RIAT 2015 - The Feedback

[jalfrezi]

I finally got parked after queueing for 2.5 hours, the red route didn't go through Lechlade this year, it was diverted down a side road, I've been going for a few years now, and this was the worst I've seen it, even before it was advanced tickets. It felt to me like they'd increased capacity this year.

At least I got in just in time for the P1

[b1rdman]

Vulcan was immense, the pilot really chucked it around and it looked fantastic against bright sunshine and white clouds. What a send off!

Ramex Delta was standout and I really enjoyed the Apaches, they put on a great show! In fact all the Hellis were superb today. Good to see the A400 even though it flies over my house frequently. Had a look around it in the RAF village and while chatting to one of the crew onboard lost sight of my wife and 8yr old daughter...vanished! Ten minutes later wondering why they have abandoned me they appear from the back of the aircraft all smiles...they got invited to the cockpit for a tour of the controls and a sit in the pilots chair! I was devastated and green with envy! lol

[b1rdman]

I finally got parked after queueing for 2.5 hours, the red route didn't go through Lechlade this year, it was diverted down a side road, I've been going for a few years now, and this was the worst I've seen it, even before it was advanced tickets. It felt to me like they'd increased capacity this year.

At least I got in just in time for the P1

First time I've been to RIAT for a few years and I was on the red route from Witney. I'm sure its the same route its always been? I left home at 7:40, slightly later than planned and was parked up at 9:30...I consider that good going and probably best journey into RIAT I've ever had. We went all the way through Lechlade but noted quite a few cars turning right of their own choice at the start of the village. I wonder if you were diverted off this way too?

[mikek]

Went Friday (on my own, impulse decision) and today with the family.
overall, nice show but I was disappointed with most of the displays. All very interesting to see, but not much in the exciting category.

Highlights for me:
Osprey
Tornado/Spitfire flypast
BoB stuff was very well done.
unexpectably - the Vulcan

Disappointing display (but still nice to just see):
Ramex Delta
MiG29

displays are definitely getting tamer.

Friday is a good day to go! Not busy at all. I reckon maybe 1/3 of the Saturday numbers.

[Richard E]

One of the better RIATs in recent years I think but it certainly felt more crowded than it has done in the past. The RAMEX pair were certainly the highlight of the flying display - if there was a downside it was that the US Army crews had decided to declare the UH-60 and AH-64 open house for anyone and everyone who what to climb all over them: not really conducive for good photography though I'm afraid.

Its a shame the Vulcan did such a good display in its final year ,maybe if they displayed like that from the beginning they might have got more money !

A valid point, and agreed, that's how she should be displayed however if they had, would they not have used its available fatigue life up more quickly?

[Luke28]

Whoever decided too put the display jets up the western end and having them almost as static aircraft deserves a pat on the back, great decision.

[MarkL]

Whoever decided too put the display jets up the western end and having them almost as static aircraft deserves a pat on the back, great decision.

BRILLIANT decision !! I may pop up on all RIAT 2015 threads repeating this. This was the killer move for this year. Got some fantastic shots and felt totally immersed. I hope this wasn't a decision of circumstance, rather an inspired choice to get the public just that little closer to the action.

[jalfrezi]

I finally got parked after queueing for 2.5 hours, the red route didn't go through Lechlade this year, it was diverted down a side road, I've been going for a few years now, and this was the worst I've seen it, even before it was advanced tickets. It felt to me like they'd increased capacity this year.

At least I got in just in time for the P1

First time I've been to RIAT for a few years and I was on the red route from Witney. I'm sure its the same route its always been? I left home at 7:40, slightly later than planned and was parked up at 9:30...I consider that good going and probably best journey into RIAT I've ever had. We went all the way through Lechlade but noted quite a few cars turning right of their own choice at the start of the village. I wonder if you were diverted off this way too?

Yes I was diverted this way, and I wasn't given a choice in the matter. After about 40 minutes I did think about going off route, but thought it might start moving quicker, but it never did. I think next time I'll follow my instincts and go off route like others were.

[mikek]

I finally got parked after queueing for 2.5 hours, the red route didn't go through Lechlade this year, it was diverted down a side road, I've been going for a few years now, and this was the worst I've seen it, even before it was advanced tickets. It felt to me like they'd increased capacity this year.

