RIAT 2016

westdub

Well it's that time of year again , Tickets are bought and ferry booked for the trip in July.

This years show is on Fri the 8th, Sat 9th and Sun 10th of July and already officially confirmed for this years show is the F35 making it's European debut..

It also looks like this will be the final year at the show of the Patrouille Suisse with their F-5s...

andy_g

Very tempted to go as its been on my list for years. whats the local airport to fly into as cheapest accomadation in the area?

westdub

andy_g wrote: »

Very tempted to go as its been on my list for years. whats the local airport to fly into as cheapest accomadation in the area?

I believe the handiest way to fly would be into London and try and find somewhere near Swindon to stay, But usually all the places nearby put up their prices during the week of the show...

arubex

andy_g wrote: »

Very tempted to go as its been on my list for years. whats the local airport to fly into as cheapest accomadation in the area?

Really too late for nearby accommodation for RIAT 2016 by now; the rooms in the area are usually booked-out within days of the previous year's show.

A few years ago the closest I could find booking in January was Bristol, 45 mins by train from Swindon. But it meant leaving the hotel at 06:00, missing breakfast, to be at Fairford by 09:00 by the time one added-in waiting and catching the shuttle bus from Swindon.

You could always camp on the other side of the fence, of course...

TedR

Last year I flew first early flight to Birmingham, around 0700 I think, picked up a rental car and nipped down the motorway from there. There was no traffic with it being so early. Was onsite in Fairford pretty much as things got going. Apart from a predictable traffic snarl up on the little roads approaching the airfield, the drive was handy enough. Having the car there was useful as a base to leave coats/cameras/bags etc.
In the evening we just did the reverse road trip back to B Ham airport, stayed in the hotel at the terminal, and flew back to Dub next morning. There is an ancient roman road route which you can do if you dont want to do the boring motorway drive too.

It was a pretty long day, but it wasnt hard to do. There may be closer airports but they didnt work for me at the necessary times.
BHam airport hotel very convenient and not expensive, likewise car rental an easy stroll from terminal.

Only thing I would say, is that there is a lot to see at Fairford in one day, probably too much really.
Hoping to go again this year. I thought it was so well done, spectacular day, well well worth the trip!

Madme

Just wondering from people who've been before, would it be too much to do in a day trip. ryanair have flights dublin to bristol arriving at 7.40am, then train to swindon and shuttle bus to RIAT. flight to dublin from bristol at 9.10pm.
was thinking of going on friday or would there be more to see sat/sun?

TedR

I think trying to fly in and out same day would be too much. You would be hard pressed to have a decent look around, and then leave in time to make return flight to Dublin, even from a nearer airport
Bear in mind the traffic around the site both in and out can be very slow. Progress was very slow outwards on the evening we left, I wouldnt have liked to have been chasing a homeward flight deadline.
Friday, if Im not mistaken, has a slightly reduced flight programme?

I would go early Sat or Sun and fly back next day, that way you arent under pressure to leave the airshow in the late afternoon really

TedR

sorry for double posts, Im not doing anything twice, maybe its a boards glitch

_Tombstone_

westdub wrote: »

Well it's that time of year again , Tickets are bought and ferry booked for the trip in July.

Dublin to Holyhead with Car?

_Tombstone_

TedR wrote: »

sorry for double posts, Im not doing anything twice, maybe its a boards glitch

Glitch with Boards using "Quick Reply" as a result of the DDoS from last Week and problems integrating Cloudflare with VBulletin. You can delete double posts if you click on edit.

arubex

Madme wrote: »

Just wondering from people who've been before, would it be too much to do in a day trip. ryanair have flights dublin to bristol arriving at 7.40am, then train to swindon and shuttle bus to RIAT. flight to dublin from bristol at 9.10pm.
was thinking of going on friday or would there be more to see sat/sun?

I wouldn't chance it. I've been on days when the Shuttle bus made the journey back in 30 to 40 mins, but another time it was 2.5 hours because of some issue with traffic the 'designated route'. Plus another hour for the train back to Bristol, then bus out to Bristol airport, and two hours at the airport... you'd be leaving Fairford in the middle of the flying programme.

