RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

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Airshowhammer

Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by Airshowhammer »

How on earth has the Hornet not been red carded?!!!!! That was extremely low! Awesome though!
Last edited by Airshowhammer on Sun 16 Jul 2017, 3:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.

DirtyFokker
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by DirtyFokker »

I went yesterday - I enjoyed it, but the weather didn't want to play ball! As ever, the staff were friendly :up:. I had access to the Viewing Village ... the grass area offered a fairly good view!

I'm glad the weather was better today!!
Last edited by DirtyFokker on Sun 16 Jul 2017, 3:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Macc
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by Macc »

play it cool wrote:Ultimately I'm sure DBH would have loved the B-2 all three days, but it's not their decision to make, nor possibly the decision not to publicise it.

Exactly this. DBH are on your side in most (if not, all) cases. Anything that happens which goes against that is usually down to compromises made from external pressures.

I know people can be frustrated but to go on a witch hunt of DBH over it, is just non-sensical.

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by Jakub.Zurek »

From the FAQ on the RIAT website:

"Where ever possible we try to ensure the 7-8 hour flying display for both Saturday and Sunday is the same (albeit in a different order). However situations do arise when display acts tell us they can only perform on one day because of other commitments. Friday 14 July will again feature a 4 hour flying display.

Similar situations may arise when planning some of the Air Tattoo's trademark unique flypasts when operational constraints might only enable us to organise a once-only set piece.

We recognise that some visitors may be disappointed, it is our view that one day is better than no days. The Air Tattoo is grateful to all participants for taking part in the Air Tattoo and, on the rare occasions they can only perform a single display, we believe our visitors would prefer one display/flypast rather than none."

Airshowhammer

Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by Airshowhammer »

Su-27 scrubbed? :(
*edit i see him

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Cole
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by Cole »

pb643 wrote:
boff180 wrote:I'll just leave this here...

[tweet]https://twitter.com/ukairshowreview/status/886577061908926469[/tweet]


Very nice indeed. I don't recall nice topsides in the old days. :grin:


:roll: :confused: :mad: on the day im not there
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by westhamfan84 »

Airshowhammer wrote:How on earth has the Hornet not been red carded?!!!!! That was extremely low! Awesome though!

I agree my heart was in my mouth after that loop.
Planned Shows for 2022 - Midlands air festival, Cosford, Weston, Southport, Riat, Blackpool, Bournemouth

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by pb643 »

Dan213 wrote:
mikek wrote:
Rampvan wrote:

I cant believe people cant book leave 12 months in advance !


can you guarantee everyone can, though?


Stop whining Mike. Evidently RIAT can't win with you. It's been made quite clear that RIAT had unique displays planned for each day


Not moaning, but out of interest when was it made quite clear that there were unique displays planned for each day? I was there on Friday and Saturday, I wasn't aware until today. I didn't know about know about the possible U2 demo it was mentioned on here today.

Fortunately I have been around long enough that B2 flypasts were far more common than they have been over the last few years, but it would have nice to see the U2 fly, they were always pretty special and rare.

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by Macc »

pb643 wrote:
Dan213 wrote:
mikek wrote:
Rampvan wrote:

I cant believe people cant book leave 12 months in advance !


can you guarantee everyone can, though?


Stop whining Mike. Evidently RIAT can't win with you. It's been made quite clear that RIAT had unique displays planned for each day


Not moaning, but out of interest when was it made quite clear that there were unique displays planned for each day? I was there on Friday and Saturday, I wasn't aware until today. I didn't know about know about the possible U2 demo it was mentioned on here today.

Fortunately I have been around long enough that B2 flypasts were far more common than they have been over the last few years, but it would have nice to see the U2 fly, they were always pretty special and rare.

They don't announce it unless it is confirmed, as the U-2 never got confirmed and maybe the B-2 was a late confirm but could easily have been scrubbed/tech/delayed mission.

GazBOH
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by GazBOH »

I attended thur-sat. Like everybody else, I was Gutted to have missed the B2 today, even more so given the escort. I'll put my neck out and say, we won't see a B2 and 2x F15 in formation in the UK again :(

I had a feeling it would turn up at some point, it could easily have been Saturday. I completely understand the reasons behind not being able to publish its attendance.

It's just more frustrating, what with the flat displays and cancellations yesterday. We all know how rare such aircraft/occasions are, and to see them limited in display or not display at all, because of a few days of poor weather, in a three month period of almost endless sunny days (well Southern UK anyway) is hard to stomach. I can understand why there's a lot of frustrated people. I'm sure organisers and aircrews feel exactly the same.

