A wishlist for 2012.....

[Finningley Boy]

My own opinion regarding the recent lean level of participation is that its no different from what is being experienced elsewhere, perhaps at Leuchars its impacted more noticeably this year because, certainly flying wise, the last few years have seen some pretty good flying line ups. But its only the quantity that's amiss, not the quality. And like as said, its the same at RIAT, Waddington all of them, certainly relatively speaking. I don't think recent concerns have anything to do with the airshow good or bad. There have been lean times and fat times before, I picked up a copy of the 1974 programme from some chap in the Tiffy hangar, it sports 17 items on the flying display, commencing at 14:00hrs. The first one I attended was in 1972, it started at 13:00 and had 28 items. So the more things change, perhaps the more they stay the same right enough!

Regarding next year's event, for me personally, I'd like to see more of the same, but with the flying and static restored to 2006ish levels if possible.

FB

[Ryand19]

Regarding next year's event, for me personally, I'd like to see more of the same, but with the flying and static restored to 2006ish levels if possible.

FB

2006 was my first show and I really didn't appreciate it as much as I should have . Took hardly any photos and can't find the programme anywhere.

[JetBlast]

As has been said a bit more RAF participation in both flying & static would be appreciated. The fact that the RAF's current top of the tree aircraft, which is also based at Leuchars wasn't properly on display in the air was pretty galling - no matter what the reason!

A more representative & organised RAF static, possibly with a loadout display.

A flying F-4 of any sort would I imagine be appreciated by many.

Some USAF flying would be excellent, f-15, A-10 or dare I say B-1B.

Any sort of later single prop (flying) would be nice, something along the lines of the Spitfire, Sea Fury, Mustang, Skyraider..................

Not that it's going to happen, but a fighter & a heavy from Russia would be a show-stopper. The sight of a Tupolev bomber of any sort would be incredible - the Russian seem quite happy to fly them around the North Sea in their spare time!

[Spiny Norman]

My wishlist would be:

a show.

Assuming we get that then I'd be especially happy to see as many current military fast jets as possible. Flying is preferable but static is still more than acceptable. Leuchars has yet to see any Typhoon apart from the RAF's, for example.

As it's a wishlist, I'd like to see any RAF heavy in attendance.

Sea Vixen. Never been to the airshow at Leuchars.

Blue Angels. By my reckoning it'd be 20 years since they were last in the UK, is that right? Be a bit special for them to appear.

[agdickie]

Assuming we get that then I'd be especially happy to see as many current military fast jets as possible. Flying is preferable but static is still more than acceptable. Leuchars has yet to see any Typhoon apart from the RAF's, for example.

They've seen Italian ones, just not at the airshow

Although as a Typhoon MoB you'd think they'd manage to get some. Heck, Waddo had a pair of Italian and a pair of German examples static at their show!

[tomcatforever]

My wishlist would be:

Blue Angels. By my reckoning it'd be 20 years since they were last in the UK, is that right? Be a bit special for them to appear.

The Blue Angels 2012 schedule has already been released and unfortunately still no UK dates Lets hope for some in 2013

[Spiny Norman]

My wishlist would be:

Blue Angels. By my reckoning it'd be 20 years since they were last in the UK, is that right? Be a bit special for them to appear.

The Blue Angels 2012 schedule has already been released and unfortunately still no UK dates Lets hope for some in 2013

They owe us - especially as it was a Scot that started the US Navy after all. (Too desperate sounding?)

[JetBlast]

[They owe us - especially as it was a Scot that started the US Navy after all. (Too desperate sounding?)

Not in the slightest - whatever it takes

[agdickie]

Screw the Blues, Prowlers is where it's at

In all seriousness though, some possible ideas for next year:

• Battle of Britain squadrons attending
• 6 Sqn lineage - Typhoon, Phantom, Venom, Vampire, Spitfire, Hurricane, Lysander, Demon (All can be sustainably sourced in the UK)
• An A-10 or two
• Polish - It doesn't need to be a flying MiG (although that would be nice), even an M-28 Bryza or even better a Su-22 Fitter in the static would be terrific.
• Foreign Typhoons - If Waddo can get four for their show then surely a Typhoon MoB can get some.
• Foreign fast jets in the static. Only having two LN Eagles was pretty pathetic (see above)
• Czechs - Always nice to see, maybe try for something rotary - again it doesn't need to be flying.
• Canada - Challenger for static
• France - Mirage/Rafale/SuperE/Caracal/Gazelle etc for static
• Belgium - F-16/A109 for static. A330 flypast
• Ireland - CASA MPA/PC9/EC135/AW139
• Scandanavia - F16/Fennec/NH90
• 6 Sqn role demo - Leuchars' role demo was always a highlight, let's bring it back!

I think for a Battle of Britain at Home Day those are all very 'doable'.

