Abingdon Airshow, 1 May 16: The first Show under the new rules?

Although the reports seem a bit sketchy it is encouraging to read that the first show has gone off with all but minor criticisms. Let’s hope it’s the benchmark for the rest of the season! Well done to all involved!

Not if you want the show to go ahead it isn’t!

I was at the event and the 2 displays that the changes really became apparent were the Catalina and P-40. The Catalina still looked close, helped by its size I guess but the P-40 seemed a bit distant and higher than normal.
Really enjoyed the show and I hope the show can carry on, Neil and the team did an amazing job!

They find another route.
Seriously though, there are other routes close by that add very little to the journey and the normal traffic on that road is not excessive – 10 vehicles an hour would be classed as congestion.

I just wondered as i don’t know the area but i am concerned that shutting up roads and public footpaths etc is really going too far.

I was there all weekend (working it)
The show appeared to be a success but the rules took some working at prior to the event, taking some 3 days in total to tick all the boxes etc. according to Neil.
The display lines were further back than last year and I have read comments on other parts of the internet as to how it had an impact but it all seemed to work well.
From the aircraft parking point of view I would say we certainly lost some space on previous years with the crowdline appearing to be further back.
Despite all the cancellations and trials Neil had I think he pulled off another crowd pleasing show, and by crowd pleasing I mean everyone as in families rather than the die hard enthusiasts.
Whichever way you look at it, the show would always be a different one this year and under close scrutiny from various sides, as it was the first under the new regs.
The show is apparently, on chatting to the Air Ambulance guys, the only event that raises funds for them that the helicopter attends.

So what happened to the traffic that normally would use the b road?

They find another route.
Seriously though, there are other routes close by that add very little to the journey and the normal traffic on that road is not excessive – 10 vehicles an hour would be classed as congestion.

Sorry, forgot to say that they closed off a b road alongside the airfield, that usually attracts sightseers……………..

So what happened to the traffic that normally would use the b road?

Had a good day at Abingdon today, bearing in mind it is billed as an ‘air show and country Fair’
I thought the flying display was ok, nice to see the Blenheim land and display, a PBY, P40 and the Spitfire 16 and Hurricane of the BBMF.
All aircraft displayed well and no differently from usual.

Jules

Sorry, forgot to say that they closed off a b road alongside the airfield, that usually attracts sightseers……………..

I think Farnborough have something sorted for that but cannot for the life of me remember where I read it. As for Fairford, the Rhymes campsite/viewing area on the northern perimeter fence is not happening this year

I’m not sure if the Totterdown site will be business as usual. But I have yet to wade into the threads on various airshow forums.

TS

Re Farny, when BAE systems have stuff to flog all rules go out the window

I think Farnborough have something sorted for that but cannot for the life of me remember where I read it. As for Fairford, the Rhymes campsite/viewing area on the northern perimeter fence is not happening this year

I’m not sure if the Totterdown site will be business as usual. But I have yet to wade into the threads on various airshow forums.

TS

Not studied the new rules in detail but from what I’ve seen how can Farnborough and RIAT go ahead? From memory Abingdon is OK for sterile areas but display aircraft at Farnborough go over a road, and a pub, and at RIAT go over campsites etc.

Have a great time Jules, a report will be nice on how you think it all went under the new conditions IE the JP dispaly.

Had a good day at Abingdon today, bearing in mind it is billed as an ‘air show and country Fair’
I thought the flying display was ok, nice to see the Blenheim land and display, a PBY, P40 and the Spitfire 16 and Hurricane of the BBMF.
All aircraft displayed well and no differently from usual.

Jules

Have a great time Jules, a report will be nice on how you think it all went under the new conditions IE the JP dispaly.

……..and please include details of any particular binocular recommendations :rolleyes:

Have a great time Jules, a report will be nice on how you think it all went under the new conditions IE the JP dispaly.

I take it a few from here will be going and I see they have a Jet Provost displaying so be interesting to get a report back if anyone really notices changes to the 2016 season start.
Good luck to all attending/participating have a fantastic safe show.
Photos appriciated
TA

I’m going, looks like the weather will be ok. Though I am no great photographer !

Jules