Although, I'm thankful to have seen what did fly, and I thought the static was great, even though my main reason for attending is the flying displays. Credit to the USAF, they really put huge support in the show.

Well done all at RIAT and all the aircrews/nations that attended.
Last edited by GazBOH on Sun 16 Jul 2017, 6:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.

nheather
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by nheather »

Rampvan wrote:
mikek wrote:
Rampvan wrote:
really, name me a bod who cant go to his manager tomorrow and say "I need Friday the 14th July 2018 off" and I will tell you someone who needs a new job!


The staff organising, running and participating in RIAT 2018 perhaps :smile:

As for the luck of the draw, it's about time that Sunday got some good fortune. Couldn't make it this year the last 4 or so times I have been were all Sundays and on each occasion, Saturday got the better weather. 2017 was obviously payback time for Sundays.

Cheers,

Nigel

pb643
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by pb643 »

Macc wrote:
pb643 wrote:
Dan213 wrote:
mikek wrote:
Rampvan wrote:

I cant believe people cant book leave 12 months in advance !


can you guarantee everyone can, though?


Stop whining Mike. Evidently RIAT can't win with you. It's been made quite clear that RIAT had unique displays planned for each day


Not moaning, but out of interest when was it made quite clear that there were unique displays planned for each day? I was there on Friday and Saturday, I wasn't aware until today. I didn't know about know about the possible U2 demo it was mentioned on here today.

Fortunately I have been around long enough that B2 flypasts were far more common than they have been over the last few years, but it would have nice to see the U2 fly, they were always pretty special and rare.

They don't announce it unless it is confirmed, as the U-2 never got confirmed and maybe the B-2 was a late confirm but could easily have been scrubbed/tech/delayed mission.


I understand that nothing is announced until confirmed, hence my question. How was it made clear that unique demonstrations were planned for each day, if nothing was announced?

I did see the Thunderbird /Reds flypast, but must admit I didn't hear anything in the commentary about it being a one off opportunity. Looking at the flying times for the weekend, certainly suggested it might be.

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by Skylinerworld »

So did everything manage to display today then? :smile:
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farnboroughrob
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by farnboroughrob »

Glad you all enjoyed the show so much :tumbleweed: . Just remember us cheap skate spotters who will only be going tomorrow, and with no camera :hypno: . Love Mondays everything comes to me, no long walk, and its cheaper!

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by david916 »

lambo17841 wrote:Have to feel those who went Saturday were cheated a little,Friday had Reds and Thunderbirds together fly by why not Saturday and today a B2 flyby.It was rumoured a couple of days ago that this was in the offering possibly on both days,can understand Saturday did not happen but a announcement could have been made that due to weather conditions it could happen Sunday.
I realise that weather can not be helped but it seems a few people keep this info secret and share it amongst just a few which is not the idea of a forum.
Also from what we heard the F-22 was willing to wait for better weather but was told by control not possible,yet the Flanker was fitted in,it seems that the flying order is set in stone thus if something cannot go at the time it cannot be moved to another slot.
One of the star items could have been fitted in.
As for the Thunderbirds what was all the hype about might go well in the States but not over here,the Reds are still top in most watchers book.