At least I got in just in time for the P1

First time I've been to RIAT for a few years and I was on the red route from Witney. I'm sure its the same route its always been? I left home at 7:40, slightly later than planned and was parked up at 9:30...I consider that good going and probably best journey into RIAT I've ever had. We went all the way through Lechlade but noted quite a few cars turning right of their own choice at the start of the village. I wonder if you were diverted off this way too?

Yes I was diverted this way, and I wasn't given a choice in the matter. After about 40 minutes I did think about going off route, but thought it might start moving quicker, but it never did. I think next time I'll follow my instincts and go off route like others were.

I was surprised how easy it was!

arrived on base @ 07:45 with approx. 15mins delays in total.
But - I switched my sat nav off as soon as I got to the signs & I swear they added about 10miles onto the route (as opposed to a direct route there). Not a problem tho - I'd rather be moving.

Left around 19:00 and it was just slightly slow for a bit.

[Ian G]

Day 1 done.....the Vulcan display was extraordinary! What a display, absolutely gobsmacked. That's how it always should have been displayed. Ramex Delta were good, underwhelmed by the Tornados, Zeus team and the Battle of Britain piece. Yes, good commentary and great to see so many warbirds but it would have been nice to see a bit more. I didn't take all that many pictures today, to me there seemed disparities between display lines and heights for different aircraft? The Mirages were great but things like the Greek F16 and some other things seemed high and far away.
Some nice things in the static, not many tents as well in noticed, hooray! Seemed to be a lot more just general punters as well, there weren't all that many expensive cameras pointing skywards.
Maaaan, up again in 5 hours? Jeez......

[JJC]

Why is nobody talking about the superb Finnish hornet?! That and the Belgian F-16 were hands down the best jet routines today, in my opinion.

[Luke28]

The Finnish Hornet was superb, between that and Ramex for my favourite fast jet display, the Belgian F-16 was alot better than Zeus.

[ted633]

Just got back, bit sun burnt but great day. Came in on the red route, about a 10 min delay getting in, all parked up by 7.20.

Flying was fantastic highlights for me being Ramex, Osprey and Zeus (personally thought it was very well flown after a great take off). The BoB tribute was well thought out, with solo displays / sychro between the formation coming round again, shame they couldn't of worked something out with the tornadoes as there was a bit of a wait between passes, but still great to see 3 of them together.

could have done with the showground being open longer, I'm sure it used to be open much later. With the display finishing at 18:10 (40 minutes late, no idea how), we only had just over an hour to view the static, so had to rush a bit which is a shame as it's sort of a 'wind down' time after the show.

And then the Vulcan, a superb display by Kev Rumens. I've always been a great supporter of the Vulcan, but have got a bit fed up last couple of years,especially after they threw their toys out the pram over RIAT last year. However, all my admiration for the aircraft returned today after a very spirited take off all the way through to that zoom climb and wingover. Will have to check the photos to see how far he went over!

Roll on 2016

[UKTopgun]

558 and Zeus really vied for take off of the day... Both had my heart in overdrive.
Such a shame the mig 29 did a tail slide obscured by clouds, as it was an immense show.
BofB segment was an opportunity missed, such a shame. Couldn't the formation have tightened up a la Legends balbos? Or a bigger tail Chase? I love tornados so I was so sad when they only did what they did, it was all a bit B52esque in that it was a case of fly past, wait 5 mins, fly past and so on...
IMO ramex were ok but did not live up to the pre match hype on this board!

[mafro987daboss]

The Finnish Hornet was superb, between that and Ramex for my favourite fast jet display, the Belgian F-16 was alot better than Zeus.

They're not talking about those two because everyone was most likely stuck in traffic while they were displaying! I'm sorry but the display order (for right or wrong reasons) was ridiculous- 2 1/2 hour queues and the Typhoon - F18 unannounced switch-around destroyed my friend's day (I luckily am experienced and know that the route doesn't go through Lechlade anymore).

Surprisingly brilliant- the L159. Anyone who paid any attention to the display would have been very impressed!
Very underwhelming- the BoB anniversary balbo. Far better at Biggin Hill with fewer aircraft. Not about numbers, but about the routine.
Overall best- Joint honour between RD and Patrouille de France, funnily enough both French and I love the Rafale display too...

P.S. the helicopters did get very boring towards the end.

