RAF Spirit of Adventure in Scotland

[XV277]

Noticed the advertising for this appearing in the Sunday papers yesterday, emblazened with 'Bank Holiday Weekend'.

Except the last weekend in August isn't a Scottish Holiday.......:ugh:

Ooops!

[airborne_artist]

Yet another miraculous display from the SoA team.

[Wader2]

http://www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk/bookings.asp

One of the problem areas in SoA was thought to be the price. Another was that this was the first of this type of show and the public awareness would be low.

Both valid points. Both points copuld have been addressed with a lower price to make the show attractive.

The Waddington show at £13 each, same as SoA concession prices, with £6 for children, less that half the SoA ATC concession prices, points up the whole difference between an assurred Service show and a commercial risk based and profit orientated organisation. Organisation in a loose term.

[Wader2]

Just looking at the SoA for Scotland, the information out there is conflicting. Apart from the act that SpiritofAdventure.co.uk is a Holiday Cruise Company the RAF show is shown at http://www.airshows.org.uk/newsfiles/sofa.html

This promises to be as good as the Abingdon show with Harrier, Typhoon and Jaguar simulators and statics by Typhoon, Harrier, Red Arrows, C130, Tornado and Jaguar.

And only £25 per adult, £12.50 for a child or £60 for a family on the Saturday or Sunday and £5 for car parking.

However the booking site has prices if £28.60, £14 and £66 as this includes the booking fee. http://www.wayahead.com/bookingsdirect/bookings%20direct.htm Presumably it will be cheaper on the day?

The cold link to http://www.spiritofadventure.info/ has no more information than the post-show report from Abingdon.

[Green Flash]

and statics by Typhoon, Harrier, Red Arrows, C130, Tornado and Jaguar.
Whoa, hang on just one darned minute!!! Statics? At Balado??? :eek: I thought the runway was gone/a heap of rubble? Is it still useable?:confused:

[Wader2]

Whoa, hang on just one darned minute!!! Statics? At Balado??? :eek: I thought the runway was gone/a heap of rubble? Is it still useable?:confused:

Well its on the web site and Abingdon was weeks ago so itmust mean Scotland.:)

PS, at first I thought it might have been the plastic Typhoon then I saw the Herc and I didn't think Airfix did one that size.

[airborne_artist]

Bits of the peri track are in very poor shape, and the only remaining runway is covered in chicken/pig sheds;

Aerial shot (http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=56.215606%7E-3.46005&style=h&lvl=14&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&encType=1)

[Wee Jock McPlop]

If they can get all those into Balado, I'd be very impressed, if not a little stunned.:eek: Balado (with the greatest respect to the current owner) is as derelict and decrepit as they come - make good practice for rough strip landings for the Herc boys though.;) The surfaces are either overgrown/dilapidated or have aforementioned chicken sheds on them (the pong will be like the mushroom farm behind the tower/101 Sqn at Brize). I drive past the place almost daily and the chances of hosting a major air display with associated static - well lets just say they have a challenge ahead of them.

As for mounting points for the flying display? Assuming they do wish to launch/recover to Edi they better start talking soon to the BAA and to ATC. As I mentioned in the other thread on this topic, we (ATC) have not heard a dicky bird from them. Assuming they will not mount from Edi, it would still be prudent to contact Edi ATC well ahead of the planned dates, given the proximity of Balado the the UKs 5th, yes 5th, busiest civil airport.

Flexibility, the key to air power. Good communication, prevents cock-ups.

WJMcP

P.S Why in gods name did they choose Balado in the first place?:confused:

[green granite]

Perhaps the organisers think it's Kinloss. :E

[f4aviation]

One can only assume that the ads in the papers were placed before the Abingdon fiasco.

If, as we've been led to believe, the PR companies are taking the risk in the shows making a loss, it ain't gonna happen. Abingdon is reported as costing £500,000 to stage - simple maths say that to break even about 20,000 tickets need to be sold. We know that about 1,200 turned up at Abingdon, and many of those were freebies, so the best estimate of income is £25k. I can't believe any company faced with a £475k bill for Abingdon would risk a repeat at Kinross, unless penalty clauses in contracts outweigh that (which is highly unlikely).

