Royal International Air Tattoo 2018 Discussion Thread

[Blue Diamond]

I'm not sure you can compare The older IAT/RIAT with the present day. I started going to the IAT at Greenham and went to the first ones at Fairford, also if I'm not mistaken one at Boscombe Down. In those long ago days more money was being spent on defence, most of the Air Forces around the world were flying different types of aircraft so there was quite a mixture of types on show and flying and of course the USA were happy to display. Returning to modern times most of the modern front line planes are either F16, F18, or Typhoons so you are bound to get duplications and of course every government has pulled in it's purse strings. I went yesterday had a very good day and will probably return next year, just happy to go to an airshow of such good quality. It is no good looking back to previous shows, or perhaps we all should audition for the next series of Grumpy Old Men if it were to return.

IAT visited Boscombe Down in both 1990 and 1992.

[Blue Diamond]

Attended from Thursday to Sunday and enjoyed the lot. Some excellent flying by all concerned and I disagree with the poster(s) who thought that the Reds were pants. Some acts were a tad distant at times but on these occasions I’m happy to down tools and just watch. Would be nice to return to the (R)IATs of old but we live in different times and I’m just happy we can still enjoy shows on the scale of RIAT.

[keithholden]

Wednesday to Monday. No complaints from me.
Rain on Friday was a pain. But that’s life.

[Phantom fanatic]

Think one of the reasons people compare it unfavourably to the 80s and 90s, in those days it was for the aviation enthusiast with organisers pushing for unusual aircraft, this ideology has drastically changed over the last 15 years and it is now a money making circus with some decent aircraft.

[James Cutting]

I do see where you are coming from - but isn’t every event that? Duxford, Cosford, Formula 1, football? It’s all the same!

[Alfie]

If the people on here are complaining about the aircraft being to high and to far away, I suggest they visit Weston Air Festival. I'm sure next year I would be better off viewing from the Welsh side of the Bristol Channel. Only got one complaint about this year's RIAT which was trying to get in on the Blue Route on Sunday morning. Now looking forward to next year.

[plmc135]

So do you complain to all those events about comparing the past with the present?

At one time IAT's only occurred every two years, maybe the time has come to revert to that formula. The appetite was whetted even more with a two year gap and the current constant repetition of the same aircraft types may not seem so unbearable and the cost so high.

The price of the check list I still have for the 1977 IAT at Greenham was 10 pence, I dread to think what the rip off was this last weekend.

[James Cutting]

The price would naturally raises - can’t really complain about that! That is 41 years ago, when things were cheap but they aren’t now. Thats just how it is.

[James Cutting]

It’s simple really for the complainers. Don’t like it, don’t do it again simple really!

[TREBAX_RAVEN]

I found RIAT extremely enjoyable, went there on the Friday and Saturday. The noise, planes, and aircraft that you dont see very often such as the su-27 were all awesome. don't really see how anyone can complain!
At least the reds didn't cock up like the french display team did!

[James Cutting]

See what you are saying jem60 and agree to some extents - fair points!

[rh226]

The price of the check list I still have for the 1977 IAT at Greenham was 10 pence, I dread to think what the rip off was this last weekend.

If I recall correctly, the checklists at that time were produced privately by BARG and not by the Air Tattoo organisation. Of course they were correspondingly cheaper.


Alfie, I must have been very lucky as the police diverted me back down the A419 and onto the alternative Blue route, so I sailed straight through and only encountered queues upon rejoining the main Blue route just short of Kempsford. The home to Blue car park trip only took me 15 min longer than when I go to Marston Meysey for the B-1s/B-52s (when present).

[Thunder]

The price would naturally raises - can’t really complain about that! That is 41 years ago, when things were cheap but they aren’t now. Thats just how it is.

Would be interesting to know how todays prices compare with say 35 yrs ago taking into account the average wage of then and now and rise in the cost of living/inflation etc......

[PeteHemsley]

Well for me RIAT was outstanding. The only comparing I did the whole weekend was which pilot flew the better routine. Yes, we did have a couple of each aircraft flying, but their displays completely different. It's great to see how the pilots choose to display their aircraft.

The weather was an absolute blessing. Watching these mighty fine aircraft being thrown around under skies of blue was just pure enjoyment. The rain shower on Friday was also a blessing for those feeling the heat, not to mention the conditions the added moisture presented.

One of the best RIATS I've ever attended. However, we are British and we do like a moan so you'll always see it on the forums. For those who enjoyed, remember the days. For those who complain .......well. You've only got another year to start your new RIAT complaints.

[falconfighting]

Really enjoyed this years efforts - can't complain at all.

Only gripe I have are the 2 UK 'Spotters' that thought they had the right to run down the Fire Access route at crowd centre to get themselves airside every time one of the stars of the show was taking off/landing. At least I can put their mugshots on 'Spotter Spotting' to shame them - keep your eyes peeled

[slogen51]

I must admit I only went to Monday's park and view - £20 and worth every penny

I don't get the comments about lack of variety - I counted at least 60 different types before i gave up

I remember RIATs from the past when you may have had more numbers but there were an awful lot of similar types such as rows of European F-16s etc

As a spotter I still made about 35 so not complaining at all.

Hope I will still be around for the 2030 event with rows of European F-35s and I will be saying I remember the good old days of Typhoons etc but the B-52H is a good one!

[GaryS]

Had to giggle at the a holes who thought it was their right to have clear,unobstructed shots.shouting at people to get out of the way.
Had it at Yeovilton the previous week too.my missus told him to get lost,though not quite so politely...

[Nighthawke]

Good for her Who do these obnoxious anti-social idiots think they are?

[nescafe37]

Had to giggle at the a holes who thought it was their right to have clear,unobstructed shots.shouting at people to get out of the way.
Had it at Yeovilton the previous week too.my missus told him to get lost,though not quite so politely...

Well the idiots who decided to squeeze their way in front of me and the wife didnt stand there long..Just damn rude.. When i wanted to take photos i would get up and stand behind my seat so not to obstruct peoples view on up the line...

[EF-111]

There were a few I wanted unobstructed pictures of on Friday, so I waited until just before closing time. By then all the tables with merchandise had been packed away again too The added bonus was catching the Aussie arrive, and then finding the on-base green car park almost deserted

steve