I didn't fly in (one day I will, but working there sadly travel by road is always most convenient).
Parking and marshalling arrangements were only mildly chaotic and largely worked well.
I was surprised at how many of the main little-aeroplane / kit companies weren't there. No Mainair/Pegasus, Flylight, X'Air, AMF, Medway or virtually any foreign companies. On the other hand, good to have a close look at the Escapade, and I was interested by the two new projects on ST's stand - I confess that although it looks pretty I'm unconvinced by the Esqual, on the other hand the part-built Spitfire replica looks incredibly well designed and built (nice touch, a tape player quietly playing the theme from the Battle of Britain in the fuselage) and I want one. Small showing from Britten-Norman, first time they've been there I think and clearly only trying to sell maintenance services - maybe they'll bring an Islander next time.
A few good talks in the Forums tent - especially Bill Brooks on designing and building a biplane in 3 days, I felt quite good since I only saw 3 people fall asleep in mine which I thought was pretty good in the heat !
The usual lots of interesting people the peak of which was an elderly gent who came and asked about light aircraft flying. After a brief chat I asked about his own experience of flying, and was treated to 15 minutes on what it was like to fly night air support to the D-day landings, utterly priceless ! (He then to me that he wanted to try flying Helicopters just as Whirly wandered past, so hopefully a very interesting customer for her).
Weather was perfect, very few prangs and none of any real seriousness I believe. Food on offer was varied and generally good (especially the curry), good to meet a few Ppruners in the AV8R on Saturday evening although it must be said that the food and service in there was pitiful and far below the standard of the fast food outlets on the field. Hopefully an abberation since by reputation the place is usually very good.
On the whole, a good Rally.
G