator kept talking about

Perhaps he meant the Hurricane

[TS010]

For once I agree with you. Yes, the show was still enjoyable, it was a great family day out, and there was plenty on the ground engaging the public and showing off some of the more 'behind the scenes' stuff, but there's a whole lot more that could be done to really impress the public. I was stood with a few of the trainee squippers for the majority of the day, and, from what they'd seen of the practice day before, all a few of them wanted to see was the Typhoon, presumably because it does 'crazy' things like rolling upside down whilst blasting your ears out with fire. And in a lot of respects, I agreed with them.

I've tried to sympathise with the RAF in the past, seeing as their top brass are probably being controlled by people even higher up the chain, with tightening purse strings and the like, but it strikes me as odd when they can muster enough aircraft for decent flypast over London one day, even form up with the Vulcan with 2 VC-10s at a families day, then none of this stuff shows up at one of their three major events the next day.

This is by no means a dig at the organisers, as I'm sure they pulled out all the best stuff they could in the circumstances, but one thing's for sure, and that's that they've got the the VTTS/TVOC a lot to thank for.

Have to agree with the above comments. It's the RAF that's to blame for not supporting 'their' airshows not the organisers for not booking what's not available!
In my opinion the RAF should go all out to support their three 'official shows'. Lets see them doing their day job, screaming low over the country side. I know times have changed but we used to have families days with aircraft line ups that would make many of todays airshows go green with envy! Lets have the RAF fast jets attacking the airfied, Hercs dropping Land Rovers out of the back, VC10 flying over with a Typhoon on each wing in a simulated flight refuel. This sort of thing is what joe public wants to see, plenty of noise and lots happening. The aircraft were flying over London on Saturday, so why were'nt they available go to Cosford on Sunday. Come on MOD sort your act out. They ask everyone to support our troops (and rightly so), but show us what our forces day job is!

[Jason32]

I thought it was a very good day out overall. I would of also of liked to see more fast jets as thats my kind of personal thing at airshows. The weather helped the show bigtime aswell!

After hearing the Vulcan was the last item to display, i had to stay to then end. I also felt very sorry for the JP display, when the Vulcan was in sight in the hold, i rarely saw anyone looking at the JP display...maybe a slight pause in the display might of been been better so we could all enjoy the JP display before the arrival of the Vulcan

Highlights for me was the Vulcan!
Typhoon
Hawk
Red Arrows
F-86

Hightlights for my girlfrield was the Red Arrows as it was the 1st time she had saw them live...infact it was her 1st ever airshow and she loved it!
Hawk
Typhoon
Vulcan

Next year id like to see more overseas aircraft if they can attract any.

Well done Cosford 2009

[Ian G]

The show was boosted by the Vulcan, and of course the weather. All shows in the UK are hamstrung by the lack of the RAF Role Demo this year - you only have to look at Waddington's line-up to see how much that is true. What Cosford had was pretty decent, and I dare say Mr and Mrs Average and family will have loved it. The Cosmic Wind and the Turbulents are probably better suited to the small, local airfield/fly-in type shows, but otherwise the programme was good and there were few gaps. "Us lot" would have preferred a few more classic jets (Venom, Sea Vixen, Hunter and Meteor etc) and of course some real foreign jet heavy metal, but Cosford is what Cosford does - if it ain't broke (as locked gates and record crowds testify) they probably won't fix it.

I think that sums it up. I had a really good day even if the flight line up wasn't as impressive as other shows but there was quite a mix for all and I, like others, was only there to see the Vulcan!

A few teachers from my school went with their families and they had a brilliant time, even the photography teacher got some brilliant pictures although I think I have a few lessons to teach him . It's unique in that I think this show attracts more members of joe public than the other major shows and therefore the flying display has a lot to suit all tastes, my friends from work were mightily impressed with the display teams, some not having seen the Red Arrows before so I think as a family day out it's a great thing to do. For enthusiasts?? There are better shows to go to and photography is always difficult shooting in to the sun for most of the day unless you can become a sneaky blighter and go the other side!

