Waddington 2012 - Thoughts?

[iaint]

Got back from a thoroughly enjoyable day today. I was happy with the weather overall, there was one heavy shower before the flying started, so many people were sheltering during that. After that it remained dry all day. A bit breezy at times and some large clouds transitted through. It was deceptive and I have managed to come home with some red-faced children and wife.

On the ground it appeared to be rather thin, the main taxiway had little/no significant static lineup as previously - One RAF Tornado and King Air hidden amongst the civvie GA which dominated the taxiway, and the special 3Sqn Typhoon hidden between a couple of hangars (I almost missed it due to it's location). All the military hardware was up on the northen apron or southern end of the taxiway. It was nice to see the Hawks - 100Sqn special (what's the significance of the ice-cream cones on the mission mks?), Red Arrow, 4Sqn T.2 along with a Saudi together.
Barriers were once again a bit on the tight side in places, I struggled to get a decent image of the F-4 and the Wedgetail I only managed a decent shot from roughly rear 3/4.

Flying was very good, the Swiss F-18 performed a fantastic display and the Korean display was particularly impressive too. Didn't spend the day shooting as much as I would have liked to, the joys of taking the whole family on a day out!

Traffic management was much better this year than last although we did get up to the Harmston end 10-15mins before gates opened and was directed into the purple car park. It went a bit wrong then as when the gates did open those that had parked up and the new arrivals all started heading to the gate, it wasn't pretty and the poor marshalls were unable to manage with it! I was getting worried for a proper mess, but it seemed to sort itself out relatively quickly... We left during the Saudi Hawks and was back on the road with no queues at 5ish.

I don't think it appeared to be anywhere near a sell-out for the day...

What are other peoples thoughts?

[LarryElite]

Best Waddington for a number of years. Good varied flying display. Have to say I think there was maybe display team overkill this year. By the time the Saudi Hawks and Team Orlik appeared, I had really had enough of it haha. Thought the static, although varied in places, was lacking slightly. 1 typhoon (well hidden) and 1 tornado was quite dissapointing. Brilliant to see the F4 though.

Traffic Managment over the Fri/Sat much improved from last year. Allowed to park on the car width mowed grass verge on the a15 yesterday, and again today after intially being moved on. I see they were using a private "PATO" company rather than the police this year which helped alot. Gates maybe could have opened a bit earlier than 7.50 today seeing as the A15 was stacked up beyond the horizon but nevermind.

Despite the weather forecast, was pefect weather. Not too hot or cold, no rain during the flying and the clouds cleared each time a display team appeared. Quality.

Overall, had a great day. Shame about the food prices (£6.50 for a pork baguette) but its what you expect i suppose. Special well done to the Freece and the Black Eagles. Both outdid the red arrows. Thanks to the airshow team for making a great show!

[Craig]

Iain-Going to Waddo tomorrow so can't add any comments, but the mission markings on the Hawks are the same ones carried by POTR before it left 100 sqn. The ice cream cones are missions to Italy.

[bjturner1981]

I've had a brilliant day at waddington today! I was really impressed with the black eagles, thought they were fantastic. The swiss f18 and Dutch f16 displays were brilliant. The static arrangement was a little strange with the military assets spread over the airfield. The Italian and polish displays were really good too. The Czech gripen looks great. I loved the German f4 too, it's worth the admission alone to see it. The ozzie wedgetail was great and the aircrew very friendly! I'd also like to say a special thanks to the Algerian herc crew who let us board the aircraft and view the cockpit, despite not speaking much English they were really friendly and welcoming. All in all the best waddington I've been to in years. Silentflight and the crew have done a great job, thanks for the great day.

[DeanW]

Agree with it being the best Waddo in a few years, cracking show! Flying wise can't fault it with participation from 11 overseas air arms and static seems to be more quality over quantity, which I don't really mind. The only thing was that the Phantom and F16s were parked in a pretty pants place from a photography point of view. Wonder if there's any chance that the likes of those jets could be parked around where the Tutor and G120 are parked?

Roll on tomorrow!