[Airshowhammer]

I was down the east end and i can assure you 'she' did go upside down. I put my hands in the air in excitement. I look on videos to see if i was dreaming and i wasn't, it happened and if it didn't it must be 1 off the full 180
Patrulla Aguilla were dull and i got bored after there first couple of passes, the Finnish Hornet was superb, the Ramex the first pass was brilliant, the rest of the display sort of fizzled out, great to see nonetheless, Typhoon was good, Really enjoyed Zeus don't know why its getting so much criticism. Belgian F16 was okay. Patrouille De France were expectionally good as were the Reds. Best Polish Mig display i've ever seen. Back tomorrow, please can we be treated to another Vulcan display like todays. Up in 4hours for round two does anyone know how or where to get A10 bottle opener they were selling at Yeovilton? Or if they have a stall?

[BossMann]

Highlights for me:

The Vulcan display - simply stunning as mentioned on the Vulcan thread

The Finnish F18 Hornet was brilliant, followed by the Polish Mig 29, Belgian F16 and the RAF Typhhon. it was nice to see the Zeus F16 demo - nicely flown display.

The Apache role demo was also great to see and the pyros were great, the Czech Hind was also good, the Dutch Apache seemed to suffer from its 'loss of flares'?

Ramex Delta were also one of the highlights - superbly flown display, worth waiting for. The Hawk T2 role demo looked a little sedate in comparison, even with the pyros.

The Spanish Patrulla Aguila seemed to perform their low show due to a low cloudbase (?), again suffering from being scheduled to display first ( in 2011 they were again first but due to bad weather never displayed on either day) I would have thought that RIAT would have put them on a bit later to avoid a similar scenario...

Also enjoyed the Patrouille de France display, the Reds and the Team PC7 and I thought that the Jordanian Falcons display seemed a bit more like the blades display???

The TTE flypasts were good to see, but it did take them a while to do each flypast

The BoB was a missed opportunity IMHO - a Biggin Hill type of airfield bombing with Spitfires and Hurricanes scrambling, some dogfighting and a finale formation flypast would have been great

Some of the displays did seem a bit distant, wonder whether the guys at Rhymes farm/ Totterdown had a better view than from the showground itself??

Good luck to all going today.

[Suprastar]

wow - What an airshow.

Was up a 3am, arrived at 6 and was among the first to enter. Straight in front of the BAE hanger with lots of room.
Sat next to a Belgium Spitfire owner who was very friendly and enjoyed the perfect show.
Too many highlights to list, but the Vulcan and Reds was superb, as was the WW2 tribute.

My wife and I look like we've been on holiday to egypt for a holiday we're so brown - Perfect weather.

[UKTopgun]

Not sure what people mean about red route not going through Letchlade, as I went through it as per normal at around 6.55 am, unless the route was redirected later on?

[CrowdlinePhotography]

Did anyone else towards the east end witness one of the reds come extremely close to crowdline after a break?

[UKTopgun]

I noticed that, they seemed to leave one of the breaks a fraction late coming in from the b axis.
The time after the show disappointed me, in days gone by the atmosphere was one of 'do not rush off, chill out, see more statics, see the concert by the RAF band' but recently it feels like 'we have had your money now bugger off!' Poor in my view. Also I searched in vain for the famous under wing parties last night, none to be seen. In the past crews used to gather at a Herc or similar, often American, and drink beer and have music on.
But last night the KC 135 was deserted as was everywhere else, apart from the great Dutch Apache guys who really understand that you should meet the public as long as you can. Bravo to them. Seems a bit of the international spirit is leaving RIAT, which used to be such a trademark.... The aircrews coming together from all over the world was what made it unique for a UK show. Great flying display though!

[Coldwar77]

I have read the comments on here and have to agree, the Vulcan display was incredible!
I have to say that I thought the Belgian F16 display was a lot better than the Greek one and the Finnish F18 was a star turn as well!
I didn't have too many problems getting in, but getting out was awful.
Ramex Delta started fantastically then seemed to run out of ideas, the BoB fly past was an excellent idea but it could have been so much better.
I wish Sean Maffett would come back and do all the commentary instead of super annoying Ben Dunnell and his heavily scripted waffling. ( yes I know Sean's was scripted as well, but at least he sounded like he was genuinely interested).
Overall not a bad show considering the problems involved with getting Air Arms to send aircraft, always nice to see new operators ( Qatar ) and new types ( JMSDF P1 ), although I am a bit worried that other than corporate sponsored stuff, the day will come when there is non existent static display.

