RIAT in decline.

[Mayfly]

Hi all,

New to this site so throwing out some ideas and thoughts.

I am sure thier are plenty of financial and economic reasons why RIAT is becoming poorer and poor every year I go but this year was barely saved for me were it not for the Vulcan and F22.

I remember a year when my Father and Uncle managed to Blag the Russian aircrew of a Tu-95 Bear at Fairford to walk us around her without security knowing. I remember being shocked that I could move one of the huge prop blades with one finger!.

Its that sort of experience you can't buy but if the Aircraft are not around it can't happen.

This years was starved of International involvement and the Airshow suffered for it. I am wondering if this once great airshow will ever regain its status as the "biggest airshow in europe" because yesterday it seemed a little thin.

I have a feeling Farnborough will be bigger and that never was the case in the past.

Ticket prices have not changed either and the cost does not bother me really but I keep feeling like I was short changed?

Also, whats with all the perfume retailers this year? had no idea there was a market for it at airshows?

Anyone else go yesterday? feel free to share your thoughts on it.

[Spitfire]

Didn't go to RIAT myself this year but an interesting first post
You'll see from the many other RIAT threads that loads of people went

We'll see what answers you get when everyone who went has settled back in and had a chance to see your comments.

Perhaps give us a little info about yourself in this thread ... we tend to be very relaxed here and you are very welcome to Iconic - enjoy

[Xplumberlives]

Sundays show was thinner than Saturdays, but overall I am very loath to part with £37+ for about 6 items I want to see! Rumours abound around the show, while I was there from Wednesday to Sunday night I heard that the RIAT is financially in trouble! I wonder if there is any truth and that the show in it's current format is in trouble?

I have long felt that the RIAT formula should be split into two halves and held a month apart, put one at what was RAF Finningley and let the northerners have an airshow of their own!

[Flybywyre7875]

I have been asked to supply some details about myself so I suppose here it is:

I'm one of those lucky blokes that had a Dad who was an Aircraft nut and really inspired me to get into them as well

I go crazy for Russian aircraft. I think its the old Coldwar mystery that inspires it, stuff like using broom handles to improvise for canope lever handles and such. The West would freak out about the sight of a Mig 29 and the stuff inside them was not that sinister, just a great understanding of how to building a good airframe.

As I understand they do a cracking Airshow in Monino just outside Moscow, I think I would have a field day if I went somewhere like that no question about it.

[Fifties Fanatic]

I used to go RIAT a few years ago and soon after it moved to Greenham Common. The breadth of participants got better and better over the years and then the Eastern Europeans arrived to add the icing to the cake.

I suppose there is less cash around most Defence budgets these days and less justification for attending a "fun" show as opposed to a trade show.

I stick to Duxford, Biggin and Old Warden these days and perhaps Southend. I think the flying, with the odd exception, is less adventurous - bring back the Hannas - and I enjoy a good close look at the statics as much as the flying.

[Mayfly]

Hello FBW Welcome to IA - the most friendliest forum around!!

I've just got back from RIAT & totally agree it was thin both from the air display & static at least on Sunday - tho' I was willing to admit perhaps I am a little biased!! however it appears I'm not the only one to think that.....

Must confess to only going to see F22 & wonder if that too on Sunday was a little a thin compared to Fridays & Saturdays display - XP?

Not sure I shall be going again!!

[Lucas1860]

Having always attended the airshows in the Uk, to support our lads and lasses, I have to say that they are in decline. It may be that the war effort is keeping things at bay. I stayed at the campsite, to be honest I would have been better staying there the whole weekend to watch the display. £37 is a lot of money, coupled with £9 for a show guide, a tad expensive for what was there. I did Saturday and got my money's worth. I watched Sunday from the site. At 1pm I left. It never got started. Most on the campsite were uttering dismay at the event and its content. The static display was pityful. Last year I went to the tiger meet and sanicole airshow. It cost me 35 euros. That included entrance to both shows on different days, also it allowed you to go to the practise day for the sanicole show the day before. I do think it will be my last in-show visit.

[SnailRFC]

A few things I noticed this year:

1 - A distinct lack of Static aircraft at the show. It seems long gone are the days where armed police stand around and guard the static Stealth fighter or when you need a day to watch flying and a day to do static and stalls.
2 - Perfume stalls - Why???
3 - No static F22 which was a disappointment
4 - A mobile amusements/arcade set-up??
5 - Noisy fairground disruptive of the sound system at times at the west end of the airfield
6 - A meerkat stall??? really?? Meerkats?????
7 - No Scanner/Radio sellers. Was hoping to seek advice on mine, friend was also hoping to buy.
8 - Just a lot of old Tat for sale as opposed to real interesting clothing/books/dvd's/badges etc

I'll still go and still continue to support our guys and girls, purely because I am happy to sit and watch flying aircraft for 8-9 hours, but I would spend more money there and probably buy tickets for both days if they put on enough to make it worthwhile doing so.

[Mayfly]

I have heard that they have been effected by Farnborough which of course starts today. has it had the same effect other years?
RIAT once had a a very strict rule that all stalls must be aviation orientated but if they don't get enough interest then I suppose they will take other options.

