RIAT 2024 - discuss most things thread

[Morgangalley]

now we've seen the danish f-16 scheme, what scheme are yall looking forward to seeing most at RIAT this year? for me, danish f-16! best looking f-16 ever imo.

[CJS]

Am I the only one who isn't especially bothered about special schemes on flying display aircraft?

On the static assets I like to see the variety - the Moroccan F-16 camo for example (although I do realise that's operational rather than special) or the special tail Tonkas from a few years ago.

But in the air I'm really not fussed.

Maybe I'm in a minority there, I dunno

[CJS]

Another gentle reminder about wishlist comments, guys.they’re starting to creep in a little bit here and there.

I know it can sometimes be a bit of a grey area, but do please have a think about whether you’re posting in the right forum.

Tommy would that be a standard, operational grey, or some sort of agressor dazzle camo grey?

[JMC]

Am I the only one who isn't especially bothered about special schemes on flying display aircraft?

On the static assets I like to see the variety - the Moroccan F-16 camo for example (although I do realise that's operational rather than special) or the special tail Tonkas from a few years ago.

But in the air I'm really not fussed.

Maybe I'm in a minority there, I dunno

You’re not into photography are ya?

But I must admit I do appreciate a good scheme when done correctly. Some schemes are a lot of nothing like Dream Viper last year, they’re very sort of teenager let loose on Microsoft Paint.

However ‘Moggy’ the new Typhoon jet is a very good example of doing it right!

[Dom.]

Tommy loves digi camo so it has to be that

[Bodz156]

Am I the only one who isn't especially bothered about special schemes on flying display aircraft?

On the static assets I like to see the variety - the Moroccan F-16 camo for example (although I do realise that's operational rather than special) or the special tail Tonkas from a few years ago.

But in the air I'm really not fussed.

Maybe I'm in a minority there, I dunno

You're probably in the minority, yeah. On the slab grey sky we're usually treated to in UK 'summertime' any bit of colour helps.

On the update - way better support from Norway than I thought the show would get, so that's great. Just let themselves down a bit by adding the 2 ugly spuds to the static line-up...but you can't win them all. The Yellow Sparrows & the SAR Merlin are undoubted highlights for me though

Shame the cancellations have started....hope that's it for them! (It won't be, I know.
....)

[RichPittman]

Sorry, I meant lucked out in the opposite way it has come across. The two sentences aren't intrinsically linked.

On a side note, I've just received my parking bookings for the 3 show days.

Jeez they booked you for 3 days before the show!
How much that setting you back ?

[Nath30]

New entry process is up on the show hub

Entry into this year's showground is completed in two phases. Firstly, we have a 100% bag check procedure, so please bear this in mind when deciding what you need to bring with you.

When you arrive at RAF Fairford there will be two stages for you to complete, the first stage is a bag search. If you do not have a bag, you will be able to use one of our fast lanes to progress, meanwhile it is also worth noting that if you use a wheelchair or scooter, you can gain access to the site from any of the customer entry points.

Once you have completed this initial phase, you will enter an area with catering, merchandise and toilet facilities before then having your ticket scanned. Once you have passed this area, you are safe to make your way onto the showground.

[JMC]

^

[IP1960]

New entry process is up on the show hub

Entry into this year's showground is completed in two phases. Firstly, we have a 100% bag check procedure, so please bear this in mind when deciding what you need to bring with you.

When you arrive at RAF Fairford there will be two stages for you to complete, the first stage is a bag search. If you do not have a bag, you will be able to use one of our fast lanes to progress, meanwhile it is also worth noting that if you use a wheelchair or scooter, you can gain access to the site from any of the customer entry points.

Once you have completed this initial phase, you will enter an area with catering, merchandise and toilet facilities before then having your ticket scanned. Once you have passed this area, you are safe to make your way onto the showground.

"You will enter an area with Catering, Merchandise and Toilet facilities" - just how long are they going to make everyone queue

[BU7]

Another brilliant update,
I was really hoping for Moroccan F-16s, but wasn’t certain they would actually materialise, so really looking forward to (hopefully) seeing them next month. Fantastic support from the Norwegians, much more than I was expecting. I only heard of the Yellow Sparrows a couple of months ago, not fast jets, but nice to see something different as a one off. Norwegian Merlin & F-35 debuts, an A-4 again and the F-15QA’s it’s been an outstanding week for participants. It’s shaping up to be the best show in a long time in my opinion.

I also noticed on the new information hub that it said over 250 aircraft at this years show, I make a rough count of 165-170 at the moment, so expecting a further 80 aircraft is a lot more than I was expecting, with the air forces still to confirm and some support aircraft I was expecting another 50 or so, but excellent news if we still have around 80 to confirm, we shall see, either way it’s very exciting none the less!

I’d be more than happy with the current line up, no more substantial cancellations and good weather! A big hat tip to Peter and the team! Thank you!

[Brevet Cable]

Sounds like it'll have all the makings of an utter shambles.
Wonder how many chancers there'll be who go through the 'bag check' area then just loiter in the area prior to the ticket checks because they haven't got tickets?

Why not just go back to the old system of scanning tickets before the search areas?

And will this new system also apply to FRIATers?

( Edited for twpery - missed out the haven't )

[CWS]

^

[bobby 1211]

RAF A400M confirmed by RIAT:
Its centrepiece will be an A400M aircraft and there are more than 20 different units who will be exhibiting in this special ground display.

Friday flying display 11am-3pm, arrivals 3pm-6pm
Saturday and Sunday flying display 10am-5.30pm


Also:
NEW – BIG SCREENS
Orange flags 1,18, 25-26, 38

This year, we have introduced four big screens to make your Air Tattoo experience even better! Watch footage from the skies, see interviews with pilots and their aircrew, learn fun facts and much more. They’re located in the far west of the showground, in the Take Off Zone, behind the FRIAT and accessible enclosures, and opposite the Techno Zone®.

