RIAT Fairford Departures 1993

[@nigelbevan8449]

Back when RIAT was a brilliant airshow.... Used to get at least 550 planes there. Now you're lucky to get 300.... I think it was 1993, a Sky Warrior was on static display at Fairford.... And who could forget the SR71 Blackbird?

[@stevethomas8375]

I feel so sorry for aviation enthusiasts today.

[@nigelbevan8449]

@@stevethomas8375 So do I Steve, there doesn't seem to be the variety of aircraft that you used to get. And the price per ticket is way out of my price range, you practically need a second mortgage.

[@stevethomas8375]

@@nigelbevan8449 Totally agree. First went to a show at Greenham Common in the 70's as a kid then went to the local Staverton show in the 80's. From late 80's to about 2005 went to loads of great shows all around the country and some in France/Belgium. That was the golden period of warbird restoration with the Hannah's and Stephen Grey restoring and flying so many great aircraft. Also there were so many military shows both British and American with some great aircraft just finishing service or just coming into service. Especially miss shows such as Mildenhall, Woodford and Middle Wallop (who can forget over 110 helicopters rising up over the hill behind the airfield). As for price I remember when you paid for a car to get into Shuttleworth so we'd cram as many people in as we could. I just wish the camera equipment was available then that we have now. I've had a large gap visiting shows due to various reasons and have only just started to return to them but I can't justify the cost of many shows so I've got to pick carefully. As you say the aviation scene is very limited today due to military cut backs and aircraft insurance etc but you've just got to enjoy what you can see and be thankful that you've seen stuff that modern enthusiasts can only dream about!

[@nigelbevan8449]

@@stevethomas8375 Yes indeed. I remember going to the airshows at Boscombe Down, Binbrook, Woodford, Mildenhall (scoffing burgers) and Waddington, to name but a few. as well as attending a few in Europe and the a couple in the States (Edwards and Point Mugu). I last went to RIAT when The Thunderbirds display team was at Fairford and something came over me and I just decided to pack my stuff up, get in my car and go home. As the year's have gone on I have no regrets of the airshows I've attended in the past, but I don't think I would attend one now. You can only photograph an F35 or a Typhoon so many times. Like you stated, I feel somewhat sorry for the aviation enthusiast these days due to the defence cuts.

[@AreeyaKKC]

I Wish i had a time machine. Go back to see that

[@winfriedweinmann592]

Oh yeah,you are right🤗👍