Also many of the traders and food vendors from Abingdon will have incurred losses - I can't see them venturing north. Any trader worth his salt will know about Abingdon and if he has any sense would steer well clear.

The fact that the 'official website' is devoid of information should be a clue that all is not well - unless the Kinross event is radically altered in its business plan it's doomed to the same fate as Abingdon, IMHO.

[airborne_artist]

The specialist aviation-related traders might have booked for Kinross, but the food traders will be different - why trek to Jockistan for a two-day event when you can stay in the S of England and get three days of business?

Anyway, not many English food vans could a) understand the language or b) deep-fry a Mars bar :E

[Green Flash]

So, given the state of the non-existant surfaces at Balado, we can all safely assume that Jervis et al are a bunch of @rse; brewery/p!ss-up, anyone? Give me strength ..... :ugh::mad:

In fact, I would go as far as suggest that if anyone has any thoughts at getting caught up in this fiasco, think again. Chuck a handfull of gravel down the intake, slash the tyres, (allright, maybe a bit strong - but find a way of not going, eh?). I mean, what does it say for the organisation that intends flying aircraft from AN AIRFIELD WITH NO OPERATING SURFACE!!! Utterly, utterly.

[airborne_artist]

Have a look at http://www.balado.co.uk/spirit_of_adventure.htm - there's no mention of aircraft operating from the site, just over-flying it, as far as I can tell.

I didn't realise that "Dance, fashion ...." were part of today's RAF, but you learn something new every day :}

[Pontius Navigator]

A_A, thanks for that, must pop across to the booking website (link) and buy my tickets for ............................. Abingdon? :(

[Dan Gerous]

Anyway, not many English food vans could a) understand the language or b) deep-fry a Mars bar :E

They'll have problems as well if they refuse to take "Scottish" money

[Pontius Navigator]

Just found the Witney Gazette report on the Abingdon event:

"On Saturday, PR executive Lucy Wigginton from communications company Republic Media, said that 8,000 people had gone through the gate that day and she anticipated a further 8,000 people the following day."

Sounds like an official, on the spot, and up to date estimate. So up to date that it was before Sunday's cancellation.

[TheWizard]

So, given the state of the non-existant surfaces at Balado, we can all safely assume that Jervis et al are a bunch of @rse; brewery/p!ss-up, anyone?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/danvohagan/Jervis.jpg
(photo courtesy of www.ukar.co.uk)
:eek:

[Green Flash]

Oh, bl00dy hell, the prats have got all bases covered, havn't they? Ok, how about sh!t creek/paddle










(just try it Wiz an' I'll 'av yer wotsits for, er, something).:\

[TheWizard]

Oh, bl00dy hell, the prats have got all bases covered, havn't they? Ok, how about sh!t creek/paddle

Sorry, but you asked for this.....:p
http://www.silvercanoe.com/tripinfo.html
They have their own resort!!
http://www.tourismjervisbay.com.au/tourism_jervis_bay_visitors_centre.asp
(and you are not having my cheese flavoured corn snacks for anything!)

[Green Flash]

OK, OK, I surrender!
This world is beset with pill0cks of the highest order! I will now retire to licenced premises, therein to lick my ..... wounds. And to imbibe The Spirit of Scotland :ok:

[XV277]

Anyone want to bet they looked at Balado (site for T in the Park music festival), saw it's proximity to Leuchars and said 'Oh, we can base the aircraft there................'

Actually, geographically, Balado is not a bad location - a big, open bowl good visibility all round, right next to a Motorway (not something RAF displays in Scotland usually have going for them!). Just a lack of anywhere for FW aircraft to land. Although the Large Scale model boys fly from there......

[f4aviation]

"Balado is not a bad location - a big, open bowl good visibility all round"

Even less reason to pay to go in then!

[Wee Jock McPlop]

Just looked at the planned schedule of works for the Forth Bridge. At least they won't be digging up the bridge that weekend! Nothing to stop the vast hoards storming up the M90 from the central belt to enjoy the show:E

I do actually hope that it's not a damp squib. But if Abingdon cannot attract big numbers (for whatever reason), I worry about Balado. The B of B airshow office at Leuchars have always got the publicity out to the Scottish media early doors and the crowds have always been healthy. Are these guys doing the same and are they using the good ladies from the Leuchars Airshow office to help?

