Royal International Air Tattoo 2017 Discussion Thread

[jasonT1981]

Wonder if we will get a weekend update........
Looks just great at the moment. Think we have been spoilt so far, you just think something else is just around the corner.
Can't wait.

I would say a Tuesday update is likely, 4th July being a big American thing and RIAT having an American theme.

[UKdragon]

Folks,

Some of you have asked me whether the U-2 will also be at RIAT on the Friday, as well as Saturday/Sunday. Yes it will - in static.
There may also be a couple of surprises from the Dragon Lady team...

Rgds Chris Pocock
author, DRAGON LADY TODAY
http://www.dragonladytoday.com
author, 50 YEARS OF THE U-2
http://www.schifferbooks.com

[saint1]

Folks,

Some of you have asked me whether the U-2 will also be at RIAT on the Friday, as well as Saturday/Sunday. Yes it will - in static.
There may also be a couple of surprises from the Dragon Lady team...

Rgds Chris Pocock
author, DRAGON LADY TODAY
http://www.dragonladytoday.com
author, 50 YEARS OF THE U-2
http://www.schifferbooks.com

Thanks Chris useful. The questions were because the RIAT public release only mentions Sat / Sun. Now the speculation will begin on the surprises...

[DAVEBRAD]

hi,
a sister coming in from the states and a live dragon lady in a bikini sorry its the heat...

[GouldJordan14]

Hi guys, wondering if anyone knows what day the B52 and B1 will be arriving. Whether it'll be Wednesday or Thursday?
Thanks

[sabrejet]

I recall they arrived early and departed late in previous years?

[warthog56]

Hi all. My local BBC radio station (Nottingham) has said that President Trump may pay a fleeting visit to the UK within the next fortnight. Maybe the 4th July announcement could be that Air Force One and an E4 will be part of the show - a fly by on the Saturday?!!!!

[BlackDragonU2]

My grandad said he heard this on ITV news too

[foxycub]

According to the Guardian website Trump is due to attend the Bastille day celebrations in Paris on the 14th. If so, then a flypast at RIAT isn't as crazy as it sounds.

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that if it does happen, then it's on the 14th. Seems somewhat unlikely, but it would be a welcome addition given that most of the recent announcements (e.g. A4 & U2) have been for Sat/Sun visitors only.

[Scudpilot]

Hi all. My local BBC radio station (Nottingham) has said that President Trump may pay a fleeting visit to the UK within the next fortnight. Maybe the 4th July announcement could be that Air Force One and an E4 will be part of the show - a fly by on the Saturday?!!!!

Surely not with him aboard?
If not, would the aircraft be allowed to be that far away from him ( for security reasons?)

[warthog56]

Elsewhere on the forum I've noticed that the Canadian prime minister is dropping into Edinburgh en route to a G20 summit. Could be that Mr President will be in Europe for the G20 event. I've not checked the dates for this though but given the timeline for the Canadian arrival (5th?) is before the Bastille Day celebrations then I would think Trump will be here either before RIAT or will call in the UK afterwards. In any event, AF1 could be added to the static (although I'd much prefer an E4 as I've yet to see one!). Just have to wait and see..........................

[bizfreeq]

G20 to be held on 7–8 July 2017 in the city of Hamburg

[warthog56]

Thanks for the dates Mark. Can't see Trump wanting to be in Europe for a week so wonder if he's forgoing G20 and just attending the Bastille Day event. Did I see a rumour that the Thunderbirds are taking part in the Paris flypast? Maybe he'll pop over to RIAT on Saturday and use the crowd for publicity - "UK crowds greet President Trump"! Funnier things have happened but it could be that his attendance would explain why there's such a a large US contingent at the show this year. I know it's the 70th anniversary of the USAF but their main celebration will surely be in the US. All random thoughts, I know, but without speculation there'd be no conspiracy theorists!

[rh226]

If...and it is a big "if"......he attends the show itself, where are they going to put him?? In the grandstand, surrounded by all his "heavies" and sycophants??

"Sorry, guys, circumstances beyond our control. You can't go in there. Security has overridden your FRIAT membership".

Personally, I can't see the show's organisers wanting him anywhere near Fairford.

[plmc135]

Could it be why the green area at the western end of the showground is shown as being closed on the Friday (see the showground maps on the RIAT website).

[sneezy24]

Green area doesn't open on Fridays (at least it hasn't on any of the Fridays' I have been).

[Colin]

Could it be why the green area at the western end of the showground is shown as being closed on the Friday (see the showground maps on the RIAT website).

The Green area is always closed for the Friday event. This is where the late arrivals are parked until the showground is closed on the evening
Colin

[MRTT]

Correct. It's to allow aircraft to arrive that'll be positioned Friday night.

[warthog56]

Sorry everyone if my tongue in cheek speculation about AF1 and or President Trump being anywhere near Fairford during RIAT has caused concern. It does make sense to me that he may use a secure military airfield rather than Heathrow as it is supposedly an unofficial visit . Controlling protesters that he is sure to attract would be far easier if he arrived without a fanfare and at a lower profile airfield. Obama used Fairford a couple of years ago and access to Chequers by chopper or Osprey would not be difficult - Ospreys are scheduled to be at the show. And whilst I know that the number of USAF assets attending is nothing like we have seen in the past the current list is many more than we have seen for several years. I'm sure we'll have heads up on the forum when/if any MV22's are seen anywhere in the UK! Not sure if the organisers could prevent him turning up - what a political incident that would be!!!!! RIAT might also have to look for a new home!

[bizfreeq]

Obama only used Fairford because it was near to Wales where the summit was being held. AF1 with trump on board would never land anywhere where there is a public air show in full swing, their security protocol just wouldn't allow it. They want Heathrow shut down just to accept it when it was used!