[F1jetfan]

Best Waddo ever great displays all aroud and great flypast by the KDC-10

[DanH]

I had a really enjoyable day on the whole. We were messed around a little bit getting in as we arrived at the end of the queue at about 7:45am but were instructed by the attendant to go further along the road and join the queue from another direction. This meant about 15 cars taking turns to do 3-point turns in the road. When we did get into the suggested queue, we were then instructed by another traffic womble to head back to the queue we'd just left. But hey ho, only a minor inconvenience.

The flying display was very good although I agree that it was a little bit display team heavy, I gave up counting the number of hearts drawn in the sky over Waddington The Koreans were brilliant, but I found the Saudi's a little boring. A lot of their routine seemed to take place several miles to the east, and their commentator seemed a little dull, especially compared to the Frecce's commentator who was even more animated than usual.

[Inshala]

LarryElite. A matter of opinion i guess. I thought the Reds were fantastic in the toughest weather conditions of the day.

[MetMan]

Agree with many of the earlier comments. Weather was exceptionally kind - even the rain before the flying persuaded me to go into the hangars, which I don't normally do, and really enjoyed the 'On Air' Battle Management presentation.

I too was involved in the 7am Purple Carpark 'discussion' - the poor old contractors hadn't been told what was going on - and got collared by some unnecessarily irate visitors. I just relaxed and it all sorted itself out when we were let in at 0740 (the RAF were keen to open the gates at 0730 as expected but the civvie police held it for some reason - and I know that wasn't just an excuse because I heard their permission come through on the radio at 0740).

I thought static was good (quality rather than quantity) - there was some use of cones/ropes rather than metal fences. Got some good photos of static in the sun 6pm-7pm after the crowds thinned and the sun had moved round.

Thought the flying was fantastic. Probably Black Eagles and Swiss Hornet were my favs but difficult to pick - it was a splendid mixture. Maybe one too many display teams but the flying session was nice and long so not complaining. The order was good too - with not leaving the star item until the end meant the crowd seemed to leave gradually during the afternoon. Had an incredibly high focus 'hit rate' on flying photos compared to usual - I guess the light was just right. I found commentary just right - kept us informed but kept quiet when they couldn't add any value or the engines were worth listening to.

Crowd was thinner than I ever remember it - but that made it more enjoyable. Food was expensive (of course) but what I had was good quality, and above all was quick and because of lack of queues (food and loos), I missed no more than 5 mins of flying. Speakers are ground level this year and sound seemed more even - not too loud near them and too quiet between - excellent - other airshows take note. Left about 7pm and got straight out. And given I've been struck down by back & leg pain this year a special mention for the shuttle buses which I haven't used before - straight on with no queues morning and evening and operated by cheery enthusiasts - a brilliant service.

Taking everything into account (aircraft, flying displays, weather, organisation, company) one of the most enjoyable airshows I remember in a very long time and excellent value for money. I got the feeling there was a real effort to make it the very best they possibly could with the assets at their disposal. My congrats to all involved with pulling it together.

[DeltaPapa]

The flying was excellent - well done to all flying participants..

yes the static was thin in comparison to other years - not sure why but overall apart from the heavy rain shower first thing it was a really great day.

[BDL]

A thoroughly enjoyable day, was worried that the early deluge was going to be a sign of things to come. Thankfully the later rain missed us.

Agree there were to many hearts .

Wondered what the ice cream cones were for!

Koreans by far the best of the displays, the F18 was the pick of the solos for me.

Great to see a Rivet Joint at last and a nice fly by from the Dutch. The Kiwi 757 display was superb.

Traffic was brilliant, but probably because I stayed up there and left early enough to get onto the field at 8.10.

Wel done Waddo, will be back again next year.

[Sezzy]

I honestly can't wait untill tomorrow.... Must go to bed ready for my 4am alarm! So glad you all had a great time today! I will try and sleep, although not sure my excitement will let me!

[Oldtower]

Last minute decision to go, and i thought the quality of flying was very good - well done RAF Waddington - the Swiss F18 demo was by far the most impressive (as it was in Florennes),Korean team were polished as were 'our Air Force' assets.

Statically, i was dissapointed to see both Typhoon & Bronco tucked away as such, and a thought is why not spread the static line of aircraft on the taxiway one behind the other at spacings ie: nose to tail rather than bunched up at an angle which would please the photographer.. (as they did at RIAT Cottesmore)..i think that area just needs a tweek..

Otherwise well done.