[mikek]

I have read the comments on here and have to agree, the Vulcan display was incredible!
I have to say that I thought the Belgian F16 display was a lot better than the Greek one and the Finnish F-18 was a star turn as well!
I didn't have too many problems getting in, but getting out was awful.
Ramex Delta started fantastically then seemed to run out of ideas, the BoB fly past was an excellent idea but it could have been so much better.
I wish Sean Maffett would come back and do all the commentary instead of super annoying Ben Dunnell and his heavily scripted waffling. ( yes I know Sean's was scripted as well, but at least he sounded like he was genuinely interested).
Overall not a bad show considering the problems involved with getting Air Arms to send aircraft, always nice to see new operators ( Qatar ) and new types ( JMSDF P1 ), although I am a bit worried that other than corporate sponsored stuff, the day will come when there is non existent static display.

I have always regretted not having enough time to take in all the static in previous years so went on the Friday for that purpose (and look at all the stands & the retail stuff as well).


I still didn't manage to take it all in. Thought the static was outstanding, certainly no shortage & I'm not worried about future years.
I love checking the RAF Regiment stands etc & chatting to them all.

Flying displays - bit like motorsport..... unless you know all about what you are watching, can be a bit boring these days IMHO..... they fly up, they fly down....

I'm not complaining tho. It is what it is, overall I'm still a very happy punter.

one more +:
commentary & music was great - I could hardly hear it! Much better. Last year it was way too loud

one more -:
MiG29 tail slide in the clouds. Did they not know the clouds were there or forget what height the tail slide was planned for? That was disappointing.

[tankbuster81]

Well yesterday started with a daft kind of unmanaged snakey line of people to queue to get in,and took a while,and then we were simply waved through the security checks!? Pointless!
A well thought out/laid out Static with many a gem within it.Loved the idea of Display jet's being over our side this year,great access and you could really soak up the atmosphere.
Gem's of the flying were Mr Rumen's with the vulcan,what a take-off,and that zoom climb will stay with me for some time. Ramex Delta, both F16's, Dutch Apache, and The Solo Typhoon being my favourite display's. Army Apache Duo, Hawk T2 Duo and TTTE trio for me were all boring, to drawn out and lacked the wow factor.
Lovely weather and a great day, only spoilt by some people with awful attitudes trying to kick us off the base whilst trying to eat! Like most people we had a long drive,and paid our money,so are entitled to eat before leaving.Not happy with all this get off the base nonsense (bugger off we have had your money!) Something i shall be bringing up with the organiser's, particularly about one of the ignorant "helpers" spouting, "As soon as you lot are gone, i can have a beer"! His attitude stunk,as i told him,and will be as said duly reported.
Highlight of the day, Personal tour of the static A10's by one of the pilot's,fantastic!!!!!

[paulb1973]

I noticed that, they seemed to leave one of the breaks a fraction late coming in from the b axis.
The time after the show disappointed me, in days gone by the atmosphere was one of 'do not rush off, chill out, see more statics, see the concert by the RAF band' but recently it feels like 'we have had your money now bugger off!' Poor in my view. Also I searched in vain for the famous under wing parties last night, none to be seen. In the past crews used to gather at a Herc or similar, often American, and drink beer and have music on.
But last night the KC 135 was deserted as was everywhere else, apart from the great Dutch Apache guys who really understand that you should meet the public as long as you can. Bravo to them. Seems a bit of the international spirit is leaving RIAT, which used to be such a trademark.... The aircrews coming together from all over the world was what made it unique for a UK show. Great flying display though!

There was at least one under wing aircrew party taking place on Saturday, so that Air Tattoo tradition is kept up, but I know what you mean. Even before 7pm there were PA announcements from the slightly-irritating George Bacon telling us to start heading to the 'public car parks' I didn't leave until 7.30pm - but there were still many cars in the [red] car parks, looks like many decided to stay on and avoid the earlier rush. The evening RAF Band performance and the gathered crowd on the grass seems to have bitten the dust alas. Even the tethered balloons in the morning, another Tattoo tradition, is history.

Patrulla Aguila displaying first up was a wise move I think, its quite a long display and the gathered crowd are a bit more 'eager' at the start. Later on interest starts to wain. I did think the second half of the French teams display dragged on a little bit too long but otherwise a fantastic day. It can't be too bad - this is my 23rd Tattoo (I've been going every year without fail since 1993!).