[Lucas1860]

I did think that the ME109 would have made a bit of a display, similar to Waddo. Never mind. Will have to visit a german airshow and see how its done there.

[Jigsaw]

The show stinks, hence the perfume stalls

[SnailRFC]

I didn't use any of the chemical sweatboxes, but each urinal and toilet block I visited was clean and "user friendly"

[Mayfly]

Well opinions vary on here to FC they seem to think it was the best RIAT for years! -

I know we suffered yesterday because of the weather which can't be helped - but still think the commercial side & the static wasn't as good as previous.

[Xplumberlives]

Well opinions vary on here to FC they seem to think it was the best RIAT for years! -

I know we suffered yesterday because of the weather which can't be helped - but still think the commercial side & the static wasn't as good as previous.

Very simple, either those on FC are very easily pleased, or have never been to a good Air Tattoo!!!!

[Mayfly]

that's a possibility!!

[SnailRFC]

Well opinions vary on here to FC they seem to think it was the best RIAT for years! -

I know we suffered yesterday because of the weather which can't be helped - but still think the commercial side & the static wasn't as good as previous.

FC?

Personally, I've noticed a rapid decline from 2006-Date compared to when I've been in previous years in the late 90's and early 00's.

[Mayfly]

FC = Fighter Control forum - good for info on what's due to appear at RAF bases & if you're into it serial numbers of A/C that have flown

[Stigish]

I certainly understand the comments regarding the lack of static a/c and the reams of perfume sellers. Last years static display was far better. The fact that so many people were walking around with the so called 'brand new exclusive prada perfume' MY ARSE, was some what a suprise to me. All those idiots are about every 1/2 mile at Bournemouth too . Anyone stupid enough to buy that crap needs their head read.

I was satisfied with the Flying display on the Saturday, although I was a bit gutted the KC-135 went tech and wasn't able to do the in air refuelling demo with the C-17.

I'll only be buying tickets for next years if I can get them discounted from the CSMA again. I can't afford more than £30 a ticket anymore if I can see the same level of aircraft for less. I'll definately do the camping thing next year though. I was in envy of all the people in the campsite I drove past on the way home, all having a beer and BBQ.

[RLN]

I only started going to RIAT in 2006, but this year something seemed lacking. Even last year when we got soaked seemed better. It felt as though something was missing this year. Maybe it's all the contraints on budgets, the war in Afghanistan etc., and I suppose RIAT now have to have anybody who will stump up the rent for a pitch, just as long as they don't allow the lucky number stalls that plague the likes of Truckfest. Don't get me wrong, the standard of flying was superb, but it just seemed like same old, same old. I managed to park on the airfield this year, right up at the front near the security, so that was a bonus.

[P.eames]

it has been on the decline for a number of years, along with most others. I certainly do not think it is worth the cost of travel, tickets etc.

[Mayfly]

There is a huge decline in available a/c - not just what isn't available because of operational reasons but because there isn't a great choice of types left. Those on the circuit are generally restricted to a certain number of events and with limited budgets & the cost of fuel it doesn't make life easy.



PS.... It has been reported that £23 Billion worth of trade took place at Farnborough yesterday!!!!

[Flybywyre7875]

There is a huge decline in available a/c - not just what isn't available because of operational reasons but because there isn't a great choice of types left. Those on the circuit are generally restricted to a certain number of events and with limited budgets & the cost of fuel it doesn't make life easy.



PS.... It has been reported that £23 Billion worth of trade took place at Farnborough yesterday!!!!

Do you know if the organisers of RIAT charge countries to appear at the airshow or are they invited to take part?

I understand what your saying about aircraft availability due to military commitments however I was not so upset with the Britsh or American contributions but more the rest of europe, particuley eastern block. Any reasons you can see for this?

Let me know your take.

[Mayfly]

Can't speak for RIAT specifically but usually countries are invited to take part - but they do charge for their appearances, & are given fuel - the crews are also accommodated, fed & watered.

It is on record that 558s operators for instance, charge around £8,000 - £10,000 for a display so a lot of the smaller venues just can't afford her, & that doesn't even cover the cost.

It could be a number of reasons there was a lack of Eastern Block countries appearing at RIAT.
Not asked - shortage of A/C - appearing elsewhere - or even RIAT decided to spent their budget on the BoB theme.....

[Flybywyre7875]

If I were the organisers I would bust a gut for next year to get the cream of the world there and save the event. Even if it requires a higher entry ticket(not a popular solution I know) this would be exceptable to me if I would get the experiences I once had.

A theory about the Perfume retailers..............I think RIAT came up with the idea of selling the excess fuel left over(in the form of supposed quality perfume) from so few aircraft displaying to recoup there losses

[SnailRFC]

I'm quite lucky with cost because my company have a very active Sports and Social Club of which I am on the board of directors, and every year we buy tickets to RIAT.

Standard policy for tickets is the employee pays 30% of the standard cost (up to £100) and the S+S club pick up the remaining 70%, so they can ramp the price up to £99 and I'd still go for just £30!!