Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 General Discussion Thread

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Just catching up on watching the rest of the show after work and is it just me or does the Osprey demo get worse each year? Grateful that it does any display but it seems to me to just get worse as the years go on.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Wow That spitting viper manoeuvre from the Belgian F-16 is awesome.

[Bobby 1211]

Just catching up on watching the rest of the show after work and is it just me or does the Osprey demo get worse each year? Grateful that it does any display but it seems to me to just get worse as the years go on.

I thought it was OK. It can't really do much more. A few fast passes, change into heli mode, do some spins and land, go back up and fly away

[Richard B]

I would suggest that the F.35 appeared 'Wobbly' compared to the Harrier, simply because the F.35 is fly-by-wire, therefore computer making constant inputs and corrections to turbulence, whereas the Harrier is manually controlled, and will only react to pilot inputs. Therefore, if said pilot chooses not to alter pitch or roll, it will remain steady!.

More the fact the Harrier is more aerodynamic then the brick of the F35.

[falcx]

Scrolled through the last pages, but might have missed this, did the Saudi Hawks leave on Saturday, and if so, where too?

[mjf22p]

When I was leaving the show ground at 7pm (Thanks to the chaos in the red car park on base), the Saudi Hawks were parked up opposite the reds, all bagged up for the night

[TH1213]

Silly question, do you need to print tickets/car passes or are they able to scan them from your phone?

Cheers

[wessexspotter]

Probably best to print the car park pass in case they're being checked (no evidence they were today), but phone is fine for your ticket

[Steven]

I always like to do my own Awards before the official RIAT awards and mine are taking shape already. I must say, as evidenced by this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDCPXNUvTls that the Belgian F-16 display might possibly be the best fast jet demo I've ever seen by any air arm or type. A big call, I know, but backed up by that video evidence I think I might be on to something!

If it doesn't win The King Hussein Memorial Sword or The Paul Bowen Trophy I will be very shocked!

[RichieHell]

Just to add my thoughts on entry. We arrived in the blue car park at around 7am. We didn't get in until 9am. Queue was incredibly slow, they were doing 100% bag checks.

Also, the queue went around the car park and then crossed the road, merging with queues from other fields. So people arriving later were getting in earlier

[raptor9]

Chuck Yeager said 'there are two types of pilots. Those that can fly, and those that can't.' F.16 pilot was most definitely in the former category!!. Excellent, and very different.

[reaper493]

I arrived at Red this morning just after 6. Joined a queue about 20 deep.

Another lane opened so now only 5 from front.

Queues are pretty hefty behind me now - people are stopped in the airport style back and forth waiting area.

7.19 - queues ar verrrrrry long now - feel for those folks that are just joining.

[Tally-ho]

Out of curiosity, I did some reading of the very early first posts on this thread, the following opinion with some prophetic premonition, posted 7 months ago on page 1 ...

It’s quite clear to me RIAT 2023 will be the biggest flop yet, no mention of aircraft themes or anything aviation related! All I constantly get bombarded with is how much we can rip you off with a £1000 a night glamping pod for the arrivals, how to spend an extra £500 on additional enclosures once I’ve paid my FRIAT pass.

The whole thing is turned into a joke & I will be avoiding this circus next year.

I can go to lakenheath or coningsby for free, pay to stay in centre parcs or tattersall lakes at a fraction of the cost & see some decent aircraft.

[James Cutting]

The car parking and entrances are an absolute joke this year. Luckily FRIAT has a dedicated queue so I'm not affected by queuing however I absolutely feel for the poor souls queuing.

I understand the reason for the 100% bag search is due to the results of the inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. However, they should have anticipated the backlog of queues, and next year they need to look at opening the entrance to the showground at the same time as opening car parks, 6am.

[RichieHell]

Fair play, blue car park a lot better organised today. Bag checks still making queue slow though

[James Cutting]

If that is the reason (I am speculating but heard a few mentions of it) then why don't RIAT announce that because I think a few more people would understand.

The lack of one way routes is odd, too.

[127.65]

Anyone have any experience of turning up at park and view east/west for Monday departures without a pre-booked ticket?
How many tickets do they keep back for ‘on the day’?
If arriving 0730 what are the chances of getting in?

[James Cutting]

I know on West in the past people have parked up and sat in the car park, as you will get the aircraft airborne as they're on 27. They do have some tickets but no idea on numbers. Your best bet is to get in as early as you can, and hopefully get tickets.

[Gary]

No queues at red or yellow today

[sneezy24]

I used the Swindon shuttle yesterday, parked in Swindon, had to take a rather circuitous route to get to the bus station because of the big hole in Swindon. The queue for the bus was long, but moved quite well.
Bus took about 40 mins, saw big queues as we approached the Yellow entrance, but it was all moving well and security were pragmatic, cheery and helpful.

I was dubious about the weather, but apart from the drenching around 1 o'clock (just after I had bought my (now wet!) chorizo wrap, it was OK.

Shame some displays cancelled, but what I saw was generally good.

Highlights for me where the Belgian F16, and the French Rafale - awesome roll-rate and a pilot that knows how to display it!

Coming back about 4:45, got straight on a bus, back to Swindon, then escaped (the Magic roundabout is a joke!)