Parking/marshalling etc was very good, easy to get in at 8am and pretty easy to get out as well. However, I think the ticket price is steep for what it is, limited static, less traders and stands to what I remember last year. Somewhere like Waddington, although with a completely different line up and venue offers more to the enthusiast and more value for money than Cosford. That said, I understand the limitations Cosford has and accept it for the show that it is. I'm glad that they did so well with capacity crowds.

[Craig]

Overall, I think Cosford did pretty well. To say it's the little brother of Cosford and Leuchars, and that RAF participation is rather thin on the ground, I think they really did well. The Vulcan was (and was always going to be) the star of the show, but it was certainly not the only thing worth seeing. The Blades seem to get better and better every time I see them, not my choice of type to photograph, but as tight and impressive as ever. The Turbelent team were similar, not my choice to photograph, but an impressively well flown, and just all-round entertaining display all the same. As for the vintage stuff, the Sabre display was the first time I'd seen it, and very impressive it was too, and a nice display from the Spitfire twin stick also. Typhoon display was as impressive as ever, just wish burner was applied a little sooner in the breaks/climb-outs (from a photographer perspective! ). Was nice to see the Belgian SAR demo too, an unusual piece at shows these days and an aircraft I'd not seem before, so full marks there. Shame the RAF's own SAR force can't put in an odd demo too, it worked well on both an enthusianst and a general entertqainment for the public level. As for the downsides, only a couple really. Biggest one for me was Anna Walker's Mustang display. for a pilot of her calibre, I really thought it was poor, all far too high, far too distant and not all that imaginative either. Didn't manage a single shot after the take off as she didn't appear to drop below 1000 ft all display! Agree on the comment about the Reds also, they were not up to scratch and a few of the formations, especially towards the rear, were not as tight as I have come to expect from them. Hawk display too distant and too high again, but been saying that for the past few years and it still seems to remain the same. Overall, well done folks, the Aerosound production I thought was a good idea, agree some of the material could have been better selected though (as has been said, having some Brummy stating flying bores her so much she just sleeps all the way there doesn't really "add" anything, maybe some enthusiasts comments at an airshow would have got better responses?) but with a bit of work I think could work rather nicely. Overall, well done Cosford. Think they've done themselves proud this year

[jayne_morris]

Well we were on the airfield until about 8.00pm and we still didn’t get to see the tornado that the commentator kept talking about

Perhaps he meant the Hurricane

No he wasn’t talking about the weather it was defiantly planes, but in the build up to the typhoon display the commentator kept talking about a tornado approaching from the right but it never made it to the display line

[st24]

Well we were on the airfield until about 8.00pm and we still didn’t get to see the tornado that the commentator kept talking about

Perhaps he meant the Hurricane

No he wasn’t talking about the weather it was defiantly planes, but in the build up to the typhoon display the commentator kept talking about a tornado approaching from the right but it never made it to the display line

Ok, Hurricane is also a 'plane and there definitely wasn't a defiant...

Even more bizarre as it approached from the left (well it did for the fine upstanding good mannered, armed services loving, generous to a fault, true airshow loving members of the crowd rather than the low life good for nothing can't be bothered to support airshows freeloaders)...

[Russ]

Enjoyable show, greatly helped by the excellent weather.

What it lacked, and I think this was predominately because of this seasons limited RAF displays, was noise. Sure the Typhoon was great, and a couple of the Vulcan's passes were noisy. But otherwise it badly lacked loud and/or afterburning jets. Of course the RAF role demo would have helped, as would a foreign fighter like an F-16 demo.

If the organisers are happy to continue their winning family day out formula and mentality, then I doubt it'll change anytime soon, unless the RAF can spare additional assets.

[A380FWWOW]

What did I think?

Well from the number crunchers (££££) point of view it must have been a success! I had heard that from 12 noon it was ticket only and after 13.30hrs the gates were closed, that I believe is a first for the Cosford airshow. It was certainly helped by the weather and the attendance of The Vulcan!

I know the traders were feeling the pinch as many people seemed to arrive and go straight to the crowd line and not move away from their pitch! I know the footfall that we saw at the Air Training Corps stands was less than 20% of what we usually see, amazing considering that normally we are hidden away in hangar 4 and this year were between hangars 1 and 2 and the fact that we had a capacity crowd.

