(Final Update) - Macc's very late RIAT 2011 (Photo heavy)

Post by **Macc** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 4:03 pm

Because I've had a lot of photos to edit, a lot of things to do (as much as the weather persuades me to think otherwise - it is Summer!) and lots of spanners in the works such as my computer not wanting to upload things. I'm just going to put selections of shots on from different days but I'll try and do it as chronologically as I can!

BIG thanks to the following people: My Dad, firstly, for everything he did for me in the 11 days we were down! A good friend Al (swingy) for his company throughout the FRIAT week, Lee Hathaway for good company, banter and for making Rhymes Farm a possibility once again this year I'd also like to thank everyone involved in the manpowering of RIAT, it was a superb show and everyone was extremely friendly.

And now, back to the aviation and the photos..

First up is Wednesday, where the weather started dark with some sunny spots but not many. The winds were quite harsh though and they did seem very 09 at points..

1. One of the first few arrivals was this C-130H from the Omani Air Force (the Jordanian and Saudi also arrived around this time so it was a bit of a Herc-fest initally!)

DSC_8545 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

After the AG51 tiger German Tornado did a run 'n' break on 27, then a low approach/fast pass on 09 but pulled up too early and then landed on 09 - so didn't really get any good shots of it coming in.. And the Turkish F-16s arrived in dark conditions, as did the Saudi Hawk team!

2. Then these beauties pitched up, giving the crowd a go around each as they came in - I noticed the tower asked as many aircraft to do as possible which was excellent to see! Big well done on that.

DSC_8777 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

3. And if you thought this one German tiger - luckily in brighter conditions as the sun tried to appear - was good enough..

Luftwaffe tiger.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

4. ..then you were wrong, as this absolute beauty queen strolled in (I really wanted to get this one aswell.)

Beautiful German Tornado from Jbg32 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

5. After the French Mirage 2000 arriving we went back to the pan to see the German Tiger crew being welcomed by 'Bengie the Bengal'..

Tiger hug! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

6. Fairford: With the beer, the tiger and the jet! Where else would you want to be on a Wednesday?!

German crew being welcomed.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

7. Then snapped a few of the French Mirage 2000, which I have to say wasn't really as tigery as I hoped! Apart from the underside, which you couldn't really see! But kudos to them for pulling the strings to get it present at the show!

French 'Tiger 50th' Mirage 2000 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

8. The A-10 did an extremely spirited rehearsal, I was amazed by it! It did seem to tone down after every display unfortunately but it was impressive every time! I did enjoy watching all the post-demo patriotic going-ons!

A-10 demo team by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

9. They just look so cool.

The mighty hog by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

And that was Wednesday, a rather excellent day with some superb arrivals and wonderful access. Met some lovely volunteers who made me feel more than welcome with their conversation - you guys know who you are!

And we moved onto Thursday which started with a beautiful expanse of blue filling the sky and busy schedule for the morning. And one of the first being the BAe Systems Typhoon doing a rehearsal..

10. Eager snappers..

Under rain of camera fire by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

11. Another rehearsal was the Turkish F-16 which was absolutely outstanding, it was a long display which you would think would be a bad thing. But it was constantly intense and a joy to watch - you'd think they'd been displaying them for years?!

Turkish F-16 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

12. With a lot of the action being arrivals I've left quite a lot of the action out for the moment, but there was a big bonus to Thursday - the FRIAT evening walk, an excellent new idea in my eyes! As you can see, a lot of people went on it!

FRIAT evening walk by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

13. The disappointment of the Ukranian Su-27 arriving in cloud was more than made up for by the opportunity!

Ukranians! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

14. A gorgeous Belgian F-16, one of my favourite schemes!

Belgian Tiger F-16 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

15. A rarer Mirage 2000N, I don't really like the Mirage 2000D so I was glad to get one of these instead!

Nuclear Mirage.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

16. What a beauty.

Flanker face-off by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

17. After the majority of the static had been covered, the sun went away providing some dramatic skies!

Shapes against the skyline by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

18. Dramatic skies for the Patruilla Aguilla's only time display.

Looping through the cloud.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

A wonderful way to end a superb day! Hopefully that will be on the agenda next year too.

And then came Friday.

19.

Saudi Hawks by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

20. After another stunning rehearsal, we got up close for it taxi-ing back to its parking spot.

Up close and personal by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

21. P-3 flyers..

Swish Swiss.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

22. Then it was down to the other end for the Vulcan's arrival, but before it arrived the A-10 did another rehearsal and I was in a superb place for it!

Warthog topside by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

23. The Swedish guys loved this! They were all over it when it was towed near their Gripens, and one guy I was talking to was telling me all about the Swedish Historic Flight which really are superb!

The big V by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

24. Belgian Thunderbirds..

'Red devils' by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

25. After losing the A-400, I was more than happy with the C295AEW as consolation!

CASA C295AEW by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

26. The Norwegian Vampire crews were more than happy for me to have a look and sit in the cockpit, and I got a photo of me inside - so this is me, inside the Vampire!

