Waddington 2006

Is it just me or was Waddington 2006 woefully disappointing this year, in terms of content both flying and static?

For instance, we did not see a Tornado F3 either on the ground or flying, why?

Surely the resident squadrons can manage a bit more than a single AWACS flypast (was it twice—correct me if I am wrong—it was that memorable).

Why, with Waddington being such a large base is the participation so poor?

After all it is supposed to be, apart from say IAT, the RAF’s “premier show”
Is it not?

Sure the Typhoon was impressive, but why were hardly any foreign military jets not flying?

No F16s, no Phantoms (either Greece or Germany), no Mig 29s or Mig 21s from say any of the “new” NATO members, no other display teams apart from the Red Arrows, zero American jet participation (oh other than the 2 obligatory F15s that is, which are always parked up and never flown).

Yes the price is very good compared to some shows, but come on—the show needs a bit more blast to keep peoples interest—I have been an air show visitor for over 30 years now and have to say that the show reminded me of the old Teesside Air show or Finningley in some of its poorer years.
I have never missed a single show at Waddinton since it started.

Yes the highlights were the Canberra and Typhoon, but why was the program filled with such spectacular aerobatic wonders such as 4 or more acts that were very similar—and obviously very cheap to fill time, such as the Yaks etc…

I found the program left me large chunks of time; free to roam around without fear of missing a thing, and just for the record, what has happened to the tradition of closing the show with something spectacular or say a fast noisy fighter even like the F3?
Sundays show just petered out at the end with the last hour being stuffed with “time filling” acts.

Another major gripe is the organisers of the show really ought to look at the way in which American shows, (Mildenhall in particular) are/were organised.

That is—-THE PERSON PAYING AT THE DOOR IS THE VIP

Meaning—-

1) Dignitaries tents should not be placed, or minimised on the flight line so as not to obscure public view

2) Funfairs, ice-cream vans, craft fairs, pilots transport helicopters parked in front of the flight line etc… should be placed back from the flight-line where kids and people not really wanting to watch the show can enjoy them away from the flight line—therefore not obscuring people’s views and having to listen to the god awful racket of crap music from funfairs played at maximum volume the entire time at the flight line

3) Toileting facilities were dire to say the least—-I used the toilets on the Sunday morning of the show
I am 6’2″ and after practicing a magic act just to get in the damn cubicle,(around 10 am) and found hardly any toilet paper left, filthy toilets and to cap it all, no water left OR paper towels to dry hands with the non-existent water, which in temperatures of 30C+ can surely be classed as a major health risk?
I have just returned today from The Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate and found the toileting facilities at this show excellent, with most being spot less and also including hot AND cold running water with soap and towels—it seems farmers take hygiene more seriously than the military?

4) When Mildenhall was running, just about every road in the surrounding area was blocked off and BOTH LANES were used for incoming traffic, then when entering the base, the lanes split into about 10 lanes where people could pay quickly and efficiently—thereby eliminating any traffic problems.

5) Why does a program always cost around £5—it is mostly full of adverts and many people only really want the schedule of flying from it–why is this NEVER available free, separate from the program, which people could purchase separately if they so wish?—again Mildenhall used to GIVE you a program FREE with a ticket (it was even a calendar too!!!!)

I also wish the organisers of shows would try and spread them out a little in the year.

i.e. the 3 major shows, Waddington first then Duxford Legends and then RIAT, are all within three consecutive weekends of each other—a major financial burden for serious air show enthusiasts—costing myself for instance around £400 in travelling, accommodation and entry costs alone.

Why do the RAF benevolent fund organisers not split some of the participation from IAT—and excellent show, but really too big for most people to see in one day and can be cost prohibitive if like myself you live 350 miles from it!

I hope in future years these trends do not persist, or sadly I will be forced to give up my interest of over 30 years as I will no longer be treat like an idiot, forced to accept such poor performances from our once great RAF/MOD.

Yours a bit fed up

M Brown

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