Airshows Rant

[Sobby]

Sorry if this isn't were I should be posting, first off

I would just like to have a rant about airshows :-/, I have gone to the RAF Leuchars Airshow since, oooo, 1998  ;D(only year I have missed was 1999 becasue of Kosovo )

Every year I have noticed that the funfare, is slowly taking over the day , now here is me thinking that an "airshow" might have something to do with planes in the sky, you know, in the air . I have noticed that the airshow is becoming a ground show, with the events on the ground being better than in the air, for some, not me

Now, I was wondering if someone could explain this, as it seems no sense to me

So this year, me and my Dad are off to fairbrough to do it properly

[Hagar]

I can't speak for Leuchars but all the air shows I attended last year (& I went to at least one event every weekend of the season) were great value for money. Some of the displays lasted for over 5 hours which isn't bad value by any standards. They put on the ground displays & funfairs to attract families as these things cost an awful lot of money to put on. This shouldn't detract from the air show itself & I find it adds to the atmosphere.

Farnborough won't be until next year (2006) as it's now a biennial event & alternates with the Paris show. I don't know what you're expecting but it's a mere shadow of its former self & I no longer bother with it. The air display gets shorter every time I go. This is a trade show & more ground display orientated than the ordinary air displays you're complaining about. Here's a list of the major events for 2005. http://aeroflt.users.netlink.co.uk/shows/showdate.htm

[Craig.]

Unless you mean Fairford. Where i am trying to go this year. Farnborough really isnt worth a long journey. I went a number of years back when the Typhoon made its airshow debut. And after that it just went downhill. As Doug points out, its a trade show, and if your wanting to go for displays, dont expect anything spectacular at Farnborough. They dont even do they full display you would get at most shows, as they are only trying to show of the aircrafts key abilities.

[Saratoga]

Well everything I have seen is European. Most airshows in the US still feature solid flying. The latest one I have been to was at the Joint Reserve Base in Ft. Worth, Texas. It was really great. The JRB is huge and they had every kind of plane I could imagine. AA had a 777 there, FedEx flew in a cargo 727. Tons of military planes. The best thing I saw, other than the Harrier flight which was downright awesome and the FINA pilot setting a world record, was watching a P-51, P-47, and C-130 fly in formation. It was really touching to watch 50 years of aviation fly around together (though it did sound a little odd...).
Though I compare it to an airshow I went to on 9-8-2001. The flying was a little more freestyle then, now after 9-11, it's tighter and some things aren't done. But still a wonderful display in the US!

[Craig.]

Two things an Airshow needs, good flying displays, and good static displays with accessible pilots to answer questions. You want to go on rides goto a funfair/ carnival.

[Hagar]

Well according to his profile Budd lives in Scotland.

It really depends what you're interested in. If you like warbirds & you're willing to travel I suggest the Flying Legends event at Duxford. For older rare vintage types you can't do better than any event at Old Warden which isn't that far from Duxford. The Waddington show is a tad closer to you & advertised as the RAF's biggest air show. http://www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk/

PS.

Sponsored by the Air Force Board of the Defence Council, the Waddington International Air Show is the largest of the RAF's official air shows. The venue has acquired a hard-earned reputation amongst visiting pilots and aircrew for its excellent hospitality, and is consequently always very well supported by aircraft from around the western world - many not normally seen in the UK.

The 7-hour flying display has a truly international flavour and is expected to include at least 1 top national display team in addition to the RAF's Red Arrows. The static aircraft display will feature up to 100 military and civilian aircraft in 3 separate parks.

PPS. Seems the first 2 weeks in July is fully booked for me.

1-3 July 2005 PFA International Air Rally 2005 Kemble, Glos.  
2-3 July 2005 RAF Waddington 2005  RAF Waddington, Lincs.  
3 July 2005 Shuttleworth Summer Air Display  Old Warden, Beds.  
9-10 July 2005  The Flying Legends Air Show  IWM Duxford, Cambs.  
10 July 2005 British Aircraft Fly-In Popham, Hants.  

[Saratoga]

WOW Hagar have fun with that!

[HawkerTempest5]

[quote]
PPS. Seems the first 2 weeks in July is fully booked for me.

1-3 July 2005 PFA International Air Rally 2005 Kemble, Glos.

[Craig.]

If i get my license before the end of may, i am going to hopefully make it to. A couple of those on your list Doug. Waddington and the Duxford show. Also Fairford, Cosford and maybe 1 other.

[ozzy72]

Hmm and as of mid-June I should be on the ground in Blighty once more... Roger, Doug its party time for the warbird fans ;D
Oh and no complaining about airshows eh? We get 1 every other year in Hungary (thanks to the tight-assed government, who have just given themselves a massive pay-rise, and lots of lovely freebies like top-of-the-range laptops etc and upped the taxes, and still won't go back to an annual airshow >:()
Right now I want to marmalade MSzP!!!! >:( >:( Anyone got a spare Lanc or B-17 I could borrow?

[Hagar]

The first big event of the season is the Spring Air Display at Old Warden on May 1st.

[ozzy72]

Hey Doug I'm starting Emi with airshows this year, we can push prams together

[Sobby]

Thx for your replies, I think I may go to Waddington

[Ben_M_K]

Looks like I'll be going to 3 or 4 airshows this year. When I can drive and have my own car that number will increase drasticly!

I'm going to EAA Airventure(SS1 will be there)
La Crosse Airfest(Thunderbirds)
Milwaukee air and water show(Blue Angels)
Maybe Manitowok(Just aerobatic stuff)

CANT WAIT!!!!!

[HawkerTempest5]

Thx for your replies, I think I may go to Waddington

Waddington is a top show but get in early and don't expect to get out too quickly
As it stands I'm doing Waddington on the 3rd of July and Legends on the following Sunday but if I have to miss one I'm affraid Legends wins hand down.