Opinions requested

[GhostFlight91]

Definately agree with John Dont change whats already great. Not everyone is a fan of shooting in the dark
Cant wait to see the outcome
Luke

[PORTPHANTOM]

Would prefer day to night as easier driving for a start if you've any distance. Why not try a central pen where we could get close operational shots, strapping in etc? case of quality over quantity but the sort of thing we can't get "through the fence" enjoyed the last 2 and a shame if it has to change too much.

Graham

[bigboy]

Daylight for me, enjoyed the last 2.

Getting closer to the pilots and airframes would be a good idea, if possible! Flying, invite other countries that fly Typhoon and other squadons of the R.A.F,it it very difficult to get up and close and personal, undersandably.

BB.

[Axle2uk]

Having not attended any of these events before, I thought Viv's idea of coupling the day with the evening was a good idea,
seems to link all of what people want into one bundle. Am very interested in purchasing tickets for this.

As for price, I think £15 - £20 each is a fair assessment of a good day out.

[GhostFlight91]

Would prefer day to night as easier driving for a start if you've any distance. Why not try a central pen where we could get close operational shots, strapping in etc? case of quality over quantity but the sort of thing we can't get "through the fence" enjoyed the last 2 and a shame if it has to change too much.

Graham

Couldnt agree more

[Zymurgy661]

The problem with a nightshoot at the say time of year as the enthusiast event has been held is just how late people would have to stay for it to get dark.

However, the idea of a nightshoot at CBY would definatley interest me, especially if it could be a day/dusk/night type shoot. Would love to see a lineup of different Sqn Typhoons including, if possible, a fully 'tooled' up' display. Of course, 41Sqn specials would also be good along with the BBMF aircraft. For nightshoot, the lighting can make or break it in my opinion so obviosuly a key factor in any decision to run it.

The problem would be numbers attending. Anyone attending a Northolt nightshoot will attest to more people = more frustration if only a single aircraft is avaialble to shoot at one time which leads to two options a) Less people, higher charge - around the £25 mark i would suspect will still see massive interest or b) More people, more space - rather than having a single area, have multiple to spread the crowds and make the most of the space available. Perhaps three seperate areas - BBMF, Typhoons, 41 Sqn (for example) that could be adequatly seperated so as not to interfere but also allow movement between them. Given that it sounds as if the event would not be tied to the F&F day, making the most of the CBY assest would be essential. During the day, perhaps a 'quick' trip around the base may also be of interest to people especially for the gate guards.

Just a few rough ideas for now from me

[tornadof2]

I say stick with the day time hoping for foreign nations visiting

[a321]

I've always thought the best enthuiast's day's were the one's held at Coltishall in it's final few years where there was a good line-up of based aircraft on the flightline, plus the visiting enthuiast's were escorted around the hangars in group's so you saw as many aircraft as possible, In the afternoon some based aircraft also flew. This to me would be worth £20-£30 poviding a good amount of based aircraft were visable. Also not too worried about flying aircraft as Connigsby is good for flying shots from the outside anyway, and if you are on the hangars side of the base you would be shooting into the sun for most of the day. Visiting aircraft would be good but not sure many would turn up these days. All this would of course be dependent on base peronnel working when they should be relaxing, which the enthusiast comunity would not expect them to do. I personally would not go to a night shoot as I would have a 3-4 hour drive back home afterwards. I hope this is of some help.
Regards Dave B

[C24]

As someone who has been particularly UNsuccessful at obtaining a ticket over the years.
I would happily spend a morning picking up FOD/sweeping out a hangar before being allowed an afternoon taking snaps just on the other side of the security fence.
Simple pleasures.

[Blue Diamond]

Would love a night shoot but the winter months are best for that as I gets darker much earlier. In the summer months an evening shoot would be nice as the sun is far enough around to avoid shooting in to the sun from the BBMF side of things.

[Steven]

A night shoot doesn't interest me whatsoever I'm afraid. Not that it matters of course!

Steven.

