RIAT or Yeovilton (or both?)

[shouldbworking]

Just wondering what peoples thoughts were on these 2 events - I've been to Yeovilton before and that was great, and its about half the price of RIAT. Does RIAT justify the extra cost?

Would make a great day out on the bike to head over to them...

[Eric Mc]

I'm thinking of Yeovilton as I don't care for very large air displays these days. A sign of age, I think.

[paul_y3k]

We've got our RIAT tickets this morning - it's local as we live in swinond - and every time we go, we do have a fantastic family day.
WE've even treated ourselves and got tickets for the jubilee enclosure this year.

[anonymous-user]

Yeovilton is a Navy base so will be more geared towards that. I have never been to a VL show but am tempted. I imagine it will be a bit less manic to get in. There are some interesting aircraft at Yeovilton this year. The RAF participation at Yeovilton will be less than RIAT, and you will not get many of the heavies turn up. Two different shows in format and content really.

[Eric Mc]

I've been to Yeovilton twice - both times in the mid 1980s. Back then the variety on show was very good - German Navy Starfighters, Royal Navy Herons, an assault on the airfield by Marines from Sea King HC4s etc. I doubt that the variety these days will be as good but I haven't been to a proper airshow apart from Farnborough for over ten years and I always think Fairford is a bit manic.

[shouldbworking]

I think I'll give RIAT a try and Yeovilton.. see what I feel like on the day. I went to Yeovilton a year or two ago and it was great - I remember the merlin, sea vixen, red arrows and a large airliner doing displays. Very enjoyable although I suspect ill be on my tod for the days but nevermind

[Yertis]

RIAT is going to be good this year, mark my words.

[Bill]

What are the queues likely to be like at these two? I'm thinking of taking miniBill but want to avoid spending too long the car, particularly as the aircon can barely keep on top of the heatsoak

[anonymous-user]

Unfortunately the Romanian Mig21 and Sri Lankan An-32, (two of the star items at RIAT) have cancelled.

[Famous Graham]

Bill said:

What are the queues likely to be like at these two? I'm thinking of taking miniBill but want to avoid spending too long the car, particularly as the aircon can barely keep on top of the heatsoak

RIAT is horrendous unless you're very very early.

[Bill]

Famous Graham said:

very very early.

Well, that'll save me the hassle of the aircon

How early is early though? And are the crowds leaving as bad?

[D4VE 3LL]

Bill said:

Famous Graham said:

very very early.

Well, that'll save me the hassle of the aircon

How early is early though? And are the crowds leaving as bad?

We got there at about 6.30am and were queing to get into the airfiled in a group of about 300 people, leaving couldn't be easier, police open up both sides of the road to get traffic going smoothly - couldn't fault it last year

[Bill]

That is early