riat volunteering

[vulcan222]

hello all. i am planning to volunteer at next year's Riat, but does anyone know when volunteer slots become available?

[RJ79]

Drop them an e-mail now and get yourself on any waiting list and then someone will be in touch in the new year (I would have thought)

[Vixen1]

It's usually Jan/Feb.

[PC4]

Volunteer job's normally appear on the web site, is there any perticular role you were thinking of.

[vulcan222]

planning on being part of the aircrew reception

[blackbird60]

You have to start from the bottom,and work your way up for that position.

[Northsky]

How about the person with the Big Orange Hands.

[vulcan222]

How about the person with the Big Orange Hands.
whats that?

[tm74sqn]

Mister Blobby!

[roughcutter]

Bin bag patrol with the cadets

[Thor]

How about the person with the Big Orange Hands.

If you're meaning the 'Air Tattoo Crew' that walk amongst the crowd helping the public, that's probably the most accessible volunteer role as it doesn't require any specialist skills apart from walking, being friendly and helpful. It's a good introductory role as it gives familiarity with the show's operations, and contact with other more specialist teams. Other teams require specific skillsets/certifications, such as particular driving license categories, formal training and current experience in aircraft handling (my team are occasionally photographed wearing big orange hands on departure day..), formal training and current experience in air traffic control, etc. and have longer 'minimum commitment' of attendance - I'm on the airfield from the Sunday before the show until the afternoon of the Tuesday afterwards. Most of these specialist teams are the 'sexy' jobs that enthusiasts aspire to, but without the certs, skills & experience required, they tend to be unavailable to general applicants so don't be disappointed if you're offered a role with another team. All of the roles contribute towards the show happening and making it a good weekend for visitors. It isn't unusual for volunteers to change teams over the years too, so you're not necessarily going to be restricted to the team you start in.

[C24]

Car parking with CCF cadets was great fun here during 2000 & 2001. Met some very grumpy drivers

I would offer yourself for anything and enjoy the experience of being a volunteer.

[Professor_M]

If volunteering at RIAT, do you get any time off over the show weekend to explore the show ground for yourself, or is it permanently a case of being very busy in your role?

[David Thompson]

This might be of interest ?
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 4865132741

[jpickers56]

If volunteering at RIAT, do you get any time off over the show weekend to explore the show ground for yourself, or is it permanently a case of being very busy in your role?

During the nineties I was a member of the Territorial Army as a chef, I twice attended Fairford to assist as part of the catering team providing a service for aircrew and volunteers, up to 2500 in total. Hours were long and we were based at the Dormitory off Horcott Road opposite the main base. However did get time off to view the shows on both occasions and also managed to get a ride in a 'Follow Me' car on the Friday arrivals day for an hour. I recall other volunteers having much longer rest time than we got.

[Thor]

If volunteering at RIAT, do you get any time off over the show weekend to explore the show ground for yourself, or is it permanently a case of being very busy in your role?

It depends on your role - most teams are large enough to allow some time off each show day, and depending on your commitment duration you may be allocated a full show day off. I believe the Air Tattoo Crew get a few hours off each show day, not sure how the Merch team work theirs. In our area the handlers split manning so that they get either a half or full day off, but ops roles and mine generally only get a couple of hours off on an ad-hoc basis.

[fatherfaff]

I think volunteers have the same legal rights as employees to work time breaks etc and hopefully RIAT operates legally!

[Thor]

I think volunteers have the same legal rights as employees to work time breaks etc and hopefully RIAT operates legally!

Legally required breaks are adhered to, I'm talking about longer periods away from role (half a day, a full day, etc.) to watch the show.

[POL]

So 20 minutes after a 6 hour shift? That should get you round the static in no time.

[Thor]

So 20 minutes after a 6 hour shift? That should get you round the static in no time.

Guessing you're not a volunteer? Volunteering is all about 'what can I bring / put in to make the show a success?' rather than 'what's in it for me?'. I'm a photographer by hobby, but volunteer in a role with full access anywhere on the airfield, and I'm on the airfield all the way through arrivals, the show and departures. Apart from the odd shot, the earliest my camera usually comes out is after the show on a Sunday evening once the work's done and the show's over. My role in making the show happen and my duty to my team during my scheduled work hours comes above my own wants. You have to be able to make that prioritisation, otherwise it's best to stick to being a punter.