Memories of 1st. Fairford IAT 1985 (UPDATED)

[F3]

Doubtless many of you will be attending the RIAT @ Fairford this w/end which now seems to be a must for aircraft enthusiasts and I hope you enjoy it. Unfortunately I shan't be there again - but I was at the first one held there in 1985 and whilst sorting through a box of photos this week came across a selection taken there showing some of the aircraft types on view. Although the theme was air to air refuelling I ignored the vast line of KC135s and sought out the fast jet line which included some of the last examples of Starfighters operated by the Canadians, Danes and Germans. This was the last time that the type was seen in significant numbers, and as the icing on the cake for F104 fans the Germans flew a fourship which is about the only thing I remember about the flying display. Happy days! Hope those of you of a certain age enjoy the trip down memory lane and those of you who are nt may satisfy their curiousity.

IAT '85 - PAF C130 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - JAF C130 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - GAF F4 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - GAF F4F by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - BAF Mirage by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - GAF F104G 24+64 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - GAF F104G 24+64 (1) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - F104 Tails by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - AMI F104 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - RDAF F104 R34 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - CAF F104 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - RNLAF F5B by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - GAF Alpha jet by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - Daks 1 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - Daks 2 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - GM Sea King by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - FM Frelon by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - AMI G222 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - USAF C5 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - GAF F104 formation (1) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - GAF F104 formation by Michael Britton, on Flickr

IAT '85 - GAF F104 formation (2) by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[JONLITE06]

Great Pics!!Those really were the Good days

[Nighthawke]

Great reminder of my first IAT. I logged 16 F-104s on the Saturday and nearly 300 aircraft for the day making almost 2/3 of them! Don't go these days for various reasons but it is nice to reminisce a bit!

Thanks for the nostalgia.

[Ratrace]

Another excellent set, thanks for sharing.

[slogen51]

Good stuff

I was there that weekend and I will be there hopefully for this Monday's departures - £20 of great value - need 36+

[5MAAPS]

Good to see the IAT's of old , first to be held at Fairford if I remember rightly . Out of curiosity , any ideas what made the C-5 smile ?

[F3]

Possibly anticipating having the two guys in the picture for lunch!

[paddyboy]

Hi Michael

Me and SWMBO were there too

Those are wonderful shots, and just what WR&N is all about

Thanks

Paddyboy

[The Phantom]

Is very nice

[Ridge Runner]

No shot of the lovely Italian Dak?

Martin

[F3]

Actually Martin forgot all about the Daks. Thanks for reminding me. I'll dig them out and add them to the post.

[3Greens]

Remember it well Michael (being an F104 fan myself) The Italian 5 Stormo machines had come across from the exchange posting they had just enjoyed with 29 Sqd at Coningsby. I had enjoyed a full day with them earlier in the month.

Thanks for posting
3Greens