RIAT 2019

[MarkL]

Welcome back Brevet, long time no see,

[Frogfoot]

Frogfoot, good list on Threashold Aero's website, expect it will be updated later to show departure times.

http://www.threshold.aero/RIAT_19_live_arrivals

Many thanks!

[jasonT1981]

Harriers.... And well done for remembering that the crowdline doesn't just exist in front of the grandstands

Pretty much this!

Sunday in Pimms we had the Harrier head on for the hover and it was absolutely brilliant.

[Brevet Cable]

They remembered that the 'Green' end existed as well

Speaking of which, at least on the Saturday it would appear that DBH / the commentators didn't exactly publicise the fact that the Belgian F-16s would all be parked at the Western end ( near the NATO E-3 ) as evidenced by the rush of photographers towards there after they landed....presumably the same was true on the Sunday?

[LN Strike Eagle]

They remembered that the 'Green' end existed as well

Speaking of which, at least on the Saturday it would appear that DBH / the commentators didn't exactly publicise the fact that the Belgian F-16s would all be parked at the Western end ( near the NATO E-3 ) as evidenced by the rush of photographers towards there after they landed....presumably the same was true on the Sunday?

None of the Belgian F-16s flew in the show on Sunday. The demo jet arrived back at Fairford on Sunday evening, but I have no idea when he departed or why.

[jasonT1981]

They remembered that the 'Green' end existed as well

Speaking of which, at least on the Saturday it would appear that DBH / the commentators didn't exactly publicise the fact that the Belgian F-16s would all be parked at the Western end ( near the NATO E-3 ) as evidenced by the rush of photographers towards there after they landed....presumably the same was true on the Sunday?

Static seemed a little jumbled together this year. Seemed to be where-ever they could find a place for the aircraft rather than actual planning.

I didn't even know about the F16s you mention being on there until I got to the very end of the Green zone to see them with the E-3, I thought they were parked up with the rest on the operational side of the field. I didn't venture up that far on Sunday. Dandered into the airfield at 9:55am (Very slow shuttle bus driver) and was in my enclosure with a front row seat by 10am to see the USAF F16 take off.

In regards to the E-3 going 'tech' .. When it was announced, it just got a few laughs as if to say 'Off course it did' instead of disappointment. I think everyone expected it.

[IATthenRIAT]

I was just using the portaloo as the Fin F-18 took off. Trying to aim it through the afterburner shake was a whole new experience

Can relate to that - same as having no hands free (bag full of water/food and camera in hand due to no strap just hand strap) makes for an interesting experience.

[Brevet Cable]

Did someone get pinged for too low a departure on Saturday evening?
Pretty sure I heard someone getting a slapped wrist from the ATC for it ( along the lines of "....the FCC says it was" )

[IATthenRIAT]

I finally manage to do RIAT (only took me 22 years) Swindon Shuttle bus was brilliant got the first one same as one or two others on here, it took about 40mins and straight in, firstly I was overwhelmed by it all but had a few quiet talks to myself to calm myself down,

Put it this way - I got throught 550 shots so cant be bad.

So all in all not a bad day out for someone who suffers with anxiety of crowded places and people.

Thats brilliant and well done mate. Especially getting on the bus, and then just going for it. You should be very proud of yourself.

Now you have to set another target...and just take it one step at a time if that helps. I found that helped me. Instead of just saying i cant go to RIAT, i just started doing smaller trips on the motorway, and just went further and further each time.

Let us all know how you get on

Thank you warmly and sincerely for that.

[FlankerPhoto]

Anybody else notice the Belgian F-16 pilots remark towards FRIAT this morning?

[boff180]

They remembered that the 'Green' end existed as well

Speaking of which, at least on the Saturday it would appear that DBH / the commentators didn't exactly publicise the fact that the Belgian F-16s would all be parked at the Western end ( near the NATO E-3 ) as evidenced by the rush of photographers towards there after they landed....presumably the same was true on the Sunday?

None of the Belgian F-16s flew in the show on Sunday. The demo jet arrived back at Fairford on Sunday evening, but I have no idea when he departed or why.

There was a major flypast in Belgium on Sunday that he took part in. He and the two other Belgian specials departed Saturday night soon after the flying finished.

He then returned Sunday evening to re-join his deployed ground crew for the Awards Ceremony.etc. Nice to see a pilot specifically returning to thank/socialise with the rest of his team.

[TYPHOON3]

Children, do give it a rest, for all our sakes.

Now then, the airshow so far...

Oh yes...
Tutor - beautifully flown
Both Hornets - mental
BBMF - grit in eye
RAFAT - sorry, but you're a wally if you still think the Frecce were better
Italian Spartan - back to its best
Blades - meh
Special flypast - many things, but not the adjectives the over excited commentator used
Italian Typhoon - Great
RAF Typhoon - many times greater

That'll do for now. Cracking day so far.

I admire your patriotism but the Italians were far better.I was viewing from Totterdown though which gives you a different perspective than being in the showground.That Italian Typhoon slow pass then into afterburners was incredible.My ears are still ringing.

[TomTwin]

Anybody else notice the Belgian F-16 pilots remark towards FRIAT this morning?

It was a number 1, not a middle finger.

[FlankerPhoto]

Anybody else notice the Belgian F-16 pilots remark towards FRIAT this morning?

It was a number 1, not a middle finger.

Ah right.