WJMcP

[Green Flash]

Might Cumbernauld have been a better site?
http://www.scotiahelicopters.co.uk/images/icons/airfield.jpg
http://www.scotiahelicopters.co.uk/images/icons/airmap.jpg

[samuraimatt]

I do actually hope that it's not a damp squib.

It will be funny if it is though.:E

[XV277]

Might Cumbernauld have been a better site?
http://www.scotiahelicopters.co.uk/images/icons/airfield.jpg
http://www.scotiahelicopters.co.uk/images/icons/airmap.jpg

no, there's nowhere for the massed public to watch. Cumbernauld is in a pretty narrow corridor. they had a show there about 20 years ago, but there has been a lot of housing developed in the area since then

[iws]

Save your money and go to the other airshow at East Fortune on 28th July for half the price. At least historically it has usually had a reasonable show and attendance.

[ProfessionalStudent]

http://www.scotiahelicopters.co.uk/images/icons/airmap.jpg

Hands up all those who'd want to land a Tonka on 2500'? And then take off again...:{

[XV277]

They had a 748 land and take off during the first show there - talking to the Airfield manager later, he said it was as light as possible, with just the legal minimum amount of fuel to reach GLA!

[Seldomfitforpurpose]

I wonder if Benson's mission statement will ever be re written to include the phrase "Spirit of Adventure" :rolleyes:

[Climebear]

Wee Jock McPlop
The B of B airshow office at Leuchars have always got the publicity out to the Scottish media early doors and the crowds have always been healthy. Are these guys doing the same and are they using the good ladies from the Leuchars Airshow office to help?

The good ladies from the Leuchars Airshow office thank Wee Jock McPlop for your his kind words.

Leuchars have been offering some local advice to the organisers - however, the 'good ladies' are very busy organising the Battle of Britain Charity Ball at Leuchars that will be held on 8 Sep.

In a shameless hijack of this thread for advertising purposes - further details are available here (http://www.airshow.co.uk/bobballnew).

All welcome - at £85 pp it could be considered a bit pricey (though not for those in receipt of flying pay;)) but is 'all for charity mate' (RAFBR, RAFA, and CLIC Sargent Scotland) and should be a good night.

[Wee Jock McPlop]

Climebear,

I always give credit where credit is due!:ok: Now can I have the BofB Ball tickets half price.:E Once a Jock, always a Jock.;)

Best wishes,

WJMcP

[Climebear]

WJMcPNow can I have the BofB Ball tickets half price As the 'good ladies' in the BofB Airshow office are also Scottish, I think you can guess the answer;)

[Compressorstall]

Who is actually organising this Spirit of Misadventure? Surely after the last one lessons are being learnt? (Aren't they?) Please tell me that the bigwigs concerened have at least had a word with themselves?:\

[Pontius Navigator]

Now that the RAF has held a successful second 'how the RAF works' air show - 30 minutes rather than the all day CAP affair, and plan to hold similar ones with the one at Edinburgh being the 5th, if I count right, will we start to see it announced on the web?

All links point to the Spirit of Adventure website last updated a month ago or to the booking company - still £66 for a family plus parking?

Is Kinross going ahead or is it being moved?

Maybe they lost the key to the website.:)

[Duncan D'Sorderlee]

A google search for Spirit of Adventure find almost nothing! If fact the local Air Cadets offer the best publicity - shambles springs to mind!

:ugh:

Duncs

[h73kr]

if anyone wants to give me some money they can ... 'Meet the people who live the dream.' Or rather, meet someone who thought it was all a bit of a nightmare, and left, rapidly! :)

[Wader2]

Ah, it emerges from the swamp: The concept was cleared at Waddington then:

Tthe whole emphasis of major public air displays by staging a full demonstration of representative air power. . . .assets are orchestrated in a coordinated scenario offering a greater insight into their roles. . . . synchronised pyrotechnics simulating bombing and strafing by the GR4s, the RAF has an impressive demonstration of air power to educate and inspire an audience.

A version of the scenario will be rolled out at the Spirit of Adventure Event at Abingdon on the weekend of 26-27 May (and at the second Spirit of Adventure event at Kinross, Scotland in late August) with the full demo being played out at Biggin Hill (2-3 Jun), Cosford (10 Jun), Kemble (17 Jun), Waddington (30 Jun-1 Jul), and RIAT (13-15 Jul).

