Royal International Air Tattoo 2022 - General Discussion Thread

[Jameslw1993]

Technically they were both support aircraft, not part of the static, although looking at that photo it looks a lot closer to the fence than I remember!
I just remember some people talking about this a few of years ago, mentioning that they don't like the general public getting too close, somethjng to do with protecting the stealth technology.

[Jameslw1993]

Any validity to this?
Most of you will know better than me!

[Jameslw1993]

Any validity to this?
Most of you will know better than me!

[Nighthawke]

We had F-117s on static at Mildenhall in the 1990s - albeit with armed guards but nonetheless on full public view. They also fly in close proximity to spotters' lenses most days so I cannot agree with your first post - oh and welcome to the forum. Yes, many will or may know better but this is also a place to learn so...enjoy!

[Jameslw1993]

We had F-117s on static at Mildenhall in the 1990s - albeit with armed guards but nonetheless on full public view. They also fly in close proximity to spotters' lenses most days so I cannot agree with your first post - oh and welcome to the forum. Yes, many will or may know better but this is also a place to learn so...enjoy!

Thank you, I've been a guest to this forum for a while now, it's about time I joined in.

[jasonT1981]

I know they dont have a demo f35 but put one on static. I bet the 48th will have one at Riat.

I really can't imagine we will ever see an F35 in the Static display, for the same reason you'd not get an F22 in the static.

Technically the F22 was on view in 2017. 2 of them in fact, along with the Thunderbirds. In the area between the Yellow and Red zones beside the RAF Voyager. Same place the Harriers and Mig 21 were parked up in 2019 for static viewing.

[DeanW]

I will say what everyone else is thinking.. Another diabolical update. Nearly 70 quid a ticket

That’s really not the case and it’s yet another update that has been well received from enthusiasts and the wider public alike. Of course there are people that will never be happy as their expectations are still back in the nineties/early noughties when the pick of fast jet demos was far greater than it is today, but that’s not the world we live in any more sadly.

It’s clear from your recent cheery posts that RIAT isn’t for you. Have you considered channeling this negative energy in to something more positive, like trying to book a trip to a show or event internationally that meets your requirements?

[scousefowler]

I think things have changed - people lives and habbit have changed - for me attanding RIAT in the 90s was a simple thing with no planing needed - just a case of me and my mate deciding what day we was going - then going to the local travel agents getting the tickets then on the day share the car journey split the petrol money - all done.
For me now its a far more involved mission that takes plenty of planning and saving up for - as the last show I attended I had to use a taxi that was a near £500 Journey then the £50 price of the ticket.

I got chatting to someone waiting to get in last time they had come over form Italy - they had to fly to LHR then get a Taxi from there, he said one year he holidays with his wife and the next he does RIAT - its that expensive ofr him.

Think people have a understandable reason to feel dissaponed if its costing them a Fortune and taking plenty of planning to attend.

Spending £500 on a taxi cannot be blamed on RIAT

[James Cutting]

It's all part of what risk are you willing to take?

£640 for me on 3 days at RIAT, 2 nights at a Premier Inn - Yes I could do it cheaper, but I value my comfort and sleep! Yes there could be some not-so-great updates, but hey, not been to an airshow for 3 years so will take what I can get! And yes the weather can be pants, that's also the risk I'm willing to take

A week in Spain in April was £680 - The risk there is a potential for some bad weather - So what! I wanted a holiday

You know it is all down to what you want to risk and for how much. Life's to short to sit here not being happy with things, or comparing it to way back when. If you aren't happy, refund your tickets!!

[C24]

As it is Friday, the 13th, perhaps it’s time for a bit of whingeing too.

Fairford is too remote, accommodation is expensive, there is less and less variety in the displays, the aircraft are all or nearly all grey/gray, there are too many people attending and the weather cannot be guaranteed.

The two events held at RAF Cottesmore were perfect.

All those involved in arranging this year’s RIAT have my thanks for a difficult task in trying times.

I gather from whinges above that there may be a QRA demonstration. In light of the ongoing situation in Europe that is a stroke of inspiration.
There is a definite possibility of a fly past of Russian aircraft.

Finally, the weather on the first few days will dreadful but as I haven’t been out much for over two years I can use an umbrella

Time to leave home for far away places, Suffolk isn’t too bad

Stay safe, 🛰

FC is a fine forum, long may people be able to express their opinions

[Mark]

Is there an airfield that isn't remote?

[POL]

I got chatting to someone waiting to get in last time they had come over form Italy - they had to fly to LHR then get a Taxi from there, he said one year he holidays with his wife and the next he does RIAT - its that expensive ofr him.

You should have told them about the Swindon shuttle bus ticket. That way they could have got the train to Swindon and then bus in for far less than a taxi!

Is there an airfield that isn't remote?

Northolt, but it'd be a pain in the backside to hold RIAT there.

[C24]

Is there an airfield that isn't remote?

Heathrow? RAF Wittering? Hill AFB. it all depends…

[pg1610]

Can the RIAT people ask the USAF if they can let us have this for the static please

https://flic.kr/p/2nk9qWp

and any number of the other specially painted aircraft they operate Please

[James Cutting]

I'd argue there's not many other airfields in the UK as operationally quiet as Fairford right now, nor as big and spacious as Fairford...So its ideal.

Accommodation is irrelevant to location, places hike their costs - its summer as it is, and also...RIAT! Moving RIAT to Cottesmore per your point, accommodation would be just as high.

[Mark]

Is there an airfield that isn't remote?

Heathrow? RAF Wittering? Hill AFB. it all depends…

In the UK, that's Military and active with non-training aircraft?

[luke28]

Mildenhall's 28 end.

[James Cutting]

Erm yeah can't see that working!

[luke28]

See what working? I just though we were playing guess the least remote airfield..... I didnt read any further back

[James Cutting]

oh!