Recommend me an airshow?

[DR1]

Hi All,

I was hoping someone could give me their opinions on which airshows they think would be worth a one off visit?

I live near Belfast so I'm going to have to travel a fair bit to get what I want so this is the first part of my research!

I love the fast military jets. Props don't do it for me. And if the Red Arrows and Eurofighter aren't there I'd be disappointed! NI is the best I've ever managed but realise mainland uk is the place to go.

So in terms of what's there, ease of getting there, parking, value for money etc etc does anyone want to give some opinions?!

I'll likely be travelling by car though haven't decided whether I'll fly and hire or get boat to Stranraer with my own car.

Thanks in advance!!

[chris-p]

Unfortunately you just missed Wings & Wheels at Dunsfold which had the Typhoon, the Red Arrows and the Vulcan. It would have been a long, long way to travel.

My first point of call would be the websites for the Red Arrows and the Typhoon display team websites, they should be able to tell you where they're on display.

Looking into the NI International Airshow it's on this weekend and you've got the Red Arrows and the Typhoon? Looks like a really decent show actually.

Lastly, a couple of useful links. This page lists every military airshow in the UK. Full of useful links etc.
And finally, the biggest military airshow in the UK is RIAT. You've missed it this year, it's not on until next July but if you can (or want to) get to RAF Fairford it's the biggest and the best. It's website is here.

Oh, and just to prove that they were all at Dunsfold...


01_DSC_0253 by Chris - P, on Flickr


02_DSC_0210 by Chris - P, on Flickr


01_DSC_0123 by Chris - P, on Flickr

[cosmicma]

i'l second RIAT as being one of the best on offer and i'l definitly be going next year
went to farnborough this year which is a great event but if you just interested in military it has to be RIAT

[DR1]

Thanks for the info - and those photos are amazing. If I could come home with one half as good as that it would be worth the trip!

I'm actually going to the NI airshow on Sunday - but the Red Arrows are only doing Saturday. I saw them there last year and they were bloomin fab! They also did a display a couple of weeks ago in Newcastle (NI) and it's just given me the airshow bug. I don't mind travelling - I've done dafter things to get to a place to take photos and i can always work a holiday around it.

At Newcastle I used my 7D and 70-200 2.8 with a x1.4 converter and was pleased with the results. I am tempted to go for my x2 converter on Sunday because the Eurofighter was a bit far away from me the last time.....but I've heard mixed reports about that x2 converter. Heard it makes images noticeably soft. Anyone ever used this combination?

[chris-p]

Sadly, no experience with that lens combo. Everything I've ever shot at an airshow is with my 70-300mm lens.

Oh, if you like aviation photos check out the NASA Flickr Commons collection. They are simply fantastic documentary shots.

[MartinNeedham]

This year's airshow season is almost over, so it'd be worthwhile waiting until the 2011 show season begins. I see you've mentioned that props aren't your thing, unfortunately you're not going to get one without the other, below are arguably the best afterburner-orientated airshows the UK has to offer.

As before mentioned, the Royal International Air Tattoo is the World's largest airshow. Dates: 16th and 17th July.












RAF Waddington International Airshow, along with the RAF Leuchars Battle of Britain at Home Day, they are the two largest airshows hosted by the RAF.









Finally the Biggin Hill International Air Fair is one of, if not the largest civilian-ran airshows in the UK. Unfortunately, I've not been to Biggin for a few years, so I've not got any shots from there.

Hope this helps,

Cheers,
Martin

[DR1]

Ok, decision made! It's RIAT! I'd better start planning!

Oh, and if you could organize some nice blue skies for me that would be terrific.

Thanks for all the advice!!

[cosmicma]

good choice

i wiil be going next year if everything goes to plan

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by DR1

Oh, and if you could organize some nice blue skies for me that would be terrific

I'll see what I can do...

[DR1]

Originally Posted by chris-p

I'll see what I can do...

I'm coming back here to complain if you don't manage it then!!