Flightline Uk - Updates/News/Reviews - Xmas Special

Location : Redhill, Surrey

Our Christmas Special is now online:-

RAF Waddington International Air Show - The RAF's Premier airshow of the year and the debut of the Avro Vulcan

Royal International Air Tattoo 2008 - What happened, what turned up and of course, the F-22 Raptor's European display debut!

Location : Redhill, Surrey

Quote :: Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford
have unveiled two new initiatives they believe will minimise the risk
of a repeat of last summer's cancellation.

Earlier this year, thousands of visitors were left disappointed when
the event had to be called off after prolonged bouts of heavy rain
flooded fields bordering the Base that were set aside for car parking.

In a show of support for the Air Tattoo, the US Air Force has
granted permission for limited car parking on concrete on the Base next
summer. Prior to 9/11, airshow visitors had been allowed to park on the
Base but since then, heightened security measures meant that was not
possible.

Commander 420th Air Base Group, USAF, Col Joe Dill said: "Security is
my number one concern here. We looked at the situation and what we were
up against with respect to weather and parking. Everyone got their
pencils out, we put our heads together and I believe we have come up
with a plan where we can make it happen as required."

In order to meet the necessary security requirements, Air Tattoo
organisers have agreed that visitors parking on Base will be chosen
randomly on the day from the many thousands of people attending.

In addition to introducing limited on-Base parking, organisers have
also announced plans to make the fields more robust, including laying
extra trackway.

Director Tim Prince said he was confident that these measures,
along with other proposed initiatives, will make the difference.
"This is not the first time the US Air Force has come to our rescue
when we have needed help to solve a problem and we remain totally
indebted to them. This new parking option plus the extra trackway and
spine roads we plan to lay in the car parks will significantly reduce
the risk of us having to cancel the event, as a result of inclement
weather, in the future."

Earlier this month, the organisers announced that in order to
control the numbers attending the event, only advance tickets would be
sold. None would be available at the gates on the day as in previous
years.

Mr Prince said: "By not selling tickets on the gate we run the risk
of losing some of our revenue. But first and foremost we have a duty of
care to all those who purchase tickets to the Air Tattoo. Knowing in
advance how many visitors are attending will help enormously with our
pre-show planning and will enable us to react more effectively to
unforeseen events, such as the atrocious weather we suffered last
summer."

Location : Redhill, Surrey

The first previews have been posted including Royal International Air Tattoo 2009. The first known particpant is the Swiss Air Force F-18C Hornet Demo.

Flightline UK - http://www.airshows.org.uk

Location : Redhill, Surrey

Further update on the Swiss particpation. Subject to confirmation, the Swiss PC-7 team will make their RIAT debut.