Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 General Discussion Thread

[DGSP69]

Quick question guy's, I'm attending Thursday's Park and View for the first time with my dad in his 70's. What sort of distance is the walk between the parking and where you view the arrivals? Is it similar to show days or not as far? Just trying to work out if we should buy one of those trolleys that a lot of people had last year to ease the load of carting everything from the car. Thanks in advance. Hope everyone has a great few days.

Dave

[C24]

There were a couple of electric carts for oldies last time I visited. As you drive in, ask one of the officials for help before parking.

Also, try emailing Wendy for advice

Have a nice day

[James Cutting]

Electric scooters are only available on show days not park and view.

DGSP69 - I would say at West End you do park quite close to the entrance and grassed area (can't comment on East never been). I would advise getting there close to open time so you can park closer to the front. Above all, enjoy!

[Del]

I seem to think last year at P&V east they parked us on a hardstanding about 1/4 mile away, wheras previously we parked on grass about 100 yards away from the entrance. I think a trolley is probably a good idea.

[Doughnut]

If you have a blue badge ask to be parked near the front. If you dont just ask if you can drive to front drop off your dad (and the bags) park the car and walk back. Dont remember there being much parking control last year at West P&V

[mudhen15]

Have never seen any parking control at P&V West. If you do have a blue badge displayed, I don't think anyone would mind you parking close to the entrance, even if you arrive a bit later. To be honest, even if you don't have a blue badge, there is a large parking area, and I would hope no-one would mind you parking closer.

[The Star of Woo]

I'm blue badged and have to walk with a rollator (zimmer frame on wheels with seat). Have been to P+V West on fly in days (Weds and Thurs) for several years. There has never been any problem parking, though we do arrive at crack of dawn. What we do, once parked up is I walk with my rollator tp the entrance booth and sit there. My hubby loads our trolley with chairs, freezer box, all the stuff we need and joins the end of the queue (which builds very, very quickly). I explain to those at the very front of the queue that I am not 'pushing in' so as not to get their backs up, that I am in fact waiting there until joined by my hubby who is further back the queue and will be going in with him, I'm not able to walk to the end of queue and also walk much distance once inside the entrance, so this is how we have to manage fky-in days. I hope this helps, and yes, you most certainly will benefit from having a trolley.

[DGSP69]

Thanks for all the information everyone. We will definitely invest in a trolley to help bring all of our necessities from the car. Here is to a great RIAT 2023!

[reaper493]

Big Italian Update

Today we have a special aircraft update, dedicated to the Italian Air Force, who will be sending a huge array of aircraft to RIAT 2023 to celebrate their 100th Anniversary!
In the air, RIAT visitors will be treated to four flying displays from the Italian Air Force! We welcome the return of the Reparto Sperimentale Volo with their impressive solo displays of the F-2000A, T-346A, C-27J (which last year won the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy). All the aircraft from RSV have been adorned with specially painted tails for their centenary display year which we will see at Fairford. In addition, a special addition for their centenary year, we will also see a search and rescue demonstration from their HH-139B helicopter.
On the ground, visitors to RIAT 2023 will be able to enjoy viewing a myriad of Italian Air Force aircraft types. A highlight will be the participation of a pair of U-208A aircraft, wearing a spectacular special scheme to celebrate the centenary. The list includes special mission aircraft such as their Airborne Early Warning Gulfstream and P-72A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, combat helicopters such as the HH-212A & HH-101A, C-27J transport aircraft and a pair of Tornados. Finally, we thought RIAT 2022 would be our last chance to see AMX jets at Fairford, so we're extremely excited to see a pair of them again this summer! Grazie!
Finally, as part of our SKYTANKER23 theme, we're pleased to see both their KC-767A and KC-130J tankers represented in the RIAT 2023 static displays too.

As previously advertised, these modern day Italian Air Force aircraft will be collocated with historic Italian Air Force in a special exhibition area. This ITAF100 display will be on near the centre of the showground, on the edge of the Blue & Green Zones. Friday visitors will be able to see some, but not all, of the aircraft. But visitors on Saturday & Sunday will be able to enjoy the full ITAF100 area which is not to be missed. We are thankful to our sponsor, Eurofighter, for their support of RIAT 2023 allowing us to bring you so many interesting Italian Air Force aircraft together for your enjoyment.

Viva l'Italia!

ITALY - ITALIAN AIR FORCE
Agusta-Bell HH-212A 9° Stormo ITAF 100TH Static NEW
AMX A-11A Ghibli (x2) 51° Stormo ITAF 100TH Static NEW
Boeing KC-767A 14° Stormo SKYTANKER Static NEW
Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon 311° Gruppo Volo ITAF 100TH Flying NEW
Gulfstream G550 CAEW 14° Stormo ITAF 100TH Static NEW
Leonardo C-27J Spartan 311° Gruppo Volo ITAF 100TH Flying NEW
Leonardo C-27J Spartan 46ª Brigata Aerea ITAF 100TH Static NEW
Leonardo HH-101A Caesar 9° Stormo ITAF 100TH Static NEW
Leonardo HH-139B 15° Stormo ITAF 100TH Flying NEW
Leonardo P-72A 41° Stormo ITAF 100TH Static NEW
Leonardo T-346A Master 311° Gruppo Volo ITAF 100TH Flying NEW
Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 46ª Brigata Aerea SKYTANKER Static NEW
Panavia A-200A Tornado (x2) 6° Stormo ITAF 100TH Static NEW
Piaggio P.180 Avanti 311° Gruppo Volo ITAF 100TH Support NEW
SIAI-Marchetti U-208A (x2) 60° Stormo ITAF 100TH Static NEW

[James Cutting]

WOW! That's an incredible update!! AMX jets too

[KevinJ]

That's impressive!

[James Cutting]

Wonder if we will see the yellow schemed AMX?

Edit; It's with a different squadron to the one listed on RIAT site, but who knows! Tornados

[Gary]

Now that’s an impressive contribution from the Italians. Great surprise update too

[Discodaz]

fantastic update .this year is set to be one of the best in many a year.really can't wait now.

Daz

[jasonT1981]

Absolutely incredible support from Italy. Fantastic update.

[Snoop55]

Stunning update and a Gulfstream G550 CAEW - WOW!

[Kurnass]

Not one but two S208… when did they visit the UK for the last time…. These are some rare planes!
(All the others are great too)

[Kurnass]

Wonder if we will see the yellow schemed AMX?

Edit; It's with a different squadron to the one listed on RIAT site, but who knows! Tornados

There’s only one AMX squadron left, and only 6-8 left in service. So the chance they send the special colored one is there…

[James Cutting]

Ah okay, thank you! So fingers crossed

[Rob666]

Thanks for the Italians bringing over such a large number of frames for those not lucky enough to attend the celebrations in Italy, very much appreciated.