Royal International Air Tattoo 2013

[eagle1]

Many thanks Dunk & Gary. The Mach 2 package does sound really great value. With regards to the "Middle band seat in elevated grandstand" , is that good for photos or is there better places once your inside, like just getting near the front of the crowd line at either end of the runway ?

Thanks again guys for your help

Martin

[Gary]

Hi Martin

There is a area in front of the grandstand, where you can stand if you wish. They tried to stop people standing there in previous years unless they had a row X ticket. But it looked like they had a change of policy moving row X to one end and allowing people to stand the other..

I usually go on the front row (K) of the grandstand just because 1. I like the leg room . 2. I often go for walks around the static park so it's easier to get out

If check the RIAT official photo stream on Flickr I believe they had views of the grandstand etc http://www.flickr.com/photos/riatofficial/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[boff180]

I think you might also get access to the P&V area to on the Friday/Monday - but not 100% sure - I know you do as a Mach 3 holder.

Details here:

http://www.airtattooshop.com/shop/Airsh ... /MAC200100" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope this helps

Dunk

You don't, only the enclosure with Mach 2 on Friday and Monday. P&V access is Mach 3 only.

Andy

[eagle1]

Thanks for all the help Guys.
Is P & V, the static display ?. So with a MACH 2 you don't get to view the static line only when they open it to the general public on the Sat & Sun, is that right

Cheers

[Mike]

No, Park and View are the enclosures at each end of the runway for arrival and departure days.

[eagle1]

Many thanks Mike.
Would you say it is worth paying £19 extra for the P & V for the Monday departrues or would it be ok in FRIAT grandstand (for photos) on the Monday as I have purchased a MACH 2 ticket ?

Cheers

[Mike]

Many thanks Mike.
Would you say it is worth paying £19 extra for the P & V for the Monday departrues or would it be ok in FRIAT grandstand (for photos) on the Monday as I have purchased a MACH 2 ticket ?

Cheers

You're probably better in the grandstand on the Monday as the P & V can be a bit of a scrum to get the best positions, not to mention the pillocks taking fence-line positions whilst standing on step-ladders. Most of the grandstand has unobstructed views of the runway - and seating !

[Gary]

Martin

Depends which shots you want, if you want taxi shots and back end burner shots P&V is the place to be. If you want take off and rotation shots FRIAT is the place. Check out Boff180 shots there's a mixer of P&V and FRIAT viewtopic.php?f=19&t=62519" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[eagle1]

Thanks again Mike & Gary for your advice
I will stick with the FRIAT stand, as better to get some "non head in way shots" !!!

[Gary]

Iraq and Canada listed as "Ongoing" at the start of today update

Despite the well-publicised, ongoing fiscal challenges being faced by the US administration, we have recently received some positive updates from our friends across the Atlantic:

We received an encouraging letter this week from the USAF's Air Education and Training Command stating that consideration was being given to our invitation to attend RIAT 2013. The letter said: "We will inform you as soon as possible which aircraft are able to support".

Like many of our regular visitors, the Air Tattoo would dearly like to see a USAF Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft once again grace the static line-up at the airshow. Like the B-2, the U-2 is one of the USAF's iconic aircraft due, in part, to its unique capabilities and the aura surrounding its role and place in aviation history. We wish to let you know that we are in good communication with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB. If and when authority is given to permit a Dragon Lady to attend the Air Tattoo, you will be the first to know.

We have been contacted by the US Navy's VQ-4 Squadron based at Tinker AFB to say they would be very interested in bringing an E-6B Mercury to RAF Fairford in July. The E-6B is the airborne portion of the TACAMO (Take Charge And Move Out) Communications System, serving as command links to the fleet ballistic missile submarine force and providing survivable communication links between the National Command Authority (NCA) and Strategic Forces. As with all potential participating US military assets, we will now have to wait to see if approval is given.

In response to our invitation, we have received a brief email from the Iraqi Air Force (IQAF) requesting more information about the Air Tattoo, which we will happily provide.

A Transport and Rescue Squadron from the Royal Canadian Air Force has contacted us with the following message: "We are keenly interested in participating as it represents a very unique opportunity not only to attend the event and meet a broad spectrum of aviation professionals but an excellent training opportunity simply in getting there!" Now that's the spirit. The approval process is currently underway and we very much hope the result will be positive.

Congratulations to Phil Bird, the RAF's solo Hawk display pilot for 2012, who was recently promoted to Squadron Leader. He also received a Deputy Commanders' Commendation for Meritorious Service, which was awarded in conjunction with the New Year Honours List 2013.
Sqn Ldr Bird, who comes from Fairford, not only performed an excellent display of the Diamond Jubilee themed BAE Systems' Hawk but also flew Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood to the airshow's media launch last year.

We are also grateful to him for helping in many other ways to promote his 'home' airshow! Sqn Ldr Bird is currently deployed in the Falkland Islands where he is responsible for the day-to-day running of all aircraft operations in theatre. He said the job is very challenging especially given the weather and the 8,500 miles distance from home.

He said: "It's enjoyable but I am very much looking forward to returning to the UK at the end of the year to fly the Typhoon. Looking back on the 2012 display season, the Air Tattoo was undoubtedly the absolute highlight of the season for me. The crowds were fantastic and provided a great atmosphere in which to display and I'm sure that RIAT 2013 will be even bigger and better."

[Gary]

update 31/01/2013

The update has started

Colombia Confirmed

[airtyphoon]

Update Has Confirmed the First Aircraft in Attendance.

Boeing KC-767 200ER MMTT 'Jupiter' - Fuerza Aérea Colombiana (FAC) - 811 Transport Squadron - STATIC

Following on from their colourful and hugely popular European airshow debut at last summer's Air Tattoo, The Colombian Air Force plan to return in July with a modified Boeing KC-767 200ER.

The large aircraft was converted to a new multi-mission/tanker transport (MMTT) in June, 2010 and is capable of performing in-flight refuelling for the Colombians' upgraded Kfir C10 fighters. It will come from 811 Transport Squadron based in the country's capital, Bogota.

According to Israel Aerospace Industries, which carried out the modifications, the aircraft can carry a maximum fuel load of up to 200,000lbs and is able to support 13 Lockheed Martin F-16s on a mission with a range of 1,850km.

We received an encouraging letter this week from the US Navy stating that consideration would be given to sending aircraft to our 'auspicious event' should any be available.

A senior member of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) has said that for operational reasons, it is unable to attend this summer's Air Tattoo. However, in signing off, he said: "I look forward to the next opportunity where Japan and the United Kingdom can collaborate in bringing stability to the global security environment. The JMSDF is a separate air arm to the Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF), who made history at the Air Tattoo by sending its first ever operational aircraft (a KC-767J) to a foreign airshow.

airtyphoon

[Gary]

Update 07/02/2013

Brazil SQUADRON TYPE
Brazilian Air Force
Embraer R-99 2 Sqn of the 6th Aviation Group Airborne Early Warning Control
Lockheed Martin KC-130H 1st Transport Group Tanker



The US Coast Guard has written to say that whilst the high tempo and unpredictability of Coast Guard operations meant it was unable to commit to attending the Air Tattoo at this stage, efforts are being made "to determine the feasibility of a US Coast Guard aircraft taking part" in the airshow in July

The Slovak Air Force has written to say that it is unable to attend this summer's Air Tattoo. However, we remain hopeful that our good friends in Slovakia will participate in the airshow before too long.

[airtyphoon]

Very good Update.

airtyphoon

[Dunk]

Nice additions, was hoping we might see the Smoke Squadron back, would love to see their full routine.

Dunk

[Gary]

Spain have declined No last chance to see the Spanish Mirage F1 then

[Blackcat1]

No Spanish Harriers either??

[Gary]

Well that update turned out to be a damp squib On Facebook etc they seemed to imply something special. Don't get me wrong it's good they have the Vulcan possibly for the last time but was hoping for something more, after the Colombians and Brazilians in recent weeks

[seven]

Spain have declined No last chance to see the Spanish Mirage F1 then

Dont forget this means an invited squadron has declined, not the nation itself. You should find next week Spain returning to the invited nations list.

7

[antal]

Spain have declined No last chance to see the Spanish Mirage F1 then

Dont forget this means an invited squadron has declined, not the nation itself. You should find next week Spain returning to the invited nations list.

7

Isn't that the other way around. The country declined not the invited individual squadrons?

Antal