John in Seaford


Re Saturday, feeling a little cheated, yes. Slightly jealous, again yes. Really miffed, hell yes. Like everyone who has to book in advance and many who book early with excited anticipation of an event many months away you take your chance with the weather, but the experience (notwithstanding the weather) should be broadly similar for all, regardless of the day you choose, if paying the same final entrance price for the same show. (Same flying hours, etc). After all it is a show, not a lottery event, just as I would expect to see broadly the same thing at the same West End show from one month to the next. Having different itineraries on different days without letting people know about them and be able to make an informed decision is not fair at all, such as Red Arrows with Thunderbirds flypast on Fri, supposed U-2 flypast (but then cancelled due to paperwork?) on Sat, B2 flypast on Sun. It's not right saying better to have something for one day rather than not at all. Yes, maybe if it's absolutely last minute, unavoidable and a genuine extra, but not pre-planned without telling people who all pay the same prices for each day.
The early display acts did their best in the conditions, at least the Finnish Midnight Hawks got airborne, did a few fly pasts and put on a brave short display, as did the Royal Jordanian Falcons, and some of the solo aircraft lined up and did a run along the runway. Just wonder why the US Raptor couldn't have at least taken of and done a few flat straight flypasts though. It would have certainly beencapable of taking off, flying and landing in
those circumstances, so why not do so? Just take off, fly a few loops and land (not display)! I agree with above that if there is a delay then perhaps one if the so called 'star' acts could be fitted in a little later in the day for a short routine?
All the display teams are unique with differing capabilities and performances, so comparing them is unfair, but the lengthy hype before the US Thunderbirds display was unnecessary and boring. Yes RIAT 2017 was billed partly as a celebration of the USAF 70th anniversary, but the jingoism of the commentary and God Bless America was a bit OTT! The heavy US flyby seemed to be spaced so far apart, which made it a bit mundane and lengthy? Could they not have formed up and flown in at a reasonable distance behind each other over Fairford? The show commentary was pretty appalling this year. Although I gave RIAT a miss last year, I have been a few times before and this year on Saturday it was getting on my nerves. Too much drivel, waffle, filling in and over advertising the various zones around the ground.
Positives were the static Phantoms, static U-2, static Flanker, French Rafale display and also that of the French Couteau Mirage 2000D team, the SoloTurk display, plus of course the Ukrainian Flanker display and, even though I've seen them many, many times before, the Red Arrows impressed. All credit to the Finnish Air Force display team too.
I arrived on site and drove into the car park at 6.45am and already there were hundreds, if not thousands, of people waiting to get in. Entry was ok, but the car parking staff seemed a little confused at times? The gates to the show ground were opened about 10 minutes early and there was a mad rush to find a good spot. As has been mentioned in earlier posts the outside edges of the ground are what's left for regular punters to watch the flying with a huge chunk of the middle for corporate, VIPs and more expensive tickets. Sadly I can't afford the money or time for a FRIAT pass so I have to find space amongst the photographers with their trolleys, huge bags, ladders, steps and the groups and families in their encampments surrounded by territorial windbreaks. I managed to find find a space at the fence in the Red Zone to get a reasonable view, only because I was so early, but the best spots had already been taken by 7.45am and I was there when the gates opened at 7.20am having waited patiently in the big queue to go through ticket and security checks (although I was waved straight through in the end). One point of interest is the chap I was sat next to and got talking too had bought a full package of park and view, plus FRIAT enclosure tickets, but he chose to have a different view on Saturday to take valuable space on the general public fence line and he left early in the afternoon to go to the Shuttleworth evening event. Alright if you can afford it I suppose! He was kind enough to look after my space whilst I had a wander before the flying displays though, which I appreciated.
It goes without saying the food and drink was extortionate. £6.50 for five small sugar doughnuts and a tea just to tide me over for the day? Luckily I bought my own water along to keep hydrated. I didn't fancy buying a wooden garden table and benches, I didn't have the inclination to join the Cats Protection League, I wasn't tempted by the free samples of whiskey, I had no need for army surplus or camouflage clothing, and I wasn't enticed by any of the cheap (actually expensive) tat in the so called shopping malls!
The free showground bus ride from green zone to red zone was welcome relief for my feet and legs, but it actually took so lonnnnnnnnng to drive from one end to the other along a very circuitous route around all the cones it would have been quicker to walk really!
All said and done unfortunately the negatives for me outweighed the positives and sadly I shan't be returning for RIT 2018 I'm afraid! An experience to forget and move on from. So, one extra space for someone then if you want it? You're welcome. :sad:

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by Dan213 »

Really upsetting to see some of the abuse RIAT are getting on social media with regards to yesterday and today. Think the RIAT team deserve nothing but praise for their work this year, it's been fantastic

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play it cool
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by play it cool »

Dan213 wrote:Really upsetting to see some of the abuse RIAT are getting on social media with regards to yesterday and today. Think the RIAT team deserve nothing but praise for their work this year, it's been fantastic


It's unbelievable isn't it? Amazing to get such a rich variety this'll year, and to get a B-2 flypast was jaw-dropping. I can understand the frustrations of those who went Saturday but not today, but DBH can control neither the weather nor US assets.

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by G-CVIX »

Today was, for me, the best single day at any show I can recall.

I don't remember enjoying one more. I know I have posted criticism in this thread, but today was outstanding for me.

Yes, it mustn't be nice for those who have missed out, but the surprise for me was exactly what the show has been missing. It harkens back to the "old days" of not knowing what would show up and I hope we see more like this in the future.

Ukrainians confirm on the Tuesday, Israelis appear on the movement sheet, B-2 likewise. Outstanding.
Last edited by G-CVIX on Sun 16 Jul 2017, 6:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by borismorris »

I think there's alot of daft folk out there if they're wetting the bed about missing the B-2.

I mean, if you went on Saturday you saw the Osprey.

Not like for like? Maybe not.. but I dare say some of the younger visitors would have prefered the Osprey, but then their opinion doesn't count does it.