On the ground, the RAF Village concept has been developed. The Village brings together teams of serving Air Force personnel, the aircrew involved in the event and representatives of the wider RAF family such as the Air Cadets and RAF charities in order to give the public a wider understanding of the Royal Air Force.

How did the Kemble and Cosford shows go?

[BEagle]

"On the ground, the RAF Village concept has been developed. The Village brings together teams of serving Air Force personnel, the aircrew involved in the event and representatives of the wider RAF family such as the Air Cadets and RAF charities in order to give the public a wider understanding of the Royal Air Force."

Those 'teams' will be the RAF Village People then......??

"In the Air Force.......

They want you, they want you, they want you as a new recruit....."

Expect some serious piss-taking by the other services - another PR triumph!!

[talk_shy_tall_knight]

"On the ground, the RAF Village concept has been developed. The Village brings together teams of serving Air Force personnel, the aircrew involved in the event and representatives of the wider RAF family such as the Air Cadets and RAF charities in order to give the public a wider understanding of the Royal Air Force."


So that concept has just been developed...by you...it's nothing like the concept that the recruiting bods have been doing (succesfully) at public shows for years then...:hmm:

[Wader2]

"On the ground, the RAF Village concept has been developed. The Village brings together teams of serving Air Force personnel, the aircrew involved in the event and representatives of the wider RAF family such as the Air Cadets and RAF charities in order to give the public a wider understanding of the Royal Air Force."

Those 'teams' will be the RAF Village People then......??

Yes, in Camp Xray or where ever>

------------> RAF Village 2kms

[airborne_artist]

the RAF Village concept

Will the RAF village be populated by village people (http://www.officialvillagepeople.com/) ?

[gareth herts]

I understand this event has now been cancelled.

[Wader2]

The cancellation of SoA Scotland seems to be as well organised as the first event. This is the only forum where I have seen it mentioned.

If you go here: http://www.raf.mod.uk/events/index.cfm?search=true
and look for air shows in August you will only find the Digby party in the Park, nothing about SoA but on that same page is an advert for SoA and a link which only has the item dated 28 May.

This seems like a classic flaw in the internet - time critical information can be left as electronic detrious for ever more.

However Google for Spirit of Adventure Scitland also through up this website which is even more dated but guaranteed more exciting than the Kinross show. http://www.pr-scotland.com/releases/030204-01.htm

Just goes to show that it would pay to do a Google search for your event before you chose a name.

[green granite]

Just been onto the event booking site again and guess what you can still book.

SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE VenueBALADO ACTIVITY CENTRE Start date25/08/2007 FeaturingSPIRIT OF ADVENTURE On SATURDAY, 25/08/2007. Doors open at 10:00, show starts at 10:00.

You have requested

2 x ADULT @ £28.60 each

There is a transaction fee of £4.80 for this order

The total amount charged will be £62.00

[airborne_artist]

Where is the external info/site that confirms the event is in fact cancelled?

[talk_shy_tall_knight]

Can't help with an external link, but have received a copy of Gp Cpt AT's e-mail to the main players confirming it's off. BTW I'm not a 'main player', just a facilitator.

[Wader2]

Still nothing on the wires. BBMF flypro still shows 1 x Dakota whereas lots of other events are shown as CX.

[PICKS135]

From "The Courier and Advertiser" 18/07/07

AIRSHOW GROUNDED BY DUTIES

Due to commitments faced by the RAF, an airshow to be staged at Kinross has been cancelled.

The Spirit of Adventure show was scheduled for Blado Park in Kinross on Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26.

"It is with great regret that the Spirit of Adventure spectacular has had to be cancelled," said a spokesman for 3a Entertainment, the company behind the event.

"The RAF has advised that, in the current climate, the necessities of operational deployment would severley limit the resources at its disposal, and rather than produce a greatly scaled-down event under these restrictions, the decision has been taken to cancel the event altogether."

The show was to have had all the usual aerobatic displays, including the Red Arrows and the RAF Falcons parachute team

------------------------------------------------------------

[Talking Radalt]

More spin than my washing machine sees on my first night home from det. :rolleyes: