I can't remember a build up to an airshow quite like this one. Excitement at its announcement, and an assumption made by me and I'm sure many others about its likely content, meant an early ticket purchase and eager anticipation for a good show to build. And it didn't build at all. One after another of the aerobatic teams, and in fact all other military assets, confirmed for Sanicole, leaving this show rather bereft. Even the UK's own forces couldn't seem to support it for one reason or another. Not the full complement of RAF, not the Army Air Corps, not the Navy.
So it was with some trepidation and a determination to enjoy it anyway that I turned up at RAF Scampton on Saturday. As it happened, I'm very pleased I did turn up. A new venue (the last time I was there was 89), brings new angles, and a different landscape. After several years of tending to visit the same shows, it was a refreshing change to see even familiar things in a different light. And a very changing light as the day's met proved!
Starting with a walk around the static, where items on display weren't necessarily all familiar
such history at RAF Scampton
I had grandstand tickets, the location of which raised my eyebrows when the site map was released; nowhere near datum. Quite strange being in a premium viewing location that far off display centre. However, the grandstand enclosure was placed at the intersection of the taxiway where the Red Arrows were parked, and that was also used as a holding point for backtracking flyers. So there was much closeup ground action that more than made up for the off centre position, great thinking from the organisers.
more or less the whole crowd line visible here, and as you can see, a healthy crowd
I could devote a thread to Rich Goodwin's display. Outstanding display flying!
the French Alpha Jet was delight too. Flown with panache and precision
After quite a strong start to the flying display, the following section was where it became paper thin. It would have been low key anyway but this Pem-broke! (at the end of the runway, blocking it)
The Global Stars meanwhile taxied out and back in without displaying after been held at the intersection for ages (fuel?), while the Calidus seemed to demonstrate Brownian motion around the datum. I'm not going to bore you with any pics of the latter! all during which, I couldn't help but swing round for another look at this line up
it was great to see the BBMF, and the Lancaster in particular, making it back in the air in time for the show. Scampton without the Lanc was unthinkable.
and the BBMF being back, you're guaranteed a lovely bottom-side!
about to get very wet now, with the rain approaching fast behind the Cat
at this point, during a downpour, the Reds taxied eight jets out, and four jets back. Gypo displayed. In the rain.
A subtle change of angle for the last hour of the show now, moving to the crowd line in front of the grandstand, for the strong finish to the flying display
and that was the flying display. The Red Arrows should really have been closing the show in this now epic late afternoon light
and finally.. 100 Squadron know how to entertain children.. give them a sticker and stand them in front of a Hawk for a photo!
which brings me to a serious point to conclude. I asked the children on the drive home what was their highlight of the day. "seeing the Red Arrows take off!", which made me think how rare it has become these days to see the Reds operating close up. Yes, the flying display was very thin, but to make the most of that, operate it off the airfield. The Typhoon and BBMF were missed opportunities to do that.
The show ground was very well set out, loads to do, entertaining and very well organised. It had the look and feel of RIAT for sure. With a bit of luck next year with military allocations this could be a cracking show. It worries me a little its set up for another clash, this time with the Czech anniversary. I will have everything crossed.
thanks for looking folks,
Nige.
tons more on flickr here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/151934326 ... 5083112502