[XP282]

It was nice to see the Hawks - 100Sqn special (what's the significance of the ice-cream cones on the mission mks?)

The ice-cream cones represent missions over Italy... I dont know much, but I do know that!!!

[BossMann]

Brilliant day, well done to SilentFlight & team!

I actually really like aerobatic teams so this years show was a cracker!

Koreans were the best by far today, even using coloured smoke! Saudis did a good job although their formations were noticeable with only 5 jets due to pilot sickness, agree that their commentator could be a little more excited about the display and didn't they have Arabic music at Riat? Also is the sick pilot here or is he back in Saudi Arabia?

What happened to the Black eagles/ reds formation?

Swiss F18 best fast jet - superb display

Nice to see the RAF Sentry display - awesome sight to see it thundering down the wet runway in the morning.

Also kiwi 757 was good and nice to see the USAF Rivet Joint and Dutch KDC10 in the air
Thank goodness for the weather!

Waddo 2012 - truly an international event well done!!

[jonnyweb142]

Didn't go myself,just seen the below comment on the Reds Facebook page,what's that all about ?

RAF Red Arrows · 2,273 like this.
about an hour ago ·
‎2 difficult displays today, one at Waddington and one at Plymouth, however they were both successful despite the conditions. A few negative comments from the 'know best' crowd at Waddington, but everyone has the right to an opinion. We will continue to do the best we can in this difficult year. We hope you were entertained. Many thanks

[JJC]

Excellent show all round, a huge round of applause and pat on the back for SilentFlight and the team, well done!

No traffice queues to get in, was on base for around 9:45. Much quicker than usual, and a huge relief.

Flying display was excellent on the whole, although I felt having so many display teams very close together kind of made the novelty ware off quickly, but that is a minor gripe. I suppose the reorganised flying display was due to the weather conditions?

Dutch F-16 and Swiss F-18 were both incredible, and a rather nice performance from the typhoon today I thought to.

Teams, well the Frecce were as brilliant and entertaining as ever, with the Black Eagles putting on an excellent first international appearance. I love those T-50's in that scheme!

I also really enjoyed the flypasts we saw today, something different from the norm and allows a view of the lesser seen types.

Heavies, NZ 757 was exceptional, and it was great to see an E-3D being thrown around. I also thought it a very nice surprise to see an RAF Herc involved with the Falcons, and even moreso when it landed and later flew out again.

Waddington certainly had an international feel to it this year, and what a fantastic show we've been treated to!

Thankyou for a fantastic 2012 show, role on 2013!

[*Merlin*]

Thoroughly enjoyed Saturday at Waddington. Fast jets, turbos, heavies and rotaries...something for everyone. Consensus in our group was the Swiss Hornet and the Black Eagles took the day for best displays but well done to all participants.
So pleased to see the Reds back in the skies and the applause for them was both heartfelt and merited....certainly no negative comments from our group. Also, the silence during the BBMF display was both poignant and entirely appopriate.....well done for that!

Traffic looked to be flowing so much better this year but one gripe......couldn't get a show programme for love nor money during the afternoon! all the sellers seem to have vanished and the tents/booths were unmanned

Back today with 13 year old son and his two friends. Bright blue skies this morning, so going to back the deckchair!

[PD31]

Didn't go myself,just seen the below comment on the Reds Facebook page,what's that all about ?

RAF Red Arrows · 2,273 like this.
about an hour ago ·
‎2 difficult displays today, one at Waddington and one at Plymouth, however they were both successful despite the conditions. A few negative comments from the 'know best' crowd at Waddington, but everyone has the right to an opinion. We will continue to do the best we can in this difficult year. We hope you were entertained. Many thanks

Just been reading that twitter feed while sat in the Purple queue this morning. Was it weather related? Think the Reds had duff conditions compared to the Frecce and BEs.

