Royal International Air Tattoo 2019 Discussion Thread

[Alfie]

Rather surprised by the inclusion of the Blades as RIAT isn't known for such display teams But saying that nice inclusion, something different. May upset some people as they moaned about the Falcons, they were have another excuse for a pint or toilet break.

[bob909]

They are a quality outfit no doubt, doesn't have to have orange coming out the back to be entertaining. I think we should embrace a British display team.

[james baker]

RIAT should be about military aircraft I have attended for 30 years the Blades look like the beginning of the end a very poor addition to the show and the sort of flying display that sends you to the beer tent very sad to see this decline in the show.

[James Cutting]

Ah there it is! Was waiting for that comment. Less than 5 updates, and the toys are already out the pram! "Decline in the show" - You forgotten the Harrier or what?

[herc15]

not every display can be a complete barnstormer but the blades look like they have an interesting routine up on their website and to be honest I have never seen them so it will be interesting to see what they are like, at the end of the day its something different from the norm.

[James Cutting]

Agree Herc15! I for one actually like the Jordanians, and the blades are something new and different to see - after all, nobody forces you to watch everything that is there!!

[luke28]

I used to love the Thursday updates, they were a genuine highlight of my week. However, the last couple of years each update gets picked to pieces and then we get ridiculous comments such as demise of RIAT etc. Maybe going forward the weekly updates could start in March (which is pretty much when the majority of the modern military displays release their schedules) and then everything that has confirmed prior to that could be announce together the week before. A block update of the Spanish Harrier, Swiss Hornet, Reds, RJF and The Blades is quite tasty and something for enthusiasts and families alike.

[James Cutting]

You'll get those comments whenever it is announced, I quite like the weekly updates.

Would be even better if you just showed up and got what turned up! People moan about everything and anything, it's natural, can't change that.

[MRTT]

RIAT should be about military aircraft I have attended for 30 years the Blades look like the beginning of the end a very poor addition to the show and the sort of flying display that sends you to the beer tent very sad to see this decline in the show.

One of the most ridiculous comments I've seen on here for a long time. If you don't like it, don't bloo*y go!

[James Cutting]

Exactly!

[Knife 04]

the sort of flying display that sends you to the beer tent

Or a convenient loo break Jim (as Paddy would refer to the Grasshoppers back in the day!)

[turmo]

One of the most ridiculous comments I've seen on here for a long time. If you don't like it, don't bloo*y go!

Well if that rule was enforced then the FRIAT enclosure would be pretty empty.

Adding the Blades and hyping it as an amazing first visit to the show is a real eye-roller. It's just a filler act, which will be completely lost at Fairford; I've seen them enough times in smaller venues to realise that.

Frankly I have my suspicions that the only reason they were even considered is because they are ex-Reds and chummy with DBH. What about the Ravens or Wildcats, huh? Not chummy enough on the old boy's network?

[MRTT]

I was referring to the show in general, not the addition of the Blades which for the record, don't interest me in the slightest.

What hacks me off is the "Declining show" comments, which have obviously no basis whatsoever.

[james baker]

If you have an interest in light aircraft and displays by private aerobatic aircraft thats fine there must be many clubs and airfields around the country who can accommodate
RIATs history and the military and specialised aircraft it managed to attract made it very special and maybe the top show in Europe I know after attending for 30 years.

With the demise of military assets and the airshows that took place all over the UK at military establishments RIAT is the last outpost to demonstrate and show on a large scale airframes that would normally not be on public display and that sets it apart .Will I attend RIAT yes but only because I hope for better things than the Blades !.

I have been in the stand with folks from all over the world who at great cost and effort attended and I do not think that a private commercial display team of this type will engender the same level of interest home or abroad .

[Adam Palmer]

Its only February not like the show is next week, need to give it time sure will be a great show as always.

[turmo]

What hacks me off is the "Declining show" comments, which have obviously no basis whatsoever.

Of course it has a basis. We'll again never see 40 C-130s lined-up tip to tip, or an SR-71 low pass, or a Tu-95 making us feel ill with the prop noise. But we have to make do with the shadow of what used to be because that's today's reality. Doesn't mean we can't be sad about that.

[luke28]

One of the most ridiculous comments I've seen on here for a long time. If you don't like it, don't bloo*y go!

Adding the Blades and hyping it as an amazing first visit to the show is a real eye-roller. It's just a filler act, which will be completely lost at Fairford; I've seen them enough times in smaller venues to realise that.

Thats PR for you, one for the families and hyped up, and judging by the reaction on social media its worked. They're not for me at all but the reaction is predominantly positive so the OTT hype has worked.

[James Cutting]

[Campbell89]

To be fair, the Blades aren’t a bad display. Definitely one of the best I’ve seen at the smaller displays when you discount the Reds and the Typhoon etc. Albeit this year will be my first visit to RIAT.

[Alfie]

If the moaners checked out the Blades web site they would see "The RAF Benevolent Fund has been chosen as The Blades’ 2018 beneficiary partner" as the site hasn't been updated yet, it may while be the same for 2019. With that in mind they deserve their place at RIAT. As one of the main aims of RIAT is to raise funds for RAF charities, why not welcome teams that do the same.