Perhaps the B-2 wasn't announced because of security.
Or perhaps it was only confirmed within a 24 hour window?
Also, The commentators didn't confirm the B-2 until it was in visual. All that those inside got was a suprise flypast announced...or words to that effect.

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by G for George »

Dan213 wrote:Really upsetting to see some of the abuse RIAT are getting on social media with regards to yesterday and today. Think the RIAT team deserve nothing but praise for their work this year, it's been fantastic

Sadly I think that it's typical of the attitudes of many in this day and age. Too many people with a sense of entitlement. I watched from the campsite on Friday, went into the showground on Saturday, but had to be back for family commitments today. To say I'm that gutted I missed the B2 would be a massive understatement. Similarly, I'd loved to have seen the items that had to cancel on Saturday. Do I blame anyone? Of course not. Will I be there next year? You bet.

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by tankbuster »

What I find shocking is there seems to be people on here who think that when the USAF say to RIAT "we can offer you a B2 flyby on Sunday", they think the right answer should be no sorry we can't upset Fred he's only coming on Saturday. Imagine getting the message next week, that RIAT were offered the Russian Knight, late Thursday but only for Friday, so they declined. What is wrong with people?
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tankbuster
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by tankbuster »

borismorris wrote:I think there's alot of daft folk out there if they're wetting the bed about missing the B-2.

I mean, if you went on Saturday you saw the Osprey.

Not like for like? Maybe not.. but I dare say some of the younger visitors would have prefered the Osprey, but then their opinion doesn't count does it.

Perhaps the B-2 wasn't announced because of security.
Or perhaps it was only confirmed within a 24 hour window?
Also, The commentators didn't confirm the B-2 until it was in visual. All that those inside got was a suprise flypast announced...or words to that effect.



More surprise flypasts please, one of the few things that I don't like about airshows today is knowing exactly what is going to be there.
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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by FGR2 »

tankbuster wrote:
borismorris wrote:I think there's alot of daft folk out there if they're wetting the bed about missing the B-2.

I mean, if you went on Saturday you saw the Osprey.

Not like for like? Maybe not.. but I dare say some of the younger visitors would have prefered the Osprey, but then their opinion doesn't count does it.

Perhaps the B-2 wasn't announced because of security.
Or perhaps it was only confirmed within a 24 hour window?
Also, The commentators didn't confirm the B-2 until it was in visual. All that those inside got was a suprise flypast announced...or words to that effect.



More surprise flypasts please, one of the few things that I don't like about airshows today is knowing exactly what is going to be there.


The last RIAT I went to a couple of years ago, I knew what was going to be there, but stayed away from pictures on forums showing what schemes had arrived. It was a bit like the old days, in that there was still an element of surprise as to what was there. :)

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Re: RIAT 2017 (Discussion & Participation Thread)

Post by smr »

I went yesterday and enjoyed the aircraft displays. Thought they were excellent even though I missed a few (not sure which if anyone could tell me) as we got in at 11.30am.

It was a bit of a struggle photographing with a long lens due to the wind, and also the grey and white canvased sky never looks as good as sunlight, blue skies and fluffy clouds.

That's something unfortunately you can't choose though. I am a bit gutted I didn't go today like I went on the Sunday last year. Ah well. I'm not that bothered I missed the B2 although it would have been excellent, I'm more annoyed that the weather looked like it was great today so photographs would've looked better.

Hopefully the weather will be good for Scampton weekend.

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A positive view of Saturday

Post by tankbuster »

I left home at 05:10 and 85 miles and 90 minutes later I was in the car park
I had a nap until 08:45 rather than walk to the end of the queue
Woke up and was in the showground in 15 minutes, never had it so easy
Admission and security was beautifully smooth
Lots of smiling faces from volunteers, what makes them do it?
Turned left from blue entrance and the static was a revelation. There was nobody walking along the back of it. Well done RIAT you made my day.
Static very well laid out for pictures and yes yes yes, no green cones in front of the aircraft. Congratulation to RIAT, it seems like they have a photographer advising on layout.
Static west content , very good.
Toilets, the best you will ever see at a live event in the UK and much better than most at continental shows.
Early flying, well done Midnight Hawks for having a go. I hope you come back again.
Static east, another varied line up and with an Israeli Herk!
Some really good flying in difficult conditions.
Osprey very good, Thunderbirds , I loved them (they aren't a Red Arrows competitor), Red Arrows, I much prefer the flat show so I'm happy, And the finale of Couteau Delta, Rafale, SU27 and Apaches was just awesome.
Hung around to let the traffic die, had another little nap and left the showground with only a minor queue at 20:00 and then straight. through with no hold ups

I have been going since Greenham in the 70s and enjoyed this one very much.
Trevor C
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