FighterControl

With the U2s being on long term deployment at Fairford why haven't we had one display at a recent RIAT? It would be really cool if we could. I realise the USAF have kindly included one in the static the last few years. It would seem a logical choice considering they're at the air base.

If any aircraft is to display, it has to go through a PDA and actually have approval, etc. I don't believe they really "display" even in the States, you'd only get as much luck as the B-52 on the Sunday.

It's not just as simple as "they're at the base so why not", unfortunately.

That's a shame but thanks for taking the time to explain that. Appreciated.

Nice display by one ar Oshkish last year and due again on two days this year.

The two at Fairford are here for operational missions, and need to be kept in operational condition. Its not going to do much good if the flying one has an issue due to the display appearance.. Plus as said, with UK regulations there won't be anymore than a few flypasts(though the take off is awesome!), and it's a pain in the backside to recover one on a quiet airfield, let alone with an 8 hour flying display around it.
Plus the forecasted crosswinds were out of limits all weekend anyway, so that'll have been another one on the lists of Wx cancellations. Last year's weather really wasn't that bad was it.......

The 9th Wing do have a pilot who is approved for flying demonstrations. They do a few of these in the US each year. If they ever did one at RIAT, it would have to be with the 'slick' jet, which could not therefore appear in static.

This may have been learned from the time that SR-71 17973 was broken during a rigourous airfete display back in 1987 by a former Thunderbirds pilot. It was patched up and flown direct to Palmdale where it now sits on display.

Though not actual displays, we have at least been treated to departures and arrivals of U-2s on various days when the park and views were open.