[Chris P]

Without doubt the most enjoyable Waddington for me for a good few years
a big thanks to all involved who manage to get the Koreans over here who were simply fantastic - having seen there Low show on Friday and the Normal High one on Saturday - obviously the High Show is far more dynamic than the Low one but I was really impressed with them

the Frecce were also great to see as they always are
the damp on Friday saw the Swiss F18 pulling all kind of Vapour which on Saturday in the sunshine was not as impressive but still a fabulous performance

The Blades were their normal excellent.. the Saudi Hawks I thought were pretty tame after seeing just how polished some of the other teams were such as the Reds Frecce and Koreans

The Red Devils I thought went on too long with a pretty uninspiring act

the F4 and Bronco was especially nice to see with them being so rare seen over here - and I loved the Huey's arrival on Friday swinging about the tail so we could all get some good pictures

overall a much better show than I have seen there for a loooong time
welll done to all involved... and please get some more Asians for next year
my 2p
Chris

[Arthur Tee]

Took a friend who hadn't been to a proper Airshow since 1974 - so probably viewed the show from a different angle!

Traffic seemed good - no problems encountered.

Programme - reasonably priced - but no showground map? Having been stationed at Waddington for 3 years - it didn't bother me - but I thought this was a rather obvious omission.

Flying display slightly biased towards the teams - but hey - you can't ignore the likes of the Koreans and the Saudis...however, it was still varied and with some fantastic acts.

Top items (for me) were the Swiss F-18, the Koreans and the Kiwi 757 - all quite simply outstanding!

Felt sorry for the Saudis - difficult to follow the likes of the Reds and the Frecce - pity they weren't on earlier.

Static - some bits good (Saudi Hawk area) - some ok (Alpha Dispersal) - and the positioning of the Typhoon - just downright poor!

Security - I know the public were invited onto the Algerian C-130 and others - but then noted a large number of folks just milling around everywhere behind the cones and ropes. Not good from a security or flight safety point of view as items were being interfered with. I noticed the pitot covers of the Polish CN235 had been removed and strewn on the ground...

Well done to Silent Flight and the rest of the team for an excellent day out - but please - no "Tickets approaching sell-out" scaremongering tactics next year! It doesn't work - and could adversely affect your image!

Arthur

[davidjones533]

Had a great day at Waddington yesterday.

I got there for around 8am and was straight in (coming from the north) with no trouble at all. I was a little worried by the weather when the downpour arrived, but it actually proved a blessing in disguise as it forced me into the hangar for the first time in all the years I've been going to the show, which proved to be quite entertaining!

The weather for the rest of the day was excellent, although I must admit I have a bit of a red face today. The flying display was fantastic, although I do miss it when the take-off/landings when the acts are not based at Waddington, but is understandable as it's such a busy weekend with many other displays/commitments around the country, particularly with Saturday being Armed Forces Day. This, and the weather, probably explains the timings - with four display teams in a row and some of the stars towards appearing towards the end - I'm thinking Kiwi 757 and Typhoon here. Following today's display on Twitter and the schedule seems much more balanced.

I actually enjoyed the static last year more - C-17, Apache, rows of Typhoons, KDC-10 - but variety is the spice of life and all that. I unfortunately missed the Typhoon where it was placed though.

Anyway, was a great day.

[stuart n]

Really enjoyed yesterday. The line up was superb, you could really sense the excitement when the Black Eagles were on the runway about to take off and what a great display they gave
Tornado Role demo was awesome as was the the Swiss Hornet and RNZAF 757. In fact pretty much everything was great. Got parked in the brown car park with minimal delays and drove straight out, although I didn't leave until gone 7.
The only minor complaint was the bottle neck getting from the viewing area into the static park next to the Grippen.
Well done to all involved in organising the show

[Sundowner]

What a great day out [Saturday], certainly the best for a good few years. Parked up by 7.45 & off the base within 5 minutes of getting in the car at 6pm......never hit a bit of traffic once off base right through Bracebridge Heath, quck call at ASDA then A46 home, not one bit of a traffic hold up, definately a vast improvement over other years when its taken over an hour just to get to ASDA.
Flying display was superb, a great mix of types form large to small, slow to fast , we all need time to go to the loo sometime so there's bound to be something you dont mind missing .
Static display was not too bad but on the whole I'd like to have seen a couple more Tornado's and Typhoon's parked up.....I've only just realised reading the other posts here that I NEVER even saw the 3 Sqn Typhoon.....really annoyed about that.

Roll on next year.

[craig.mason]

despite a very wet start it turned out to be a very good show i really enjoyed the Frecce Tricolori and the Typhoon thought the belgian red devils were a bit dull
was impressed with the f-16 & f-18 & RoKAF Black Eagles there was plenty to do on the ground and lots of things to buy well done to the organisers .