There will be another strong turnout of “historic” aeroplanes at this year’s RIAT both on the static line and in the air. The organisers claim that RIAT is the largest airshow in the world and certainly in 2003, when 535 aeroplanes took part, Guinness agreed.
With the USAF celebrating its 70th Anniversary this year there is going to be a larger turn out of USA aeroplanes at the show than there has been of late.
With the longevity of some types which are still in service the term “historic”, IMO, is becoming somewhat grey round the edges. Whilst this is, of course, the “historic” forum I find it difficult to believe that frequenters of this forum are not also interested in such machines as the U2 and the mighty B52 Stratofortress.
Historic or what? The B52’s first flight was in 1952, entered service in 1955 and production ended in in 1962. Of the 744 built very approximately 60 are still in service.
The U2 has a similar history with 104 produced between 1955 and 1989 with the type still in service.
Regrettably neither aeroplane is giving a flying display and, along with the vast majority of the heavies, will be on the static line only. The static line-up is quite literally miles long. However, they have to fly in and fly out which is why the Park and View (PAV) days can be a real treat.
Clearly not “historic” is the Airbus A400M but you cannot fail to be impressed when this aeroplane is thrown round the sky from the moment it leaves the runway.
The Osprey is another aeroplane well worth seeing as it performs with its massive props making transitions whilst in flight.
As part of the 70th celebrations the USAF display team, the Thunderbirds, have already arrived at Fairford. I have to say that I was impressed by the French aerobatic team last year which put on an impressive performance surprising different to that of the Red Arrows. It will certainly be interesting to see what the Thunderbirds can pull out of the hat.
Missing, at least to date, is any sign of an F35B.
Regrettable, this year, we have not been able to get the best seats in the house, the FRIAT enclosure is fully sold out, as we did not think we could get there this year. So this year it will be the Viewing Village and the PAVs. Incidentally the PAVs are the only tickets that can be bought at the gate so this is a good option and they are open Wednesday, Thursday and Monday, one at each end of the runway. I am advised that most land-on and offs take place from east to west, runway 27, but, of course, it is dependent on the wind on the day. However, you can use your PAV ticket at either end. I have not been to the western PAV but I understand that it is a bad scrummage and best avoided. Having said that if runway 09 is in use you will see next to nothing at the western PAV. On entrance you can purchase a flight timetable for that day. Food refreshments and toilets are available.
I am not a modern fast jets person and whilst the displays are impressive if it is not your thing it does get a bit “when you have seen……….” But that is just my view.
The BBMF is putting up the Lanc and hopefully 4 Spits with Sally B and two P51s also putting on a flying display.
The weather is set to look reasonable so let’s hope for another exceptional 6 days of flying.
By: wes - 21st July 2017 at 13:18
If it helps with the Legends clash, I believe RIAT will have a full 3 days of displays next year, rather than Friday being a short show day.
By: paul1867 - 17th July 2017 at 23:26
Thanks for the correction, MRM, for some reason I got the impression last year that it was their first visit. Going to see if I can find the drummers on YouTube.
By: trumper - 17th July 2017 at 22:11
We went Sunday.It was a great day out but at times it did seem to descend into a battle of the hyper ego commentators and “music” that really didn’t play out well on the tannoy system.
I have to give credit to the Red Arrows commentator he did take the mickey out of the Thunderbirds commentator ,”sit back ,put your feet up and relax ,IT’S SHOWTIME LOL The stalls were were few [unless you wanted food ] and not a huge amount of aviation themed ones really.There seemed to be plenty of toilets for a change but there just didn’t seem to be the crowds.
An enjoyable day out.We were lucky we got into the red carpark and out in a few minutes and back at my friends in Oxford in 50 mins.
By: RMR - 17th July 2017 at 21:57
“Following Japan’s first visit last year they attended again this year and brought some “drummers” with them.”
They first visited in 2012, then in again 2014 as well as 2016. Either 2012 or 2014 the drummers were present and were excellent then also.
By: paul1867 - 17th July 2017 at 21:48
To give you some idea of the problems of heat haze when taking long distance shots at low level across the airfield. The second picture is a crop from the first. Insidently the plane is flying towards the camera.
This Canadian Chinook was held for some time at the runway threshold waiting for it’s slot. For some major part of that time it was held with it’s front wheels off of the ground. I wonder if there is any reason for this?
Regrettably the Hurricane departed from the middle of 09 so we saw nothing.
By: paul1867 - 17th July 2017 at 21:32
Fly out day Monday 17th July 2017
RIAT 17 MON 17JUL17
Today, Monday, brings to an end the annual Hercules fly-in!
Monday is departures day and we spent the day in the western PAV. As per normal runway 27 was used for the vast majority of the activity. Some aeroplanes that had been at the western end of the static park did depart on 09, but not all. When using either runway departures are executed to give the best display at mid-runway opposite the FRIAT enclosure.