[ThatDutchDude]

Another brilliant update,
I was really hoping for Moroccan F-16s, but wasn’t certain they would actually materialise, so really looking forward to (hopefully) seeing them next month. Fantastic support from the Norwegians, much more than I was expecting. I only heard of the Yellow Sparrows a couple of months ago, not fast jets, but nice to see something different as a one off. Norwegian Merlin & F-35 debuts, an A-4 again and the F-15QA’s it’s been an outstanding week for participants. It’s shaping up to be the best show in a long time in my opinion.

I also noticed on the new information hub that it said over 250 aircraft at this years show, I make a rough count of 165-170 at the moment, so expecting a further 80 aircraft is a lot more than I was expecting, with the air forces still to confirm and some support aircraft I was expecting another 50 or so, but excellent news if we still have around 80 to confirm, we shall see, either way it’s very exciting none the less!

I’d be more than happy with the current line up, no more substantial cancellations and good weather! A big hat tip to Peter and the team! Thank you!

Do you have a link / app name where the information hub can be found? Didnt hear about it till today

[Danhaz]

Do you have a link / app name where the information hub can be found? Didnt hear about it till today

Here is a link to it on the website:
https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/p ... -info-hub/

[Peregrine]

Perhaps I'm naive, but the new phased entry system sounds positive to me IF (and only if) the bag searches start way before the showground opens. Anything to get people into the showground sooner is a good thing, especially for the people who only do a single day. The queues to get in made it impossible last year to have a good walk around most of the static before the flying started.

[UKTopgun]

I bet nothing will start until 7:30 am as every year. In my view the show has grown to such an extent that admissions from say, 6:30am , would be better, meaning you have a fighting chance of seeing all static before the display starts.

[Brevet Cable]

NEW – BIG SCREENS

This year, we have introduced four big screens to make your Air Tattoo experience even better! Watch footage from the skies, see interviews with pilots and their aircrew, learn fun facts and much more. They’re located in the far west of the showground, in the Take Off Zone, behind the FRIAT and accessible enclosures, and opposite the Techno Zone®.

Oh, goody !!
"I know, kids, lets spend a stupid amount of money going to Fairford and watching the airshow on big screens instead of....err....you know, just looking up in the sky and watching it"
Why not just save your money and pay to watch the PlanesTV feed in the comfort of your own home instead?

Bet them screens ( or the sound, anyway ) will pee off lots of the FRIATers and others who paid extra for enclosure tickets.

Wonder what the next thing will be - Live streaming on local WiFi so that all the technozombies won't actually have to stop looking at their mobile phones for even a few seconds?
( Bugger, I've probably just given DBH ideas! )

Perhaps I'm naive, but the new phased entry system sounds positive to me IF (and only if) the bag searches start way before the showground opens

Yes....you are, unfortunately.
They didn't do it with the enhanced security post-9/11, so they're not likely to do it now.

Maybe they should start by limiting the amount you can take in, in particular those taking in overloaded 'bomb trolleys' who look more like they're planning to set up for a week.

[Tommy]

Perhaps I'm naive, but the new phased entry system sounds positive to me IF (and only if) the bag searches start way before the showground opens. Anything to get people into the showground sooner is a good thing, especially for the people who only do a single day. The queues to get in made it impossible last year to have a good walk around most of the static before the flying started.

I think I agree with this. Or, certainly, it’s not a bad idea in principle. I’m sure there will be some learning curves, but still some positive action, I think.

[MiG_Eater]

They tried the big screens years ago and I always thought it was a ridiculous idea for an airshow.

Hopefully they won't be too obtrusive and they'll be gone by 2025!

[CWS]

Looking at the 'hub' it seems to be pretty good. A good idea in principle and seems to have good information on there. The two main things that needed addressing in my opinion they have addressed. Time will tell if the new bag search/security protocols will work, but I am happy they have tried something new. Last year is the closest I've come to just not even bothering going in. I've been going virtually every year since I was a toddler in the late 90s and last year tested me with the state of the queue. Got there at 7.20am roughly and nearly missed the start of the flying!!!! The food vendors was lacking in volume so much last year so adding 25% more should hopefully reduce queue times. Again I missed 40 minutes trying to get a coffee and over an hour later in the day just trying to get any food. Looking forward to this year ! Some positive changes hopefully

[JMC]

I always get nervy of new changes, what if makes things 10 times worse?

With the big screens, seems a bit of an odd inclusion. But i’ve always maintained if RIAT are going to change anything, it should be the speakers on the crowdline, they must be older than some aircraft that have attended!

Zeltweg do the commentary thing correctly imo, big speakers that are low down and crystal clear.

[Brevet Cable]

They tried the big screens years ago and I always thought it was a ridiculous idea for an airshow.

Think they've had them there a few times - didn't the show the British F1 GP one year, and possibly the England football match a few years ago ?
About the only time I can think of that they were useful / interesting was when they were showing the live footage from the infamous Scan Eagle ( 2005, wasn't it? )

[Gregson]

Am I the only one who isn't especially bothered about special schemes on flying display aircraft?

On the static assets I like to see the variety - the Moroccan F-16 camo for example (although I do realise that's operational rather than special) or the special tail Tonkas from a few years ago.

But in the air I'm really not fussed.

Maybe I'm in a minority there, I dunno

I will join you in the minority, however I will go further and include static items. I would much rather see operational jets in full unit marks any day of the week than special schemes, especially those ridiculous "RIAT" ones applied to the Spanish Harriers, Turkish F-4s etc. in recent years plus the Pakistan C-130 and P-3 from a few years back. You can keep your vinyl wraps, give me bog-standard markings please.