First Visit to RIAT – Opinions

Like “Old Git”, I have also been to many shows, keeping mobile does seem to be the sensible option but the crowd line is being squeezed by the corporate enclosures so if you want to be at the front of the rope, an early arrival is a must. …………

Do they stop people setting up camp on the crowd line, blankets, wind breaks, picinc baskets etc ?

I would look at booking early for a travel lodge as the local area will tend to get booked up well in advance..

It will be a one day visit im affraid. Think I will get a days ticket and stay mobile.
Its difficult for me not to work for three days in a row, joys of self employment!

I will try to get there early and stay late, maybe get a travel lodge before coming back up to Leeds on Sunday.

Thanks for all your advice guys.

Chris

I’ve been going for many years-back to Greenham days etc and if you are a serious enthusiast-you ideally need two days.
One day to watch/photograph the flying and another to have a good look around the static etc.
The flying normally starts very early (0900 ish?) and goes on until 16-1700 or so.
I normally try and be at the gates by around 0745/0800 and then plonk myself by the fence in a suitable position for photography-ie at Rwy threshold end or as close to mid field as you can get.
Take off/landing shots can be more interesting but you do miss the closer flypasts/crossovers/top wing etc-which are normally done mid field-so you take your choice etc!
If you have the time the Monday after is also very good as 90% of the aircraft there will depart and there is a special enclosure open where you can photograph departing traffic.
What you don’t get though on the Monday is the actual display of course?
Maybe you really need three days!!!

Like “Old Git”, I have also been to many shows, keeping mobile does seem to be the sensible option but the crowd line is being squeezed by the corporate enclosures so if you want to be at the front of the rope, an early arrival is a must. Enjoy it all the same. I am thinking of heading north this year and going to Waddington, participation list looks excellent this year.

The Lakenheath aircraft have been grounded for a few weeks. Budget Cuts etc

The E model F15s have been grounded. The C models and the Pave Hawks are still flying.

Moggy

Thanks Bluerobin! It does read better now.

I haven’t, except to suggest you change the thread title to something like First Visit to RIAT – advice needed, or something like that….:)

Sorted 😉

Thank you all for your replies, think I will go for a standard ticket and keep mobile, I am interested in all the stalls and displays too so it makes sense.
Shame about the USAF aircraft as I was hoping to see a large range of displaying aircraft.

Chris

From what I have heard and seen in writing the is No USAF, USN participation in airshows outside the USA. The Lakenheath aircraft have been grounded for a few weeks. Budget Cuts etc

Hi Chris,
I am no great shakes on the photography side but I know someone who is and he prefers to stay mobile. I did once pay for the FRIAT area but decided against doing it again as I felt it was not worth the cost. I have attended almost every Air Tattoo since the Greenham days but it is not what it was of course but just having stumped up a painful £49 for my ticket on the internet this arvo, the prices don’t get any cheaper although I should have done something about buying them when they were cheaper. Still no news on US participation in the list yet.
My overall advice though is buy the standard ticket and keep mobile.
OG

I haven’t, except to suggest you change the thread title to something like First Visit to RIAT – advice needed, or something like that….:)

Nobody any views?