Duxford American Airshow
Discussion
Simpo Two said:
FourWheelDrift said:
So if you actually went it was far more enjoyable with less crowding so you could get a good view to see everything and less trouble leaving at the end?
Though Duxford would get less money overall so a bit of an own goal if true.Boatbuoy said:
I believe that the pre-bought ticket only policy meant attendance was way, way down.
The shows last year were pre-bought tickets only as well from what I remember, but they were a lot busier.I was there on Sunday and it was pretty quiet - the VIP car park was less than half-full, and overall crowds seemed a lot less than the 2 shows I went to last year, which were Flying Legends and the Battle of Britain. But I would imagine these would be more popular anyway, so probably isn't fair to compare.
The show itself was good, although didn't have as many aircraft flying as at the larger shows.
It was nice to wander around with less crowds and not have to fight for 30 minutes to get out the car park!
Overall, it wasn't the best airshow I've ever been to there, but certainly wasn't disappointing.
ecsrobin said:
Main gripes look to be spotters who would normally decide to go on the day due to weather no longer can, parking was an extra £5 and to walk along the flight line you have to pay £6 so it all adds up I guess.
You think it is on;y "plane spotters" who might watch the weather?In my view, it would be the enthusiasts who would be far more likely to book in advance, with the casual "family" air show atendee waiting to see what the weather might do.
Eric Mc said:
ecsrobin said:
Main gripes look to be spotters who would normally decide to go on the day due to weather no longer can, parking was an extra £5 and to walk along the flight line you have to pay £6 so it all adds up I guess.
You think it is on;y "plane spotters" who might watch the weather?In my view, it would be the enthusiasts who would be far more likely to book in advance, with the casual "family" air show atendee waiting to see what the weather might do.
I went on Saturday and really enjoyed it, got there about half 8 and parked up museum side between the land warfare hall and the American air museum. It was busy but not hugely so, plenty of room up that end for viewing.
As for the flying, it was a nice varied mix of aircraft, I particularly like the Vietnam section (Skyvan, Bronco, Huey etc) but did feel a couple of the displays were a little toned down but understandable given all the restrictions following the Hunter crash. Pretty much a single flypast from the Sally B and a sole flightline run from the US Tanker were a little lame but it was still a nice chilled afternoon. It was also a shame the Osprey was only on static as it would have been great to see that fly.
I also had a nice time chatting with various people in the restoration and BoB hangars in the morning which were largely deserted.
Shame about pre-purchase on the tickets as checking the night before and they were still for sale.
As for the flying, it was a nice varied mix of aircraft, I particularly like the Vietnam section (Skyvan, Bronco, Huey etc) but did feel a couple of the displays were a little toned down but understandable given all the restrictions following the Hunter crash. Pretty much a single flypast from the Sally B and a sole flightline run from the US Tanker were a little lame but it was still a nice chilled afternoon. It was also a shame the Osprey was only on static as it would have been great to see that fly.
I also had a nice time chatting with various people in the restoration and BoB hangars in the morning which were largely deserted.
Shame about pre-purchase on the tickets as checking the night before and they were still for sale.
Id read that the displays were further from the crowd line, and no low passes from the ends of the line. Also heard attendance was way down (which is great at least short term!). Hardly surprising but there you go. The air shows I went to at Duxford last year and in the past have never been advance ticket only.
dr_gn said:
Id read that the displays were further from the crowd line, and no low passes from the ends of the line. Also heard attendance was way down (which is great at least short term!). Hardly surprising but there you go. The air shows I went to at Duxford last year and in the past have never been advance ticket only.
It wasn't noticeably further away from what I remember of last year.I was at Flying Legends and the Battle of Britain show last year and I'm 99% sure they were advance ticket only.
I went to Flying Legends last year too and Im 100% sure it wasn't pre booked tickets only. In fact I can't remember attending a Duxford airshow in the past that was. I've never bought tickets in advance for any F.L. Show. I think one or two other Duxford air shows I didn't attend were ticket only though - IIRC.
dr_gn said:
I went to Flying Legends last year too and Im 100% sure it wasn't pre booked tickets only. In fact I can't remember attending a Duxford airshow in the past that was. I've never bought tickets in advance for any F.L. Show. I think one or two other Duxford air shows I didn't attend were ticket only though - IIRC.
Maybe Flying Legends wasn't - I can't remember, but the Battle of Britain show in September definitely was, and that was still much busier than last weekend.Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff