RIAT-a few questions from one who hasn`t been yet

[Angry Turnip]

These may seem like slightly daft questions but who cares
 
I was wondering,since a few NIAE members have been to RIAT maybe they could help.
 
I have always been put off going to RIAT by the sheer size of the crowd,and in videos I have seen of the show there seems to be a problem getting a decent view.
The display line also seemed very far away,well beyond the far side of the runway.
 
Obviously from the photos posted up so far it is possible to get great shots,but how many are ruined by people in BIG hats or people bumping into you etc?
 
I would hate to go and find myself almost fighting to get a decent view point-are the FRIAT grandstands any good,and are they worth the extra money?
I have been going to airshows here for years but have only gone to a few smaller shows in Scotland (East Fortune) a few times;went to Farnborough in 1986 and that was fantastic but the crowd was 20-30 deep which is a bit mad.
 
In my experience smaller shows are better as there is less hassle involved,however I would love to go to RIAT and some of the Duxford shows.
 
I`m not sure about the Duxford shows either because it would seem that many of the aircraft to display are parked on the crowdline obscuring the view.
 
Maybe some of you big UK show veterans could give your opinion.

[casper]

I can remember jostling for a place when I was last at Farnborough so I know what you mean. As far as I could see on my first trip to RIAT it really depends on where you want to be and how early you can get there. On the saturday Hammerhead and myself found a nice wee quiet spot at the western end of the runway and pitched our spot. It was a fairly decent spot but a good distance from the show centre.

On the Sunday we ventured down towards the centre of the runway and got a spot just to the right of the control tower, but this didn't block our view. We weren't on the front row (in the second) and had to stand to take photos and yes I have a few with heads in them, but these were the exception and not the rule.

What I did notice over the two days was that the crowd at the ropes was never more than 4 or 5 deep at most. The majority of people tended to sit way back from the ropes so there was never any pushing or shoving. This and the fact that the runway is nearly 2 mile long makes for a very long crowd line so it was thin in places.

I think Paultojo is the one to answer the question on the FRIAT grandstand.

[Angry Turnip]

Thanks for your reply Casper-hopefully I will get to go next year assuming they have it next year again.
I have heard a few rumours that it might become a bi-annual event due to the costs.
Don`t know if there is much truth in the rumours but I wouldn`t be surprised;everywhere you look there seems to be cutbacks

[Paultojo]

I can thoroughly recommend the FRIAT experience, dedicated seat in an elevated grandstand full of fellow aviation enthusiasts large marque, toilets and catering, if you are going for the 4 to 6 days of the show it is great value for money as well.


Paul     

[Angry Turnip]

Sounds like it might well be worth the extra money,I hope big floopy hats are banned!
 
It seems quite often at airshows pople bring out these humungous cowboy hats and they have knack of getting in the way just as you have framed a really good shot.
 
Hats are all very well,but they don`t need to have their own postcode!

[firefox]

been to RIAT a few times now.
Brilliant day out for whole family

Sounds like it might well be worth the extra money,I hope big floopy hats are banned!
 
It seems quite often at airshows pople bring out these humungous cowboy hats and they have knack of getting in the way just as you have framed a really good shot.
 
Hats are all very well,but they don`t need to have their own postcode!

[stcolin]

After a very disappointing weekend here, I have decided to book RIAT next year when it's available.

The FRIAT looks like a great package, but if I go with a partner I'll assume I pay 2 x whatever package I select? Stupid question, i know!

Does anyone have any recommendations on accommodation when there?

Cheers

Col

[Merlin]

Does anyone have any recommendations on accommodation when there?

For this years show I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Cheltenham which is about a 40min drive from Fairford. This was mainly because it was the closest HI and I'm a Priority Club member 

Chances are I'll probably stay there for next years show as well 

I'm sure there are B&B's closer to Fairford but they probably book up very early. The nearest hotels are probably going to be in Oxford, Cheltenham and Cirencester. For me I prefer to pick places I know (like Holiday Inn or Best Western, etc) mainly because, for the most part, they're all the same standard.