[Trevster]

6 Sqn role demo - Leuchars' role demo was always a highlight, let's bring it back!

The role demo should see them scream out and meet an inbound aircraft which then either:

- breaks into a display routine of it's own or
- is 'grounded' and met by the RAF Regiment for their own 'role demo'

Would like to see the new Voyager tanker make an appearance - hell, why don't we get a mid-air refuelling demo while we're at it with it flying past with a couple of aircraft attached!

[ArabJazzie]

Assuming we get that then I'd be especially happy to see as many current military fast jets as possible. Flying is preferable but static is still more than acceptable. Leuchars has yet to see any Typhoon apart from the RAF's, for example.

They've seen Italian ones, just not at the airshow

Although as a Typhoon MoB you'd think they'd manage to get some. Heck, Waddo had a pair of Italian and a pair of German examples static at their show!

If lines were investigated, then they probably could get some very nice visitors connected to the resident units. However, i have been informed that in the past, these lines of enquiry were not followed up by the organizers! But then why should they when anything extra would eat into the end game that is profit?
Arabest,
Geoff.
BTW, I would buy the enthusiast package next year if your list were to turn up!!!

[st24]

Why bother having a wishlist - its just a waste of finger tips typing them. Cosford, Waddo and Leuchars - THE RAF shows for 2011 and several years prior have become nothing but a joke compared to their Belgian, French, Dutch, Danish, Greek, Turkish, Austrian, Swiss, Swedish etc etc counterparts. Its quite embarrasing really...

[agdickie]

It's pretty shocking when you look at Leeuwarden, a free show, and compare it to our £20 a head excuses. But Leuchars has a new OC so maybe next year...

[foxfour]

This is a difficult one. I suspect the airshow organisers did the best job they could with the resources available but from the enthusiasts point of view it could be described as mediocre at best. For any enthusiast who has to travel any distance to get to the show you would almost certainly get better value for money by going to one of the foreign shows. It may cost you a bit more but at least you would feel you get more for your money and probably less risk of having the day spoiled like we do here by the fickle Scottish weather. As for a wishlist for 2012, a bit early to be thinking of this in my opinion but if they have a show next year then send your suggestions to the organisers. You never know, someone may sit up and take notice.

[ArabJazzie]

Having complained in the past regarding the dwindling static, and would probably have complained regarding the lack of flying participation if i had paid 25 quid this year, i have also become very aware of the times we live in.

You don't really believe in that old tosh do you? If times are really so bad then why do airshows over in Europe attract a decent mix of participants including RAF aircraft, yet the RAF's own BoB show can't attract nothing but r/c models.

Scott,
Dont look at the Leeuwarden pics please! What a difference a week makes eh!!!
Arabest,
Geoff.

[scotthldr]

Already seen them and the prove the point I was making. Hopefully the Leuchars organising team have also seen them.

[Marky Mc]

A-10, B-1, B-52, MiG-29 - you can keep them all. There's only one wish from me....

A Russian Bear!

No other RAF station deserves one as much as Leuchars does. Let's get the Russians contacted at an early stage and let Leuchars close on the ultimate high!

[Ryand19]

A Russian Bear!

Coming in on the friday and parking up at the enthusiasts end for a few hours!

[Marky Mc]

It need not even have to land. Scramble a pair of Typhoons to intercept and escort it in for an overshoot and a couple of flypasts, et voilà, history is made!

[scotflyer1]

please dont get to excited, its not looking good if past history is anything to go by, i think this will be the last show in 2012, and i challenge all who is involved to make it as good as possble. if waddo can manage it then so can leuchars am sure

[Ryand19]

It need not even have to land. Scramble a pair of Typhoons to intercept and escort it in for an overshoot and a couple of flypasts, et voilà, history is made!

I suppose so, but having it on the deck even just for a few hours would just be that much sweeter. How about a few Russian escort fighters too while we're at it?

EDIT - Would also be happy for the model aircraft to return too, maybe not for as long this time though. Thought they were quite interesting to watch!

[agdickie]

I'd rather the show started at 10 like the good ol' days.

A Bear would indeed be fantastic and is doable if the Airshow Office put the leg work in. They fly these missions anyway so planning one a year in advance should be no problem, I think they may even quite like the idea.

[st24]

please dont get to excited, its not looking good if past history is anything to go by, i think this will be the last show in 2012, and i challenge all who is involved to make it as good as possble. if waddo can manage it then so can leuchars am sure

Just wondering exactly what Wado have been achieving recently?...

[JetBlast]

A Bear would indeed be fantastic and is doable if the Airshow Office put the leg work in. They fly these missions anyway so planning one a year in advance should be no problem, I think they may even quite like the idea.

If a Bear wasn't available, I would be quite happy if they sent a current, operational & comparable replacement.

The Blackjack has been seen around our coasts & would more than put up for there being no B-1B - If only...........................................

[Unknown74]

An RAF Hawk T.2.