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Old 9th Dec 2022, 13:37
  #765 (permalink)  
Thoughtful_Flyer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Age: 66
Posts: 91
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Originally Posted by DaveReidUK
Closing the A27 (as opposed to the unclassified road that runs past Old Warden) would have been hugely disruptive.
Maybe so. It is not exactly popular with some of the the locals at Old Warden. Particularly as it is seven or eight times a year!

However, if an objective risk assessment says the road needs to be closed for an airshow to take place there are only two options. Close it (if that is possible) or don't hold the airshow at that venue.

Obviously there might be a compromise in some circumstances by excluding certain types of aircraft, restricting their display routine and / or moving the centre point as at Duxford. Duxford has also been to great lengths and expense to stop "freeloaders" assembling and watching from the so called "naughty fields" on the south side of the runway.

Over the years at Duxford there have been several fatal accidents at airshows. They have involved crashes close to the M11, on both sides of the road. Any of these could have been a Shoreham situation. The M11 has also been closed as a result of a model jet aircraft crashing close to the road and setting fire to the cornfield!

Obviously you cannot eliminate all risks. A lot has been done following terrible accidents at Farnborough (and other venues) in the past to protect spectators within the venue. That is all good but to my mind the highest priority must be to protect those who are not involved. If you go to spectate motor racing you are extensively warned that it is dangerous and that you are accepting an element of risk. Fair enough but with airshows and I suppose air races etc the danger extends well outside the venue.
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