Farnborough 2002 - Something Lacking?

[BLW Skylark 4]

I went with my Dad (ex Handley Page Victor type) to the show today and I have to say I was very disappointed!

Whether it was 'post RIAT' blues I dunno, but it just seemed to be lacking in both aircraft and atmosphere. Thats no reflection on those flying the displays which were great, it just didnt seem the same this year.

Anyone else who's been to the show care to comment?

Regards,

"BLW"

[Chris Kebab]

The best bit of my day was getting aride on one of the Segway (sp?) two wheel vehicles things at the Wasto stand.

Very peculiar!

[XV208 SNOOPY]

Was much better last week. Practice week, and all the arrivals/departures. Constant fun flying all day.:eek: :D :eek: :D

But yes, previous years have seemed more exciting!

Any one know the gen about Typhoon and the fun and games with the fire engins after the display yesterday? Our view from the roof was blocked by the old Western Sqn hanger.

Oh fun
Harrier just started up outside my office window. Ear defenders on........ :D :D :D

[kbf1]

The one thing that really dissapointed me was te total lack of Brit Forces presence. I bumped into a few AAC mates at the Wastelands stand, but apart from that the best we could muster was a single Hawk at the outer display park along with the old and bold Hunters and Meteor. By contrast the Spams had a lot of hardware on display along the flightline with a lot of crews working the crowd. By comparison it was embarrassing, especially as the USAF had a stand in the hall just to be informative. Given the recruiting value of something as big as Farnborough all 3 services should have had a much higher profile presence. I am sure the US could have recruited hundreds of people had they wanted to!

And yes, the flying was great (Eurofighter really stole the show), but the atmosphere wasn't up to much. It's the first time I have seen a dozen or so heavily armed police on a static display too.

[Gainesy]

Not enough flying.

[Bright-Ling]

The Typhoon (DA2) had a problem with the smoke pod.

A 3 foot flame was noticed when on short final. Chris Worning wasn't too bothered though as he stayed and kept the engines running!!

Engineers found it empty of Avgas - and think it may have just surged at the end of its life. Normally, they return with a bit of fuel in them.

ATC did the right thing and sent a fire vehicle or two to investigate.

And yes, the display seemed lacking, but it is simply a PR opportunity for the Mon & Tues nowadays, to announce things! (VS A340/RAF naming ceremony).

Good to see 28 doing their bit for the SH Force!

[EESDL]

Apparently, the MOD believe that if we give foreign dips/generals free rides into the show and generally bend over backwards for them......they'll buy the EH101!!Let's hope it works, something has to bring the price down:-(

Civvy operators not impressed with the time it takes for the EH101 to release it's castoring wheel whilst blocking the FATO. Time is money chaps!!

[Bright-Ling]

No-one wanted to park their shiny S76's etc on the front row of the parking area.......as the nasty RAF types caused lots of downwash whilst 180ing and ground taxiing in formation!!!

Bless!!!

Lots of bloke in Whites got off one of the a/c.....it was just like Top Gun!

Shame one cab went U/S and had to be rescued on the Wednesday though.

[XV208 SNOOPY]

At last, the best of British Aviation on show at Farnborough.
Yesterday saw a Hunter, Gnat and a Sea Vixen grace the skies above Farnborough.
:D :D :D



With such gracefull lines, and cutting edge technology, I see the British aviation industry leading the world.................or was that 50 years ago before inept politicians started meddling! :mad: :mad: :mad:

Mind got an F86 Sabre sat outside the office to look at now! :eek: :D :eek:

[EESDL]

Snoopy
Glad to hear that they fell for your proposal and that all is well;-)
Does that mean that you've moved to the area?
Never touched your daughters

[Matt Black]

Hello XV,

Agree with what has been said about the display. Highlight for me ( over on the other side ) was the annoyance of being shoved out of the way by the plods escorting a convoy of "VIPs", who then got out of their rollses and proceeded to faff around just long enough to get covered in dirt and grass cuttings blown up by the big four engined Airbus jobby.

Sadly I didn't get a ride on one of the two wheeled dealeys. If my eyes did not decieve, I also saw a P80 next to said F86. If the Harrier mate who did the display is reading, top notch, but you owe me a beer, my ears are still ringing from that fancy hovery stuff right in front, and don't think I won't collect it either, I know where you live.

[comedyjock]

Flying display all seemed a bit disappointing. It's a shame when the organisers need to put the same aircraft up twice to fill a flying programme.