I was up at the show today,and arrived early parked in the West Bay carpark and mine was one of only 15 cars at around 9.15-I was going to try the bus,but times and links didn`t really fit so I drove up.
New display area seemed very tight at first,but everything I saw seemed to cope ok-might be different for the Arrows.
I`m still undecided about the new site,it does bring the aircraft closer to the crowd,but I miss being able to look down into the cockpit of aircraft from Ramore or Black Rocks.
Undoubtedly it gives a much better view to everybody,which has to be a good thing,and it is probably safer for the pilots as they have better reference.
Really peeved about the BBMF and the Canadian Lanc;to my mind the BBMF need to be a bit more flexable with their operating parameters for weather,I like many I suspect was watching the weather closely all week,and saw no reason for any weather issues-even if they had come over and just flown a few straight and level passes,that would be great,just to see and hear the aircraft;they don`t need to chuck them around.It seemed very early to make the call (around 12.15 I think) when they weren`t due until 1645 ish.I don`t think the cancellation was relayed to the crowd,but I was at the far end of Ramore Avenue carpark.
Maybe it`s time the show organisers didn`t attempt to book the BBMF for shows over here as too often they fail to attend,privately owned warbirds seem to manage ok,so what are the BBMF doing differently?
There was a great spot there on the rocks which was dry,and practically flat,also well away from the water,and it also provided excellent cover from the wind-unfortunatly the coastguard "nanny" patrol did not like anyone on the rocks and began chasing people.
I realise they are only doing their job/volunteering,but it seemed rather OTT to me.
There was a group of a round 8 of us,all adults just chatting and having some great banter,but they insisted we get off the rocks-I think the two guys were a bit embarrassed themselves,but we did as we were asked.
I think they should have had signs to tell people access to the rocks area was closed,as the show went on some more people did venture on to the rocks,and the game of cat and mouse continued.
The displays I saw were all very good,the Canberra and Mustang were particularly exciting,but by 3.30 there was a long gap,and I got a bit bored standing around-I left just after the Strikemaster display,and as I walked back to the car the RV8Tors were running in to start their show.
Looks like I missed the Bronco,which I would have liked to see,but as I say I got a bit bored,and decided to bale to beat the exodus-still very disappointed with the Lancs,and I`m not sure if I will go back up tomorrow.
All in all I think the relocation has worked pretty well-not sure about £40 for the glorified Wendy House.
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