Royal International Air Tattoo 2018 Discussion Thread

[James Cutting]

The Raptor display team said themselves they were not attending. Think they’ve done the last 3 in a row so can’t blame them. As for the USAF, it’s looking alright, but nobody really knows why they haven’t sent much yet.

[MarkyMarkB]

I know that the Raptor team were heavily criticised for failing to perform on the Saturday (2017) due to poor weather, even though several other (less capable) aircraft were still able to, so wasn't sure if they had the 'monk on'. As for the rest of the USAF flying display, apart from the F35 Heritage Flight Team there's only the CV22B Osprey taking part. A poor turn out all in all.

[bizfreeq]

There very seldom is anything much US participation in the flying display. It's been that way for years. Be thankful for what we do get instead of whingeing

[James Cutting]

Exactly Mark.

After all, it is the RAF's 100 Anniversary this year, not the USAF's. Be grateful with what we have.

[plmc135]

In 1997 it was the 50th anniversary of the USAF with the Golden Air Tattoo at Nellis. The RAF sent a VC10 with two Tornados, plus Spitfire AB910 was air-freighted out there I believe in a C-130. Paul Day's display was exceptional and stole the show.

It would not therefore be inappropriate to hope the USAF reciprocated in some way. "After all, it was the USAF's 50th anniversary not the RAF's"

[bizfreeq]

There's already plenty of US participation in the static, far more than the RAF contingent you quote about so I think they are doing plenty enough.

[Timmo]

I know that the Raptor team were heavily criticised for failing to perform on the Saturday (2017) due to poor weather, even though several other (less capable) aircraft were still able to, so wasn't sure if they had the 'monk on'.

The Raptor Demo Team guys definitely didn't have a 'monk on'! It's a shame when display items are criticised for a no show (not saying you personally MarkyMarkB, I'm referring to punters in general). The weather conditions - in particular the cloud base - were changeable on the Saturday last year and during the F-22s display time, the cloud base was lower than the Demo Teams safety limits. Ultimately, while we as spectators would have loved to see the display, few understand the complexities of operating modern military aircraft and the safety of the pilot, spectators and nearby residents must remain paramount.

[bizfreeq]

Well said that man

[James Cutting]

Hot off the press... we've had more confirmations today! Aircraft from the French Navy and the Royal Air Force will be joining us with an Embraer 121 'Xingu', a second A400M Atlas and BAE146 from 32 (TR) Sqn

[Dan213]

In 1997 it was the 50th anniversary of the USAF with the Golden Air Tattoo at Nellis. The RAF sent a VC10 with two Tornados, plus Spitfire AB910 was air-freighted out there I believe in a C-130. Paul Day's display was exceptional and stole the show.

It would not therefore be inappropriate to hope the USAF reciprocated in some way. "After all, it was the USAF's 50th anniversary not the RAF's"

So 20 years ago then... Think the USAF have done more than their fair share of ‘reciprocating’ since then

[hernaman86]

So many people on here giving it well the US have loads in the static!!!! Jesus it’s a air show!!! Means they are meant to fly, why are people so excited about static? More people with that attitude it will kill off flying displays! The US are crap now over here, you would think with all the bases they have here and our “special relationship” they could have done much more for the public, why is the b1b not flying, that f35 herratige flight will be crap, will fly over with a mustang once, and land, hardly a show,,,so boring now days, but it’s okay I will just stand there looking at f15s, b1b, b52 in the static wishing they would fly like 99% of normal air show fans, can’t criticise the static fans too much I will get labled as ungrateful ha ha

[plmc135]

In 1997 it was the 50th anniversary of the USAF with the Golden Air Tattoo at Nellis. The RAF sent a VC10 with two Tornados, plus Spitfire AB910 was air-freighted out there I believe in a C-130. Paul Day's display was exceptional and stole the show.

It would not therefore be inappropriate to hope the USAF reciprocated in some way. "After all, it was the USAF's 50th anniversary not the RAF's"

So 20 years ago then... Think the USAF have done more than their fair share of ‘reciprocating’ since then

The comparison was between specific anniversary shows not run of the mill events.

[bizfreeq]

And it was, as I pointed out a pointless comparison as there is plenty of US support in this show. You quoted 4 aircraft from the RAF, only one of which flew in that display. Even if all those RAF aircraft flew, the reciprocated amount at this show far outstrips the numbers you seem to think are great support from the RAF. Your comparison just doesn't stand up. Yes the majority are in the static but at least they are at the show and supporting the anniversary

[hernaman86]

Any way, what hope have we got with the US putting up more when our own service is just as bad, no tornado flying??? Ha ha baring in mind they go out of service in April, and is one of the RAF’s longest and best used asset in the 100 years it’s been formed (and don’t say they don’t have any spare air frames, I’m sure I see four,,,yes four fly over my head in London a few weeks ago!)

[bizfreeq]

There will be Tornados in the flypasts each day. There is no authorised display pilot so no display but they will be there

[James Cutting]

The US are crap now over here, you would think with all the bases they have here and our “special relationship” they could have done much more for the public, why is the b1b not flying, that f35 herratige flight will be crap, will fly over with a mustang once, and land, hardly a show,,,so boring now days,

People like you are just simply ruining a lot of these. If you don't like it, don't go!!

I can think of plenty reasons why some of those won't fly:

- Crew hours
- A/C hours
- Getting an actual display pilot
- Having a display jet
- Get validated for starters

The heritage flight will be a lot more than a flyover. And the bases here are sending over a lot; KC-135's, MC-130J's, CV-22 Osprey's (inc flying display), and several F-15's. That is something from each UK USAF Base.

You seem to forget the US have a lot of shows elsewhere (a lot in the states) that they will always prioritise over RIAT 9 times out of 10.

I think that I speak for many on here that the static park is often one of the best parts about RIAT. Don't like it? Clear off with your moaning and get a ticket refund. More grateful people out there!!!!!

[James Cutting]

People seriously need a reality check, Jesus.

There has not been a GR4 demo for years. Most are in Cyprus. A lot of jets left here are spares/backup for those on deployment. Most have been RTP.

[hernaman86]

In 20 years time, you lot will be going to RIAT, and there won’t be a flying display, it’s not that I’m ungrateful at all you melt, I’m just a enthusiast! Air shows are dying and are a shadow of what they used to be and I don’t like the way it’s going!!! That’s all! Sorry standing there looking at a plane year on year on the ground won’t do it for me, and a lot of people, if they don’t fly it’s boring and not a show is it!

They don’t need to throw a tornado around like a euro fighter, just a few fast passes as a good bye tribute, they seem to be flying pretty fast over cad West, and dont give me that about enough pilots, I’m told flying hours have been slashed so I’m very sure there would be pilots begging to fly over the weekend! Also I don’t care if there has not been a demo team for years!!! They knew the day was coming for the tornado to end so they should have started one last year ready for it, not rocket science is it!!! I’m sure you will come back with some boring examples why with your boring attitudes

[James Cutting]

I've removed the comment made last, because I can not be arsed arguing over something which I already know. Enjoy RIAT as I know I will

[Nighthawke]

Ah but I don't think he will James. Seems to be one of those who complains just because he can. Come on hernaman86 lighten up a bit please your posts really are a tirade with no give whatsoever. As has already been pointed out, you do have a choice. I haven't been to an RIAT , or any other major UK event since 1993 but I am well aware that the world has changed greatly since then. Many military forces these days are busy doing what they exist to do and that does not include entertainment.