As mentioned before the only opportunity to see most of the heavies and historic that form the static display is when they fly in or out. We attended the west PAV on all the days it is available Wednesday, Thursday and Monday.
Each day the organisers produce an activity list of all the expected arrivals, departures and displays. At the top of each list it states that all times are “local”, however, it became fairly obvious that the activity better fitted zulu. The strange thing is it continued for all six days uncorrected!
Wednesday was the best day with 10 hours of arrivals and practice, very intensive. Monday from about 0800 zulu to about 1600 zulu can best be described as fast and furious with a continuous stream of aeroplanes of all types, shapes and sizes manoeuvring and departing. This included two U2 departures but sadly, Sabrejet was right, and both the B1 and B52 stayed on the ground.
There will be no pictures of fast jets, only “historic” and heavies of interest.
Not a cross wind but waggling the FRIAT grandstand.
The Wedgetail of the RAAF has a visit to make before returning to Aus.
Following Japan’s first visit last year they attended again this year and brought some “drummers” with them. If you like the drums you should listen to these guys.
We viewed the inside of their plane but unfortunately were unable to communicate very well despite the fact that their English was better than my non existent Japanese.
By: Sabrejet - 17th July 2017 at 03:17
Doubt the B-52 will depart Monday: more likely later in the week, but you never know!
By: paul1867 - 16th July 2017 at 22:34
You will find a lot of them in The Village Enclosure, never again. Out for a picnic and a drink, up and down, in and out and sod anybody trying to watch, video or photograph the display.
By: Piston - 16th July 2017 at 22:30
The Bump. Tell us more about “the average brain dead RIAT punter”.
By: paul1867 - 16th July 2017 at 22:25
Tomorrow, Monday, we will really miss not being in the FRIAT enclosure for the fly-outs. We are intending to go to PAV West and hope 27 is in use and to catch the B52 departing. Another early start!!
By: paul1867 - 16th July 2017 at 22:10
Today, Sunday, the flying program gave us the promise of “B-2A x 3”. They had apparently flown from the States to appear at the show and were then going to fly straight back. Sadly, for us anyway, the new cloaking paint that had been applied to two of them proved extremely effective and only one B-2 could be detected by the standard eyeball mark one.
As part of the 70th anniversary celebrations Sally B put in an appearance as did a P51.
By: Fouga23 - 16th July 2017 at 19:06
Thanks! It indeed looks amazing!
By: Sabrejet - 16th July 2017 at 19:03
Here ya go :eagerness:
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By: Fouga23 - 16th July 2017 at 17:56
There’s a Fouga Magister in the static? Any one have an image?
By: Sabrejet - 16th July 2017 at 17:15
I think the RAF 100 promises to be an incredible opportunity to gather WW1, WW2 and more recent types together. In terms of flyers, the inter-war and Cold War types might be a bit thin in the air but maybe not so much on the ground. Plus of course we have honorary RAF squadrons from Norway, Poland, Canada etc to draw on and maybe we can bring together the less often-seen air forces from the Commonwealth too. We also have seen some lovely tribute schemes on foreign military aircraft, so it’s it’ll be interesting to see what comes together in the next 12 months.
By: scotavia - 16th July 2017 at 14:20
It will be interesting to see what RIAT make of the RAF 100 for 2018, surely someone somewhere can put on a good line up for a few days?
By: The Bump - 16th July 2017 at 13:37
It was a long old day yesterday but on the whole worthwhile.
The security checks were approached with common sense and I got in drama free.
The drizzle put paid to a few acts and the low cloud beat the Raptor much to my bitter disappointment.
The Thunderbirds beat the weather and T-Bird 12 did her best with the commentary (she is isn’t the dedicated narrator, he is is still recovering back in the US from his accident) to put on a noisy and entertaining display.
I have seen them a few times now all in the UK but I’d really like to see the Blue Angels.
I loved the BBMF ‘Thompson Display’ and it’s a shame it’s only being performed at limited events. I felt it was wasted on the average brain dead RIAT punter.
Left at 5 after a final swing through the static to avoid a late long drive.
I’m not sure about next year because it is the dreaded ‘Farnborough ‘ year where that joke of a show barges RIAT out the way onto Legends weekend. I had a relatively inactive day yesterday but my phone informs me that I walked over 7 miles .
Next year would mean RIAT one day then Legends next day. For one thing I like to reflect on the display I have just been to but fat chance of that with another great show next day.
I may look into RIAT on a Friday again on the ‘Farnborough years’
By: Fournier Boy - 16th July 2017 at 12:45
Marvellous thank you!
By: Auster Fan - 16th July 2017 at 12:41
Originally built as an Auster IV apparently…
By: David Burke - 16th July 2017 at 11:26
Its the Boscombe Down museum static restoration project.Being rebuilt from an aborted Lycoming 0-320 conversion into MK V standard.
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July 11, 2017 at 10:51 am
