Leuchars Air Show 2011

[SkyPirate76]

I agree with Michael, the turn-out did not differ drastically from the advertised list , so I don't see why anyone is surprised at what was on offer!

i have an elated 4 year old who was attending his 2nd leuchars airshow and yet again had a fantastic time! That means it was a very successful day for me!

[Gary]

What really got to me was that there was only 1 GR 4 on static which is pretty poor in my book.

I'm sorry but i have to disagree with that comment. With the current on going deployments, i think we were lucky to get one static and the role demo not just Leuchars but any airshow where the tornado was present.

Two of the five frontline squadrons are deployed (No.31Sqn to Op Herrick and No.IX(B)Sqn to Op Ellamy) That means around 26 jets out of the country. Plus at least 6 now who seems to be on a constant strike mission rotation. Doesn't sound much in total but when you factor in how many going through depth. It means very few for normal training let alone airshows. Another squadron just back from leave? Post Op Ellamy (No.II(AC)Sqn) You can soon why they possibly only sent one jet.

Big well done to everyone involved with the tornado force Two big deployments and still manage to put on the role demo

On a related subject, who's operating the million hours jet? I saw a No.XV(R)Sqn crew near the jet but i also saw No.617Sqn aircrew walking about.

[DJS]

Evening,
I am aware that it was well into the show before a serving RAF pilot actually flew an RAF airframe. That discounts the landing 125 & the Red Arrows deploying in, to perform later on. That reflects the desperate state the political bean counters have allowed our forces to regress to. If you want to ponder how many of the "civilian" acts featured early in the programme were actually flown by ex service crew, the existing cadre of military aircrew to feed this alternate pool of displays is shrinking rapidly.
I saw the airshow against that background & am glad there was a show- not to past standards but a show none the less.
Now I must start saving for my entry fee for a Premier League Football game & that lasts 90 minutes.

[clarke]

i feel it was by a long shot , its the worst airshow there to date... a total lack of aircraft and imagination, there was more civil aircraft there for the rich few, why did they stick 2 f16,s away at the other side of the airfeild,and the once proud static park was now a burger bar etc ,were was the E3,vc10,fa20,german,danish,etc etc , its only the 100th anaversary,of the airfeid estblished 1911.......... that wasnt even mentioned, i have been going to this airshow since 1963 and never once complained , what about the petition to reverse closure?, not only am i considering never going back , but chucking the hobby, airshows are not just for general public, but for everyone,i am sorry if i have deflated anybody but thi IS opnion
dave-c

[PeteHemsley]

In answer to your question about parking the Dutch f16s on the other side of the airfield.

The aircraft were kept in a 'live' state with flares on board.

[Jonay]

Another thing that I forgot to mention.

What about TeamMerlin & The Black Cats?

Very dissapointed to see very little Helo action at the show being such a big rotary fan.

I know the Merlin is busy in the Sandpit - but if the Tonka's managed...

[clarke]

Hi
in reply to the dutch f16,s, again thats a first for leuchars, they always had a static frame
dave-c

[np1991]

Gary XV Sqn crews are flying the Million Hours jet

[Gary]

Thank's mate.

The Patrouille de France commentators comment about the team anniversary in 2013 sounds like some thing special

[roughcutter]

The irony for me was that the miniscule static collection was still unecesarily shoe-horned into small areas, when there was bags of space for them to displayed for decent pictures. Leuchars shows have always been a nightmare for photography!

[tomcat79uk]

I have heard next years show is set for September 15th.Although it all comes down to funds and weather or not the Goverment will fund a airshow next year.

[Unknown74]

Simples, refuse to fund the Government.