From my own perspective, I did not get too see as much of the show as I would have liked, I could not hear most of the show due to the lack of Fast Jets and I do agree with an earlier poster about the Turbulents and Cosmic wind really belong at small airfield flyin's. The increased helicopter participation I thought was a good idea,and something that RAF Cosford should build on given the short runway they have.

While I know that we had the RAF displays, I believe know that Kemble will have the C17, VC10, C130 and L1011 next weekend and it is not an RAF show! I know Cosford is limited but even a fly through from the C17 would be appreciated, we all know that it can land and take off from there!

On the whole, given the weather it was a good value for money family day out!

And I can not every remember being at an Airshow when the entire crowd has stood for one aircraft, that is the Vulcan Effect! I was quite amazed.

[danspuggti]

I do agree with an earlier poster about the Turbulents and Cosmic wind really belong at small airfield flyin's.

The Turbulent team wasn't too bad. But if you know an act is going to do ribbon cutting etc then make it so everyone can see it not just those right dead centre. I couldn't see it because of the warbids being parked along the crowd line

As for the Cosmic Wind, although it was a speck in the sky, from what I saw through the bino's, it was great.

[Finningley Boy]

As a run of the mill, family day out airshow - great, really enjoyed it. As one of only 3 "proper" RAF shows to demonstrate the RAF to it's public - rubbish.

Be interested if you could elaborate exactly why you think it is 'rubbish' as an RAF show?

Honestly Gareth, you do make oi' larff

[garethbrum]

As a run of the mill, family day out airshow - great, really enjoyed it. As one of only 3 "proper" RAF shows to demonstrate the RAF to it's public - rubbish.

Be interested if you could elaborate exactly why you think it is 'rubbish' as an RAF show?

Honestly Gareth, you do make oi' larff

Why? Nothing wrong with asking someone to qualify a statement is there? I was interested to hear why and he came back and qualified it.

Problem?

[Shaft]

Just to put my 2 pence worth in, Anna's (P51) display might have been high up due to what the CAA give her on the DA.
Hopefully the JP display this weekend at Kemble will be a 3 ship.
and lastly not may Jets land at Cosford yes because of the runway but also because there is not much space to park!

Neil

[patrouille2001]

Hi Neil
Do you know who the names of the Jet Provost pilots were, shame they were on just before the Vucan and everyone waslooking in the distance towards the Vulcan in the distance. I ask about the Jet Provost pilots as I thought you were displaying and I could Sean Maffets commentary and I am sure I thought you were displaying.

Have a good weekend at Kemble (sadly I am in Paris ) but you might see Ashley down there.

Safe Flying
Paul

[EMarsh]

Just to put my 2 pence worth in, Anna's (P51) display might have been high up due to what the CAA give her on the DA.

Might've been her first public display in the Mustang, too? It takes years, maybe even decades, to perfect a routine with the impact of, say, a Nigel Lamb or Pete Kynsey solo. I'm just glad to see 'new' pilots converting to warbirds, given that the 'old guard' won't be flying forever. In time, I'm sure her routine will become more dynamic and exciting.

[danspuggti]

http://www.shf.as/htm/display_pilots/anna_walker.html

[Finningley Boy]

As a run of the mill, family day out airshow - great, really enjoyed it. As one of only 3 "proper" RAF shows to demonstrate the RAF to it's public - rubbish.

Be interested if you could elaborate exactly why you think it is 'rubbish' as an RAF show?

Honestly Gareth, you do make oi' larff

Why? Nothing wrong with asking someone to qualify a statement is there? I was interested to hear why and he came back and qualified it.

Problem?

So he did, my oversight and apology to you sir!

