RIAT on a Friday.

[NotoriousBadger]

Hey,

I have dipped out on tickets for Saturday (due to them selling out), so I'm looking at going on the Friday.

I know Friday is a preview day, but I'm wondering is it still worth attending? Is there still Aircrew selling patches, T-shirts and other memorabilia etc? Can you still see a decent amount of static aircraft and get on board to look round/speak to the crew?

[GoldenPlane]

Hi!

We (RNLAF 312 SQN) will be selling on Friday, if it is possible where our stand is located! We are almost fully stocked, just waiting for the new caps and shirts! And ofcourse there should be crew around during the day! Only the viper line (with our 4 operational jets, and 1 wfu) should be closed on Friday!

Jordy

Jordy

[Herkdriver]

The Friday static is only 2/3 open. The Green zone is shut but its a great day. Less of a crowd, some arrivals, and yes quite a few of the squadrons will have stalls out selling merchandise. I go every year for the Friday and Saturday shows. Some things sell out on the Friday and some displays are Friday only as well.

[Vulture 01]

I've been doing the show on Friday for the last few years. The pro's and con's as I see it are:

As mentioned, the flying display is shorter, but, you do get to see stuff arrive, often with some surprises (an E4 doing a visual circuit with touch and go was quite something).
Any special events (like a B2 flyover) tend to happen over the Saturday or Sunday.
The main downside is that the western static park (Green Zone?) is usually closed off, which can be a problem as the late arriving fast jets end up there.
That said, overall I find it better as the crowds are much smaller. It's not so good for bagging swag from the units, nor can you get the show checklist as it's not finalised until Friday evening. However, I can usually get what I want from one of the spotters websites.

Best advice - try it and see!

[Matty82]

The Embraer KC-390 flying demo is Friday only this year I believe - so that’s a bonus if only going Friday

[NotoriousBadger]

Thanks for all the feedback folks! Much appreciated.

I'm certainly looking forward to the Friday experience.

[Skywatcher]

It’s really really good Friday in my experience i tend to go Friday’s as to be absolutely honest i find it easier with slightly less people.
Plus you get additional arrival as well ( as long as the weather is good ( which I made a promise with the Bull in Fairford that I am not going to mention the weather now until after the show !)
Also the crews tend to be around. Normally as well as most have arrived by then,one of my best part of show is talking to the crews that are around and willing to talk .they are generally more relaxed on Fridays as it has not got to the repeated question over and over again by a lot of people asking similar questions by Sunday .

[Gary]

Used to love Fridays before they made it a show day straight as they announced the show ground was open over the FRIAT tannoy. I was out my seat and used to blitz the static parts without lots of people around

[James Cutting]

Are you still able to arrive on the Friday at any time? I’ve got a FRIAT pass, and due to working a half day, I can’t get there till about 15.00, couple hours before closing.

Couldn’t find anything about last entry/car parking, so was just curious if anyone had any thoughts. I’ve emailed but no reply..

Would be good to kill a few hours of statics/arrivals before checking in.

[Gary]

Yep it's just another show day now. Flying from 11 until 3 still then arrivals until 6pm. Not sure what time last entry is though.

[James Cutting]

Thanks Gary.

[DAVEBRAD]

anyone tell me the serial of the U-2 that landed friday after the Red Arrows had closed the display...
thanks...

[Everlong]

anyone tell me the serial of the U-2 that landed friday after the Red Arrows had closed the display...
thanks...

80-1070

[DAVEBRAD]

hi Everlong,
thanks very much...