Review of Day

[Grahame W]

Well, if you go to an air show expecting cheap prices and gourmet meals, you're always going to be disappointed! Do what I do, and take sandwiches. Apart from Flying Legends, this was the first large air show I've attended for a while, and I must admit I quite enjoyed it. The atrocious weather and technical issues are really outside anyone's control. I thought the Arrows did well to get a four ship display airborne, particularly given the conditions. I too noted the mass exodus of punters during their truncated display. All I can say is, they should've stuck it out. The weather improved, and they missed some good displays by the Belgian F-16, the Norwegian Vampires and the Typhoon. And the light was perfect for photographing the statics at the end of the flying display. I sailed out of the airfield at 4.30 with no trouble at all.

I reckon the show was well organised, apart from a hiccup when the on-base car park opened later than was printed on the ticket. I thought both the static display and flying programme showed good variety. It was worth the entrance fee alone for the Swedish historic types, and the HHA aircraft.

Will the Scampton show become a regular event? Probably not, but it would be a pity, because at the moment there is no major air show north of Cosford!

[MRTT]

According to a friend who was in attendance yesterday, the dates for next year are printed in the rear of the programme.

[David Thompson]

According to a friend who was in attendance yesterday, the dates for next year are printed in the rear of the programme.

The 8th and 9th of September 2018 .

[Unknown74]

RAF Scampton last held an Airshow in July 1991. I remember it well. If I remember rightly was A Support Aircraft for the Russian Knights on Static?

[Grahame W]

RAF Scampton last held an Airshow in July 1991. I remember it well. If I remember rightly was A Support Aircraft for the Russian Knights on Static?

You're quite right, I was there! It was July 19th, and the aircraft was An-72, serial 949.

Good news about next year. Serves me right for being a cheapskate, and not buying a programme!

[POL]

I also expect so see a better array of RAF aircraft at a RAF show.

Being as it wasn't an RAF show, I'm not sure why you would expect this?

[Nighthawke]

It wasn't an RAF show - as you already mentioned being told as such in your opening post. It was also put on for the general public (as are virtually all events). I did not attend (would have loved to) but having seen what was there, something for everyone and "Joe Public" mainly wants to see 'planes of some sort as do their kids.

I know you're not alone in being very precise in your wants/expectations but these days there is little excuse for going to a show and not knowing what is or isn't going to be there. I always find it odd that people know what will be there, pay a fortune to go and then complain about the content.

[POL]

Anyone can hire a military airfield for the right amount. We did it at Middle Wallop in April, also for charity!

So, sorry to say, your "for all intents and purposes it is" just doesn't ring true, you are sadly misinformed.

[page_verify]

From what I've heard and read, it sounds like a bit of reputation management for the RIAT/RAFCTE team was needed but overlooked. If the brand that hosts RIAT puts its name against another air show then punters quite rightly are going to expect a similar experience, whether that's quality of aircraft and flying display, ease of access to the airfield or overall value for money. Isn't RIAT/RAFCTE one of the world's leading air show companies?

[romeo bravo]

So does holding RIAT at RAF Fairford make it an RAF Air Show or American !

[Nighthawke]

Neither!

[jamesg23]

Ive got to say the static was terrible. Thank god the swedish lot turned up. I thought the displays were often to high and far away. I find it hard to understand why they decide to hold it in september, surely it should be in august when kids are of school and the weather may be better and i dont know hpw they can justify charging 40 quid.

[LecLightning56]

Correct me if I am wrong, but if you go back to the raw beginnings of Greenham Common, it probably started off as an enthusiast's event. Things have mushroomed since into major marketing and merchandising activities by the organisers, albeit for charitable causes. I did attend on Saturday and enjoyed the event but did note that not every toddler running around safely enjoying life was laden with camera gear and a log book! My point being that a wide range of interests have to be catered for. On the civilian front, bear in mind that all fast jet pilots start off in humble prop-driven aircraft and so if we are to inspire youth into achieving high goals aeronautically showing them how they would start their training is not such a bad thing. I note also on the civilian side that BA did display an A380 at Fairford a number of years ago. I too felt that the display lacked in current military hardware but let's hope and pray that in time, things will pick up and we may hopefully be blessed with better things as the show finds its feet internationally. I am loathe to think that enthusiasts alone could aspire to the organisational capabilities that have been demonstrated by the Scampton team. I too would like to have seen a more impressive air display and was disappointed by the lack of American support, other than Northrop as sponsors, but having gone through this exercise let us hope that criticisms have been taken note of and let us not lose sight of the fact that this is the only such show in the North and as such we should afford it as much support as possible. I for one am optimistic and look forward to being pleasantly surprised by what the future may bring.

[jamesg23]

I do hope it suceeds in the future as its on my doorstep but it needs a lower price and more aircraft and not so late in the season. 2 top displays have already finished for the season (chinock and apache) so why is the airshow so late in the year?

[britaylor]

Good luck for Scampton for holding an airshow years ago we had four BOB shows in this month and display aircraft did two shows in a day things are harder these days and more expensive to stage next year we have 100 years of RAF to look forward to and this show can only get better

[reaper493]

I went today, and went with an open mind, not letting the negative comments tarnish my view.

I thought it was great for a first show, the static was well laid out, none of my photos have a fun fair in the back ground and the stalls were far enough away to not cause an issue.

I was stood as show centre all day, got some great shots and views of the display, with very few people around, they all seemed to be watching from further south West towards the grand stand. Traffic in and out was fantastic.

I guess it does help onky living 20 mins away, but I think it was a very good job well done, that went very smoothly.

Looking forward to next year!!

[simon]

I know this is a military forum so expect a lot on here are only interested in the military hardware on show and have been spoilt rotten by RIAT, but...if you look at it PURELY from an aviation related point of view, the static was actually a very good mix.
The flying was also varied with something for everyone who isn't just after jet noise. (Go on, admit it, you EVEN took a shot of the autogyro didn't you!! )

I don't see how it wont be a success if the crowds, even given the weather, are anything to go by.
I cant really comment on the parking as I parked on-base and had absolutely no problem at all getting in and unfortunately had to depart early due to prior commitments.

Was it worth the money?...for me, yes, being an aviation "atheist" and not pigeon-holing myself. Would I have preferred it to be cheaper...of course!! I don't have a money tree in my back garden. (I would of paid for a checklist though Mr/Mrs Organiser...hint, hint)

Here's hoping that next year goes ahead and please, if you didn't go this year, give it a go folks next...lets keep an air-show in Bomber County.

Looking forward to seeing all your show pics on here.

Cheers
Simon

[PR9]

Would have needed a 2nd mortgage to take the planned 4 adults (two of them pensioners) and a 2 year old.
Arrivals on Friday was enjoyable, but as many commented not sure the lineup justified the ticket price (for the show).

If next year they drop the price I could however be tempted.

[Vulcanone]

Mortgages that cheap nowadays?

Dam I could buy me a whole estate.....

[airfixpilot]

Monday 11th September 2017.
WASHOUT...Made it to departure day at Scampton at 7.35, and yes it was raining. I guess that around 1000-2000 people present. What a shame it lashed it down, so after getting soaked to the skin made my way home.

Not Scamptons fault that the weather was nasty. But if the sun was out it would have been a great £5 spent. At least got a airshow polo shirt, which was reduced to £10, to change into .

Maybe next year the airshow prices may not be as high, and I might attend the main event. it was said that around 50,000+ (adult price and not including kids), people attended the shows so at £39.50 per ticket that's a hell of a amount money, and before charging the traders.
Talk about making money.