FB

[garethbrum]

No worries

[ajf]

First show for me for a couple years - other interests taken over.
I knew what would be there before hand and had a great day. Very busy but I thought had more of an atmosphere than RIAT.
Commentator had a few Murray-esque moments . lol
Also a LOT cheaper (but admittedly not as big)! Got there around 8:30am so missed all the mayhem on the roads:)

Vulcan was one of the main reasons for going - big surprise there! - and I wasn't dissapointed. I will admit I have been very sceptical about the whole return to flight thing and its problems, but they really came good and I am impressed they managed to get everything ready in time. A donation will be winging its way to them shortly....
Loved the Typhoon show though and its full power turns away from the crowd line were very good - you could feel the power go straight through you
Apache was a big (and welcome) surprise for me as it was not part of the display last time I saw it. First time seeing one so a big bonus.

One moan.
WHY close the museum/hangers so early on the airshow day?! I know when I cornered one staff member that they 'close at 6pm' each day, but come on! There were huge queues to get out and having the museum would have enabled many people (myself included) to stay behind a while and maybe have taken off the pressure a bit.
Their argument was that they having nothing to do with the airshow so just run their normal day. Bit poor really.

Andrew
P.S and why list the Red Arrows as RAFAT?!

[DanO1978]

and welcome) surprise for me as it was not part of the display last time I saw it. First time seeing one so a big bonus.

One moan.
WHY close the museum/hangers so early on the airshow day?! I know when I cornered one staff member that they 'close at 6pm' each day, but come on! There were huge queues to get out and having the museum would have enabled many people (myself included) to stay behind a while and maybe have taken off the pressure a bit.
Their argument was that they having nothing to do with the airshow so just run their normal day. Bit poor really.

Whaaaaaaat! They closed the museum less than an hour after the flying finished?

[ajf]

Not sure whether that was tongue in cheek reply?
Anyway, yes, I went to the Cold War Hanger about 5:45pm and it was already closed and as I was walking back down they were trying to usher everyone out of the hangers also..

[Wrexham Mackem]

Not sure whether that was tongue in cheek reply?

No, that's not tongue in cheek, they're serious believe it or not. I tried to wander in just before six last year and got precisely the same line, "we close at 6, today's no different". I thought they may have had a change of heart this year and wandered up shortly after six and all doors were locked. With crowds of bewildered looking punters outside peering in.

They must be absolutely mad to turn that many visitors away.

[Pen Pusher]

Not sure whether that was tongue in cheek reply?

No, that's not tongue in cheek, they're serious believe it or not. I tried to wander in just before six last year and got precisely the same line, "we close at 6, today's no different". I thought they may have had a change of heart this year and wandered up shortly after six and all doors were locked. With crowds of bewildered looking punters outside peering in.

They must be absolutely mad to turn that many visitors away.

Why would they be mad to turn visitor away? There is free entry to the museum so staying open longer is not to their benefit and where would the money come from to pay the museum staff, who would be on contracted hours, overtime?
Duxford Museum closes at 6, normal time, on an air show day as well.

Brian

[Wrexham Mackem]

At 6pm there were probably around 30,000 people on site. If even quite a small percentage of those were to visit the museum then that would be more visitors than the museum would get in a bog standard day. The economics are as always; a proportion of visitors will buy something in the cafe/shop.

Furthermore, as a museum curator, you want as many people as possible to see the collection, that's your purpose in life. Staying open an extra couple of hours for the big annual event is an opportunity, surely.

Furtherfuthermore , up until a couple of years ago not only did the museum stay open longer on show day, they used to open the hangar doors, throwing daylight on the collection, and even were known to wheel a handful of exhibits outside.

[Mutley]

Superb show once again, well done Cosford.

As my local show I always support this one whatever is down to appear. I thought traffic management was spot on this year despite the difficult conditions with the hot weather and Vulcan appearance.

Particular highlights for me was the Vulcan, of course. Never before have I seen a location fall silent and still to watch one aircraft. It just goes to show what affection the British public has for this aircraft. Martin Withers and his crew put XH558 through a fantastic display showing off the aircraft's famous Olympus Howl. Looking forward to seeing her at Kemble this Sunday.

Other highlights included the Typhoon, BBMF, Belgian Sea King (something you dont see every day), the Turbulents and the incredible Aerostars.

Once again, thank you Cosford, thank you Sean Maffett, your commentary was as entertaining as ever and thank you to everyone who made this show possible. It goes to prove that Cosford is the Midland's premier one day event