[vanguard]

As someone who has been particularly UNsuccessful at obtaining a ticket over the years.
I would happily spend a morning picking up FOD/sweeping out a hangar before being allowed an afternoon taking snaps just on the other side of the security fence.
Simple pleasures.

i agree i've not managed to get tickets very often. i'd be happy day or night

[britaylor]

As I say before why hold not it on the family day like RAF COttesmore TTTE years ago which was free to avoid the base paying insurance and made a large profit if you have it charge a free for a programme and the rest is free (like the sunday laws years ago with sunday football) the aircraft would not be live etc and make an aera for photos and easy to control also put a limit and charge £15-£20.00 and and tickets only by mail from the base

[flyingslug_0]

I really enjoyed last years event and I'm greatly looking forward to the next one. A winter night shoot would go down well, also raised platforms to allow different angles. Being to the southside of the runway makes photography so much easier, could 3 Sqd hold an event? Also what would be very good is making available merchandise, not the "shop" type but from the Sqds them selves ie pilot t-shirts flying badges etc. I found the cost of £15.00 last year a bit steep, it was hard to hand over £30.00 for me and the wife, however after the day we both said it was a great day, so I'd be happy to pay that again this year.

[LTFT5]

Hi Jim,
Just some thoughts below:

I have really enjoyed the numerous events over the years that I have attended at RAF Coningsby and in today's climate fully understand why there are now limitations as to what can happen on the day.

Ticket allocation always seems to be a problem and speaking to many spotters over the years it would appear that a ballot via email/letter application seems to be the fairest way.
Price for static events/night shoots, Ive seen advertised, run in the order of £20 per person.

Night shoot events are good but do not appeal to everybody due to the equipment needed on the day to capture great images.

Issues around live aircraft can be successfully controlled as the Lightning Preservation group at Bruntingthorpe can testify.
Coltishall use to hold many events with live aircraft taxing out in front of a crowd line.

For me, an event like that held for the last of the Jaguars at Coningsby would be good. Excellent area for photography (HAS Side), well contained, clear rules for everybody stated from the very beginning.
Live start up of a jaguar in the HAS and then taxied out in front of the crowd.

Additionally, a nice line out of based aircraft in different weapons fit with raised platforms for different angles would be great.
BBMF aircraft would be nice on the static line as well.
Squadron memorabilia on sale seems to always go down well.
Very difficult I know, but special anniversary painted aircraft from various RAF / RN Squadrons I believe would go down well.
These are only my thoughts kind of collated from events I have attended over the years.

Jim, it may help people with their reply's if you could give a bit more detail around what your limitations are i.e. is it people being able to help on the day, insurance, Health and Safety etc.
Certain based events abroad are controlled on the day by enthusiast who have built very good relationships with the hosting Squadrons.

If it is Health and Safety issues give me a PM as i have to deal with them every day of the week

Also i think it is great that Coningsby are still considering holding these events.
Whatever happens this year I'm sure it will be a great success, raise lots of money for based charities and hopefully can be built upon for future years.

Andy

[Pen Pusher]

Night shoot events are good but do not appeal to everybody due to the equipment needed on the day to capture great images.

The only extra equipment for a night shoot is a tripod. Unless of course you have a Sony Alpha camera the you can go hand held.

At that time of the year though it would me more a sunset than a night shoot.

Brian

[LTFT5]

Hi Brian,

What I meant is that not everybody who is an enthusiast is also a photographer in the sense of Sony Alpha / Canon/ Nikon DLSR price range.
Many people I know have only got small digital cameras (low price end) and come away from night events disappointed due to the quality of their shots.
To appeal to all enthusiasts (not just the photographers) a night event, for me, does not push all the buttons, but as stated these are only my thoughts.

Hope that clarifies.

All the best

Andy

[7gb1]

Hi I have been lucky and been to both photo shoots and enjoyed them.I agree with LTFT5 A night shoot does pose a lot off problems IE my lenses are F4.5 to 5.6 so mono-pod would be the least support required Sun-set would be the best so weather is a problem. also visitor at night must be a safety issue.
I would like to see in a HAS and a hangar, 41sqd ? in small groups, and the south side for photos,etc
What are able to offer Mike
Cheers Gordon

[7gb1]

Sorry MCO Jim
Gordon

[cbyman]

There seems to be a majority wanting the daytime event, however there is interest in a night shoot. A night shoot/sunset shots in June is impractical. Therefore I suggest two separate events. As the Families Day takes place every two years it makes logistical sense to have an Enthusiast's Day linked to it. Then, on a non-Families Day year, have a night shoot in the Spring/Autumn (dark nights) to suit. Even with base aircraft +BBMF + visitors (if possible) it could be good for those enthusiasts wanting this and a charity would gain. Northolt holds regular successful night shoot events and to have fewer numbers is actually beneficial. With regard to cost, in my experience of many base visits, £20 seems acceptable for the privilege.