Portrush Airshow - Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September 2024

[angry turnip]

I have explained the reasons , maybe this will help.

How do FDDs and display pilots ensure they deliver a safe flying display?

The FDD must first identify the area within which they plan to locate spectators (spectator area) and ensure it is suitably displaced from the area within which display pilots will fly (display area).

Display pilots will use an easily identifiable display line which the FDD is required to mark and is set at a minimum separation distance from the forward edge of the spectator area (more commonly referred to as the crowd line).

The minimum separation distance between the crowd line and the display line is normally 230 metres, but this can be extended to 450 metres for aircraft that conduct manoeuvres at speeds in excess of 300 knots, or reduced to 150 metres for helicopters and light aircraft (see Figure 1).


Figure 1 – Display Area Layout

Display pilots are permitted to fly down to minimum heights within the display area as specified on their display authorisation or public display authority.

The minimum heights vary depending on the type of aircraft involved, the display pilot's approval and hazards within the display area itself.

The FDD is required to brief display pilots on the flying related risks and hazards associated with each specific event and is responsible for the safe coordination and necessary adjustments to the flying display programme on the day.

Display pilots are responsible for the choreography of their display routine, which must ensure the aircraft retains adequate energy throughout a manoeuvre to maintain safe separation from the spectator area.

[JasonT1981]

Thanks AT

I'm guessing the curve on West Bay makes the display line harder to adhere to under newer regulations as the aircrft would turn around the beach area to head North so it wasn't a straight display line.

[keegster]

Thanks AT

I'm guessing the curve on West Bay makes the display line harder to adhere to under newer regulations as the aircrft would turn around the beach area to head North so it wasn't a straight display line.

As I recall the display line for West Bay was based on a straight line between two points, Black Rocks and Ramore Head, and then moving out 200m. Since the majority of spectators in West Bay were along the beach and promenade this put them even further back from the display and meant that any fast jets were merely dots in the sky.

[JasonT1981]

Dates confirmed today as Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September

[TCX49]

Dates confirmed today as Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September

Great news!
I have updated the title of thread to include the dates.

[rookie]

That's the same weekend as the Belfast tattoo so I wonder if we will be graced with a typhoon or two over Titanic again. I went down in the rain with the kids and for the 5 second glimpse and roar it was well worth it. But I doubt I'll be attending Portrush as its my youngest ones birthday. Would liked to have travelled to Ayr but hey ho.

[TCX49]

Two confirmed displays announced today for Portrush

- BBMF (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane)

- RAF Eurofighter Typhoon Display

Also they are teasing a debut display to be announced soon!

[JasonT1981]

Great to see BBMF.

Where was Typhoon announced?

I  have a feeling the debut display is the F35 Role  Demo that is new for 2024.

[TCX49]

Great to see BBMF.

Where was Typhoon announced?

I  have a feeling the debut display is the F35 Role  Demo that is new for 2024.

Announced on Portrush Airshow Facebook page along with BBMF:

NI International Air Show
6 h  ·
And they're back! Our old favourites the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane return to Portrush alongside the ever popular Typhoon for this years N.I. International Airshow.😍 We can't wait to see these old aircraft gracing the skies of Portrush once again.
Keep watching this space for some exciting news coming soon regarding aircraft making it's debut at N.I. International Airshow. Be prepared to be dazzled! 🤩🙌
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Official) RAF Typhoon Display Team #RAF #EmbraceAGiantSpirit #visitcauseway #ccgbc #portrush #airshow

[JasonT1981]

Oh nice, thanks. Missed that.

[rookie]

Ohhhhhh F-35 demo would be good. The BBMF I don't hold out much hope for as it all depends on the weather for them and the weather is never that great even for them to transit over. Could they not attract the likes of the Swedish historic flight etc or is it not within the budget for them? It would need to be a good line up to even consider a run up but if the F-35 is to make an appearance I might consider it.

[angry turnip]

Just had a look at the RAF website and looked at display teams section, there is no RAF F-35 Display listed as yet, however it could be an F-35 from elsewhere, if indeed the aircraft hinted at is an F-35.

[JasonT1981]

Just had a look at the RAF website and looked at display teams section, there is no RAF F-35 Display listed as yet, however it could be an F-35 from elsewhere, if indeed the aircraft hinted at is an F-35.

RAF F-35 demo display was only publically revealed on Thursday, and that has been via event orginisers and not the RAF as of yet. So far Cosford and RIAT are the only two places confirmed for the role demo. But I don't think there is anything else really the debut could be.

Don't expect the Chinook this year, they announced that there will be no display team due to operational commitments and will fly a very limited role demo at only a few events.

[angry turnip]

Re the F-35 Role Demo, that`s why I said there was nothing mentioned on the RAF Display Teams section as yet.
I didn`t mention the Chinook Display, the RAF are always short of Chinook aircraft, and seem reluctant to display is at any but the main RAF shows.

I would not be surprised if the debuting aircraft is something unspectacular like a Beech T-6 Texan II. I couldn`t care less to be brutally honest. Unless the organisers get something really good and the weather is scheduled to behave it`s self, then I won`t be going anywhere near it.
The new display line may look good on paper, but from a logistical point, it`s far from ideal.To me it looks like people are going to be penned into smallish viewing areas,and a fair bit of walking from car parks will likely be involved.

[JasonT1981]

A  T6 Texan II would be a massive let down. I am really not a fan of it at all. The F35 would be a great coup for Portrush, but I've seen it a number of times already and will see it's role demo at RIAT  and probably Cosford if I end up going.

I honestly don't know what is out there for sea-side shows that really could be a crowd puller for Portrush. Baltic Bee's have reformed and would be a good display but I can see Portrush going for an almost identical show from the cancelled 2022 show. I would say the following is likely

BBMF
Typhoon
F35 (It would attract a lot of people I think)
RAF Tutor
Bronco
Team Raven
Ulster Gliding Club
Irish Air Corps
Catalina
One or two of Ultimate Warbids fighters
Rich Goodwin


Heh, maybe the debut is the Irish Air Corps new CASA 295.

A Vampire or Strikemaster pairs display could be a nice addition or the Gnat's. I don't think the Swedish Historic would fit in well with the budget.

IF and a big IF they are to get any International participation, I'd love to see the French Rafale at Portrush. Incredible display.