Me in the Vampire! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Saturday morning was grim, grim, grim! At best. So me and Lee at Rhymes just sat in the car, but after 12 it cleared and flying got underway with the Dutch Apache, Swedish Gripen, and then this guy!

27.

Danish F-16 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

28. Our Apache was superb aswell!

Apache! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

29.

Opposition pass by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

30.

My home team by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

31. Fantastic Freece got some superb light during their display!

Freece Tricolore! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

32. Closing the show with the best weather of the weekend were the Breitling teams.. Hmm.

Wingwalker.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

33. Departing after the display though was this guy!

C-17 away home for the night by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Then Sunday, which also started off grim but got a bit better with some sunny spells but generally quite overcast.

34. The Italians were just ace though!

Superb Spartan! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

35.

Italian Tornado by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

36. As was the Turkish F-16, best of the four F-16s in my eyes!

Solo Turk by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

37. Attempting to de-clutter a photo for fun..

T-6 Texan by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

38. Queues for the Ukranians were massive all weekend!

Popular Ukranian by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

And now comes Monday, which wasn't too bad weather-wise and we got some stunning departures!

39.

Rafale off home! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

40. This guy was just ace!

Spirited tiger by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

41. Goodbye for now, plenty more to come.

AG51 Tornado by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Comments and criticism welcome!

Enjoy,
Chris

Post by **LN Strike Eagle** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 4:14 pm

I recognise those two hats in the bottom left corner of #12! :lol:

Post by **DeanW** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 4:38 pm

Nice narrative to run alongside the images. That A10 shot with the groundcrew infront is pick of the bunch!

Post by **PChaplin** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 5:56 pm

15 and 27 for me but all superb shots. Thanks for sharing :clap:

Post by **triple_ace** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 6:24 pm

Superb mate. :clap:

Post by **Danny** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 6:32 pm

Fantastic shots Chris, really enjoyed looking though those. :clap:

Post by **Russ** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 7:18 pm

A superb, varied set Chris. :clap:

Post by **colper** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 7:35 pm

Excellent post,excellent photos.I have always admired your pictures on these boards,what ever the subject.You certainly have an eye for a good photo.

Colin

Post by **swingy** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 7:38 pm

All really nice shots. Pity 26 has an ugly dude in the cockpit :lol:

Post by **PorkScratching** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 9:18 pm

LN Strike Eagle wrote:I recognise those two hats in the bottom left corner of #12!

Yay, famous!

Post by **foxfour** » Wed 10 Aug 2011, 9:25 pm

Cracking selection Chris, wish I could've been there. I will need to dig out my photos of another ugly dude sitting a Norwegian F-5 at Lossie in 1979!

Post by **Macc** » Fri 12 Aug 2011, 11:44 pm

Thanks for the comments guys!

42. After finishing with a German Tornado, I return with the same! I couldn't get enough of this one!

Tame tiger! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

43. Chinook in the evening sky..

Cloudbusting by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

44. I make no apologies for the amount of shots of these guys.

Flanker and Candid by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

45.

Ukranian bort number 75 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

46.

Under heaven's rays! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

47.

Reflections a plenty! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

48.

Sun rays.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

49. I loved this.

Superb! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

50.

Viper tails! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

51.

Saudi Hawk tail.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

52.

1 FTS Tucanos by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

53.

P-3 (not so) flyers.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

54.

"Say cheese!" by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

55.

I've seen Vulcan umbrellas.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

56. 'Peek-a-boo'

Peek-a-boo! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

57.

Get the big gun out.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

58.

Swooping Chinook by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

59.

Going vertical by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

60.

67 wing! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

61.

Avro Vulcan by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

62.

Freece split! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

63.

Italiano! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

64.

Our RAF.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

65.

The ol' Hunter! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

66.

Candid Candid.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

67.

Flanker's rolling departure.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

68.

Captain America and his C-47.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Still plenty more to come :wink:

Chris

Post by **LN Strike Eagle** » Fri 12 Aug 2011, 11:47 pm

47, 49, 54 - brilliant. :clap:

Post by **Baghdaddy** » Sat 13 Aug 2011, 7:03 am

Macc wrote:
6. Fairford: With the beer, the tiger and the jet! Where else would you want to be on a Wednesday?!

German crew being welcomed.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

What idiot goes to RIAT dressed in a tiger suit?............ What with that and Capt America it seems the Engineering Team's standards are slipping, I hate to imagine how low they will go next year. :claypole:

TTFN
Baghdaddy

Post by **aviationphoto** » Sat 13 Aug 2011, 4:10 pm

Great set and commentary - could not really pick a favourite until I saw No.62 - great capture!! :clap:

Post by **davedogman** » Sun 14 Aug 2011, 2:42 pm

Baghdaddy wrote:What idiot goes to RIAT dressed in a tiger suit?............ What with that and Capt America it seems the Engineering Team's standards are slipping, I hate to imagine how low they will go next year.