Best to book a hotel for that night and enjoy the show.

arubex

Just noticed this on the RIAT site, for anyone planning to take the shuttle bus:

We are now offering a combined Air Tattoo admission ticket with return shuttle bus from Swindon Bus Station at only an additional £3 per person (adult & child) per day. This must be purchased online prior to the event.

newcavanman

Ive been to (R)IAT every year since 1983, and I think you would be crazy to try to see it all in a daytrip. I go each year from at least Friday to Monday, and I still manage to miss some stuff. There is usually Accomodation to be sourced, but you need to be flexible and imaginative. Put messages on sites like UKAR or Fightercontrol. If you are willing to share a room, you might be surprised whats available.
I have flown to Bristol, BHX and LHR. I think BHX is best. A little further away than the others, but loads more cheap flights. Bristol is nearest, but has a poor enough frequency. LHR is too bloody dear, and usually has ashuttle transfer to car hire.
Whatever you do, just go. There is no other show like it, one of the best weekends you can have

newcavanman

Ive been to (R)IAT every year since 1983, and I think you would be crazy to try to see it all in a daytrip. I go each year from at least Friday to Monday, and I still manage to miss some stuff. There is usually Accomodation to be sourced, but you need to be flexible and imaginative. Put messages on sites like UKAR or Fightercontrol. If you are willing to share a room, you might be surprised whats available.
I have flown to Bristol, BHX and LHR. I think BHX is best. A little further away than the others, but loads more cheap flights. Bristol is nearest, but has a poor enough frequency. LHR is too bloody dear, and usually has ashuttle transfer to car hire.
Whatever you do, just go. There is no other show like it, one of the best weekends you can have

arubex

newcavanman wrote: »

ut messages on sites like UKAR or Fightercontrol. If you are willing to share a room, you might be surprised whats available.

But what if you end-up sharing with a Nikon-user? *shudder*

TedR

Agree with Mr NewCavanMan on his points......

1. BHX had the most flight time options, and the drive is easy
BHX really easy for airport hotel and car rental pick up, everything is a short walk

2. One full day isnt really enough, but it does work

3. Whatever you do.. Go!!!! its so good

newcavanman

And as a followon, anyone looking to see classic jets, up close and running should head to the Cold War jets show at Bruntingthorpe on Sunday 28th may. I'll be working there myself on the day, and its a very handy 45 minutes from BHX. A cheap day trip and where else are you going to stand 20 yards from taxying Hunters, Buccaneers, Victor, Nimrod, Comet, VC10, and of course the Lightnings

Tenger

TedR wrote: »

2. One full day isnt really enough, but it does work

Its possible but it will be a short day. ie 5-6 hours max.
Last year I flew into LHR, LHR Express into Paddington and the 0927 train to Swindon. 8 min walk to bus station and a shuttle bus was there. I walked into the display at 1110.

In order to get the last flight from LHR (2200 I think) you would prob need to leave grounds at 1630-1700 (I stayed with family in London instead)

So yes, it is doable however you would have to decide to stay still and watch the flying display or walk around in order to see some of the static display.

Last year I did Flying on Saturday and used most of Sunday to get into the aircraft in the Static park. As I was under no time pressure on the Sunday I was able to stay till 7pm and got to seethe whole static park.

TedR

Sorry, I wasnt clear, i meant one day as in, fly to the UK early in the morning, but hotel that same night, and fly home next day. That way you get a full day there with no pressure to leave for the return airport check in etc.
There is an awful lot to see though, you are right. I tried walking around the static displays but kept getting distracted by the aerial stuff :-)

Tenger

TedR wrote: »

......
There is an awful lot to see though, you are right. I tried walking around the static displays but kept getting distracted by the aerial stuff :-)

I combined the 2.....got a great view of the Dutch Apache display from the hole in the top of the MC-130J

westdub

_Tombstone_ wrote:

Dublin to Holyhead with Car?

Yes.. over on the 6th and back on the 11th...
As for anyone thinking of going for a day trip....Don't!!!
There's far too much to see , and trying to pack it into a day will mean you only see a fraction of the display acts or the static ...
Remember last year 250+ aircraft were there and imagine trying to see all of them in a few hours...

Tenger

westdub wrote: »

....As for anyone thinking of going for a day trip....Don't!!!
There's far too much to see , and trying to pack it into a day will mean you only see a fraction of the display acts or the static ...
Remember last year 250+ aircraft were there and imagine trying to see all of them in a few hours...

