Well...
I attended Waddington on the saturday, as usual. Came down from north through Lincoln and, having set off early, had the best run through town ever, only finally hitting the queue on the base itself. Parked in the sports field, nice and close by, and after being mistaken for the Taliban and being random bag searched (to which I have absolutely NO objection, but it amused those I was with!) it was straight in.
I agree with what many have said about the static being a bit thin, but there was the odd rare jem such as the Dutch KDC10, plus of course the 2 R1's together at an airshow for the last time. While on the subject of ground displays, I felt the hangar exhibits were weak this year, struggling to half fill a hangar. Also I disliked the ratio of general traders to aircraft 'stuff' related traders, however I understand the need for such things, and the funfair, to appeal to the less aviation-minded general public.
The flying display had its highs and lows too.
Positives:
Vulcan. Best display I've seen it fly since its RAF days by far!
B-17. Nice one organisers for booking her and letting us up north see her again!
BBMF. As ever, excellent.
Belgian F16. Excellent display
Chinook.Ditto.
Bronco. Again, well done to the organisers for booking something different, and excellent it was too. First time I've seen a Bronco in the air and I hope not the last.
Team Viper. A really nice display guys!
Negatives:
Thunderbirds. Over-hyped yawn fest. Did nothing for me.
Rivet Joint. Was the fly by for us on the ground, or those in the International Space Station's benefit? It was, er, a tad high...
Overall I thought the flying display had something for everyone, and was the best we could expect given current operational requirements. A massive thankyou and well done to the organisers and all the staff at Waddo, I for one will be back for next year!