TTFN
Baghdaddy

RIAT hosted the 50th Anniversary celebration of the NATO Tiger Association. So...

Post by **Macc** » Mon 15 Aug 2011, 7:51 pm

Thanks once again for the comments guys, managed to get the next batch edited. A few of these are more arty edits than before.

69. Starting with the German Airbus A-310 tanker/transport - what really was amazing about this aircraft is the way the crew handled it on the Thursday arrival. They brought it in for a run 'n' break which was not tame at all! Then landed it excellently off a very tight circuit! Was simply amazing to watch!

Otto's jet by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

70. A friendly Italian RSV Tornado display crew after their Friday morning rehearsal, lovely to see a solo Tornado on the display circuit!

Friendly pilots by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

71. Dutch Apache kicked off the flying on Saturday, this take from Rhymes Farm, ending a 3 or 4 hour sit in Lee Hathaway's car checking Twitter, mucking about on his iPad and drinking Mountain Dew. Soon after, the skies cleared and it was a wonderful day!

Where's Wally? by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

72. This was on Friday when the Su-27 was being towed into its final position for the weekend, I tried to get a photo of the captain and his aircraft - and with his lack of English lingual abilities proved harder than it should have been. Nevertheless the guy was most patient and the end result was this! He also gave me one of the little Su-27 picture/calenders seen in his pass pocket.

Captain Ukraine! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

73. A close up of the JBG32 tiger Tornado to see all the different tiger unit badges - very colourful!

Tiger units! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

74. One of the brighter visitors at Fairford this year, taken at Rhymes Farm on the Saturday. If you are reading this, then I have to say, that is one brave outfit!

Oh dear. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

75.

Jordanian Falcons by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

76. Nice to see both the higher ranking people's F-16s from Spangdahlem present!

SuPerb by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

77. It just looks scary.

Rotor-bladed intimidation by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

78. One pass is better than nothing they say, especially a pass like this!

Vapour dragger by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

79. Goodbye!

Waving goodbye! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

80. A few thousand pounds of thrust from the Rafale..

Burning by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

81. Those are some sweet looking engines!

Metallic power. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

82. Some amount of vapour!

Weather in tow by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

83. Red, white and blue..

Red Arrows by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

84. The Swedish brought their basket-ed bikes!

Swedish bike.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

85. What a wonderful aircraft.

Looking Buff by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

86. These guys were just ace!

Sky colouring by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

87. Feeling blessed?

Blessed. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

88. A very nice tiger Hunter from Switzerland, a fantastic catch from the RIAT team!

Crouching tiger by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

89.

Big nose. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

90.

The vast sky. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

91.

Not so pastry. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

92. Tigers everywhere!

Quiet tiger by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

93. A fantastic reflection!

A weathered tail by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

94. Hunting the sky.

Skyscapers by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

95. Silver beauty..

Shiny! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

96. Tiger SAAB 105OE, something I'd very much looked forward too!

Tiger take-off by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

97. C-27J Spartan

Doing the impossible by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

98.

Slicing the gradient by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

99.

Leaving its mark by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

100.

Sitting in the dark by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

I have another bunch or two to go, I took loads of pictures. And to be honest, I think the more pictures the better!

Hope you enjoy,
Chris

Post by **LN Strike Eagle** » Mon 15 Aug 2011, 7:56 pm

Danish Viper at #91 for me in that third batch, Chris.

Really excellent thread though - don't think I can ever recall so much variety in a RIAT photo topic. The best advert for doing multiple days I've ever seen.

Post by **F-86** » Mon 15 Aug 2011, 7:59 pm

Excellent shots, some great colour, light and angles in there. :clap:

Post by **Bartek** » Mon 15 Aug 2011, 8:01 pm

Excellent set! Well done!

Post by **Corsair** » Tue 16 Aug 2011, 1:14 pm

Awsome images, this is a wonderful thread the b/w shots are pretty cool but they all are a winner, hope to see some more :win:

Guy

Post by **Macc** » Wed 17 Aug 2011, 8:15 pm

This is the penultimate update, I've saved one last lot for a few days time and that should be it!

Without further ado, on we go!

101. Can anyone spot themselves? Amongst the many other photographin' photographers!

Target acquired! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

102. The regular Danish Challenger..

Challenger by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

103. As always, the Belgian F-16 display was superb and lively. But just pipped by the Turkish F-16 in my eyes!

Vortex Viper by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

104.

Tiger in the sky by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

105. What an iconic shape.

Pulling up for the next attack! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

106. Damn cloud!

Super Sukhoi! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

107.

Leaving a trail in the black by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

108. Turkish F-16 on Wednesday evening.

Turkish centennial F-16 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

109.

Danish F-16s by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

110.

Breitlings and their smoke. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

111.

Special ops MC-130 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

112.

Ass of the Vampire.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

113.

A lovely SAAB. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

114. Airborne flag..

Italian flag.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

115. Gripen tails..