I would agree. I had planned 1 day last year but westdub convinced me that 2 were needed. Looking back, 3 would have been better.
Perhaps if I went again this year I would be able to skip some previously seen static aircraft, I found myself prioritising which ones to queue to get into.

_Tombstone_

westdub wrote: »

Yes.. over on the 6th and back on the 11th...

Ferry prices tipping €400ish?

Pricey.

westdub

_Tombstone_ wrote: »

Ferry prices tipping €400ish?

Pricey.

Three of us traveling for €360 so only €120 return each with all our luggage and camera gear...;)

arccosh

went for the first time last year, Saturday and Sunday flying displays were very similar, was nice to have a day strolling around static aircraft, then a day of watching displays, or half and half both days as I ended up doing ....

I'd find one day a bit of a rush to be honest, but it was swealtering last year, so was nice to have a leisurely browse and chill and watch a display or two, then continue floating around

airbusa320

Raptor confirmed :):)

ei9go

First time going this year.

Booked the Pimms enclosure.

Is a 300mm lens , so 450mm on a crop body long enough?

What do you recommend?

Tenger

ei9go wrote: »

First time going this year.

Booked the Pimms enclosure.

Is a 300mm lens , so 450mm on a crop body long enough?

Oh very fancy. From looking at it last year you will be in a great spot. I was beside the Pimms enclosure on the Saturday.

I cant advise on lens however as Im an non-SLR peasant

newcavanman

Nearly time, im flying over Monday to bhx. No matter what, ill get to see the F35s at last

Madme

My pics from saturday at RIAT:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/96469421@N07/albums/72157668074924993

airbusa320

https://www.flickr.com/photos/83304124@N07/28235835526/in/dateposted-public/


The star of the show F-22

TedR

Great pics lads
What was the verdict overall from those that went. I couldnt make it this year :-(
How was the weather and the cloud cover especially? It looks a bit dull and overcast in some of the photos, were you able to see the planes as they climbed out ok?

merisi

I think I'd like to have seen the Mirages most, and the MiG-29. Did the Greek Phantoms display?

merisi

I think I'd like to have seen the Mirages most, and the MiG-29. Did the Greek Phantoms display?

Tenger

merisi wrote: »

I think I'd like to have seen the Mirages most.........

Was there last year and RAMEX delta pair were definitely among my top 5 acts (along with the Vulcan) such a massive bass growl off those engines.

westdub

merisi wrote: »

I think I'd like to have seen the Mirages most, and the MiG-29. Did the Greek Phantoms display?

Greek F-4's were only on static.... But saw them arrive ...:)
Hellenic Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II by Don Cashen, on Flickr

And even on static they looked impressive
Hellenic Airforce F4 Phantom by Don Cashen, on Flickr

Have to say that Ramex Delta were my favorite team of the show
Ramex Delta by Don Cashen, on Flickr

Ramex Delta by Don Cashen, on Flickr

A few other shots from the 5 days that I spent looking at the aircraft...
WAH-64D Apache AH1 Army Air Corps by Don Cashen, on Flickr

United States Air Force CV-22 Osprey by Don Cashen, on Flickr

USAF F-22A Raptor by Don Cashen, on Flickr

144 - Pakistan Air Force Lockheed C-130B Hercules by Don Cashen, on Flickr

Airbus A400M Atlas by Don Cashen, on Flickr

Zeus Practice by Don Cashen, on Flickr

And I'm looking forward to seeing these guy's again next week....:D
Frecce Tricolori by Don Cashen, on Flickr

Alanstrainor

I'm a bit late, but here's a few of my own pics

Madme

A bit off topic but my pics from Farnborough yesterday if anyone interested, slightly better weather than RIAT but still a lot of grey:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/96469421@N07/albums/72157668187518773

newcavanman

I worked at the show for the week . Here are a few from various parts of the airfield

Negative_G

Excellent photos, newcavanman.

Tenger

newcavanman wrote: »

I worked at the show for the week . Here are a few from various parts of the airfield ..........

You lucky, lucky b..........

newcavanman

Well its like this, it was hard work, 7am usually till 8pm, and the night we shot the Greek F16, I didnt get to bed till 2am, and we were still up at 6 to be ready at 7am. But it was the best craic you could have with your clothes on