Reno AIr Races - last ever 2023
Discussion
I'm 42 now and have enjoyed airshows since I was a toddler really. As the shows dry up over the years I'd have to travel further and further to attend. We attended Flying Legends for many years and it's a 1000 miles of wear, fuel and driving to do it, 3 nights in a hotel, eating away from home and of course the event tickets themselves.
It costs a fortune to attend something nowadays. Unfortunately disposable income is only reducing.
Compounded with that is rationalisation of armed forces leading to less variety to attend airshows. Unlimited class racing required very, very, very wealthy people who simply wanted to reduce their bank balances rapidly. There's just less to see.
Then there's safety culture. Tolerance for the consequences of accidents ever reduces, and society demands ever more assurance that 3rd parties won't be inconvenienced or even disturbed, let alone injured or killed by other peoples' hobbies.
It's inevitable. It's also much bigger than just young people not being interested in aviation.
It costs a fortune to attend something nowadays. Unfortunately disposable income is only reducing.
Compounded with that is rationalisation of armed forces leading to less variety to attend airshows. Unlimited class racing required very, very, very wealthy people who simply wanted to reduce their bank balances rapidly. There's just less to see.
Then there's safety culture. Tolerance for the consequences of accidents ever reduces, and society demands ever more assurance that 3rd parties won't be inconvenienced or even disturbed, let alone injured or killed by other peoples' hobbies.
It's inevitable. It's also much bigger than just young people not being interested in aviation.
jamieduff1981 said:
I'm 42 now and have enjoyed airshows since I was a toddler really. As the shows dry up over the years I'd have to travel further and further to attend. We attended Flying Legends for many years and it's a 1000 miles of wear, fuel and driving to do it, 3 nights in a hotel, eating away from home and of course the event tickets themselves.
It costs a fortune to attend something nowadays. Unfortunately disposable income is only reducing.
Compounded with that is rationalisation of armed forces leading to less variety to attend airshows. Unlimited class racing required very, very, very wealthy people who simply wanted to reduce their bank balances rapidly. There's just less to see.
Then there's safety culture. Tolerance for the consequences of accidents ever reduces, and society demands ever more assurance that 3rd parties won't be inconvenienced or even disturbed, let alone injured or killed by other peoples' hobbies.
It's inevitable. It's also much bigger than just young people not being interested in aviation.
Jamie - This is it in a nutshell (I'm 60 though so a "Boomer" agreeing with a "Millenial" on something might cause a disturbance with some It costs a fortune to attend something nowadays. Unfortunately disposable income is only reducing.
Compounded with that is rationalisation of armed forces leading to less variety to attend airshows. Unlimited class racing required very, very, very wealthy people who simply wanted to reduce their bank balances rapidly. There's just less to see.
Then there's safety culture. Tolerance for the consequences of accidents ever reduces, and society demands ever more assurance that 3rd parties won't be inconvenienced or even disturbed, let alone injured or killed by other peoples' hobbies.
It's inevitable. It's also much bigger than just young people not being interested in aviation.
).Eric Alluded to the main cause a while back - There were more airshows back in the late 70's / early to mid 80's ergo it was better - more choice and obviously cheaper.
I think you also were right with the variety of aircraft which has seen a rise in the popularity of the Flying Legends / Shuttelworth type shows
I am still very much interested in Aviation (sorry to buck the trend) and did get to Exercise Cobra Warrior.
One thing did put me off was the number of spotters / photographers on step ladders next to a busy main road with lorries on it (I know they have traffic control but dread to think what may have happened) and that "attitude" is prevalent at airshows.
When I attended Exercises in my earlier years there was no hogging of the "best spot", granted there were less enthusiasts in attendance.
Most air show photography was done at the end of the runway, apart from RIAT where I helped a friend who was a vendor and we were located quite close to the runway, again RIAT have taken steps and provided the photographers with a focused photography event.
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