2001 (?) Harrier Display lands at sleepy Shropshire airfield for afternoon display, he also has nearby display\flybys to do.
1st take off is half way down the runway (mainly used for light aircraft but approved for this Harrier display) and lifts into a vertical departure, it is noticed by most that several areas of the tarmac adjacent to the licenced part of the runway are "fluttering". Harrier returns and lands, pilot is told that due to the tarmac in certain areas moving could he extend his take off run and have a more flat departure.
Display time arrives, Harrier hurtles down runway aaaaaand lifts off in exactly the same place. This time some 30 odd square meters of tarmac are blasted off the ground and sent spinning through the air. Pilot does display and departs for some event returning 15mins later. In the meantime loads of airshow staff out collecting lumps of tarmac and sweeping debris scattered all over the active part of the runway. Luckly the licenced part of the runway is still intact. Harier pilot warned of situation (well we all heard it) but carries out landing, turns and then taxi's through damaged area and aircraft is covered in dust and cr@p. Aggravated pilot, over RT 'when did that happen and why wasnt he told' Reply from Control was basically 'you were and its your mess'.
MOD Insurance I believe covered the cost of runway repair but very lucky no FOD to aircraft. Final departure, long and flat.
Also saw the Chinnock at Abingdon, the funny bit was as they reversed up the display line you could see the crew spot the wheel in the middle of the runway - you could see the thought bubble "Hey! doesnt that look just like a Chinnock rear wheel ........arrr cr@p!"
What is it about UASF, navigation and airfield identification. Was at a Duxford show many many years ago, lowish cloud around 1500ft and around 7-8k vis and was looking forward to my first site of an F15. However come the time no aircraft although we could faintly hear one - heard later that apparently the chaps at Cambridge were quite surpised as a grey blurr hurtled down their runway. I do remember the fantastic Lightning display at the same event though, 99% on afterburner and in view the whole time which was unfortunetly quite short! Something about fuel critical some 5 mins after arriving!