[play it cool]

For the first time I didn’t go on the Saturday, so just Sunday/Monday for us this year. We all came away yesterday rather underwhelmed - some great displays for sure, but too much that just didn’t do it for me. The Mig 21 display was a surprise - he certainly put that through its paces, and great to see two harriers display together, but the A400M/Blades flypast just reeked of desperation.

Thankfully, the weekend was saved for me, as usual, by attending Monday. Despite the delays, and the fact that there were fewer aircraft than recently, it’s still a great day out. I always enjoy it more than showdays, none more so than this year. And it was worth waiting until nearly 17:00hrs for the B-52to depart. Highlight of the weekend for me!

Just hope I’ve got all those bloody tiny bugs off my skin, hair, bags, camera...

[Tmyers123]

[I admire your patriotism but the Italians were far better.I was viewing from Totterdown though which gives you a different perspective than being in the showground.That Italian Typhoon slow pass then into afterburners was incredible.My ears are still ringing.

I have to disagree. I don’t think it’s about patriotism, it’s just a case of familiarity breeds contempt IMO. The Frecce are class, but the Reds are so much more entertaining for me.

[Richard E]

A couple of points/questions:

I couldn't find the usual stands selling the aircraft checklist. Was one produced or is it somewhere online? I have searched but nothing - or at least not yet.

I tried to get one at half past eight from the Sales Stand at the Red Entrance only to be told that they'd already sold out, a state of affairs which appeared to be repeated at the other Stands. I managed to pick one up on Sunday though if you still need a copy.

[TYPHOON3]

[I admire your patriotism but the Italians were far better.I was viewing from Totterdown though which gives you a different perspective than being in the showground.That Italian Typhoon slow pass then into afterburners was incredible.My ears are still ringing.

I have to disagree. I don’t think it’s about patriotism, it’s just a case of familiarity breeds contempt IMO. The Frecce are class, but the Reds are so much more entertaining for me.

Maybe not patriotism for you but like I said,I was viewing from Totterdown so a totally different perspective.Aircraft displays are a lot closer than in the showground.I did see the Italian Typhoon validate when I was in park and view East on Wednesday so I got both perspectives from there and Totterdown.Down to personal opinions, but there will always be a certain amount of patriotism from some.On the Totterdown Facebook page,a fair few were saying the Italians stole the show.

[The Baron]

[I admire your patriotism but the Italians were far better.I was viewing from Totterdown though which gives you a different perspective than being in the showground.That Italian Typhoon slow pass then into afterburners was incredible.My ears are still ringing.

I have to disagree. I don’t think it’s about patriotism, it’s just a case of familiarity breeds contempt IMO. The Frecce are class, but the Reds are so much more entertaining for me.

Maybe not patriotism for you but like I said,I was viewing from Totterdown so a totally different perspective.Aircraft displays are a lot closer than in the showground.I did see the Italian Typhoon validate when I was in park and view East on Wednesday so I got both perspectives from there and Totterdown.Down to personal opinions, but there will always be a certain amount of patriotism from some.On the Totterdown Facebook page,a fair few were saying the Italians stole the show.

The Swiss have precision.
The French have flair.
The Italians have passion
The Reds could have all three if they didn't stop for tea.

[Brevet Cable]

I tried to get one at half past eight from the Sales Stand at the Red Entrance only to be told that they'd already sold out, a state of affairs which appeared to be repeated at the other Stands.

I can confirm they were telling people the same at the Blue Entrance stands at around 08:15 on Saturday.

[Habu]

And it was worth waiting until nearly 17:00hrs for the B-52to depart. Highlight of the weekend for me!

Just hope I’ve got all those bloody tiny bugs off my skin, hair, bags, camera...

Damm , I waited till about 4.20 , figuring they'd chuck us out at half past . Did they keep the P&V open or did you watch it elsewhere ?

[parsley]

Have just been reading one of the Yahoo military groups regarding RIAT and in particular the Pakistani C130B....some Northolt regulars posted remembering seeing it on it's first visit to the UK when it visited Northolt in April 1965 under it's original Pakistan serial of 24141 when it was just 2 years old !

[harkins]

Damm , I waited till about 4.20 , figuring they'd chuck us out at half past . Did they keep the P&V open or did you watch it elsewhere ?

Yep, they kept it open until it departed and then we had the largest walking bus I've seen. Got to admit, I very nearly gave up myself. A big thanks to the FRIAT staff and anyone else who allowed it to happen Have to agree with play it cool as it felt like it was the highlight of the weekend and was certainly a fantastic finish to the week as it was a terrific atmosphere in the enclosure. Wish they'd let us stay for the Sentry and Tornado though

Edit, just realised you said P&V and I don't know what happened there. Sorry.

[Luke28]

Yeovilton extending arrivals so we could catch the arrival of the Harriers and RIAT extending departures today. Good stuff.

[play it cool]

And it was worth waiting until nearly 17:00hrs for the B-52to depart. Highlight of the weekend for me!

Just hope I’ve got all those bloody tiny bugs off my skin, hair, bags, camera...

Damm , I waited till about 4.20 , figuring they'd chuck us out at half past . Did they keep the P&V open or did you watch it elsewhere ?

No, they kept P&V (at least in West, where I was) open - don’t think they’d have dared trying to chuck people out at 16:30 given that people were by then aware of RIAT Air Traffic’s Tweet confirming the B-52’s crew had by then requested a start. Pity it took so long.