Yeovilton Air Day
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Cardiff ex GLA
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by oakworth
[RANT]
You'd never have had to force me or anyone I served with to stand in front of their jet. As for 'much' of their time being already committed to the service... You're damn right it is, and thats the way it should be !! [/RANT]
You can't really force people to spend their weekends stood in front of a jet, as so much of their time is already committed to the Service.
You'd never have had to force me or anyone I served with to stand in front of their jet. As for 'much' of their time being already committed to the service... You're damn right it is, and thats the way it should be !! [/RANT]
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flying Fishead - Well said. The situation seems exactly as I thought, which is why I have no criticism of those at the sharp end I know to be trying to make best of the whole affair.
During my attendance last year the INDIVIDUAL hosting at Squadron level was on a par with the best shows (Thanks 702!). It was the "big picture" contractorised handling that led to the gripes mentioned. Seems sad that things still have not changed.
As to lack of support/team spirit? Simple. So many of the visiting crews wandering around trying to find somewhere to sit and watch the show last year said 'This is bad...won't be coming back here again!" Hence the poor turnout. Word gets round.
Hopefully if there really was a more favourable response from this year's crews then things might improve. But, I stress again, some Big Decisions need to be made by those who can (!) to sort this out!
Note: Some of HairyClamEaters suggestions above are just the sort of things that might start to turn around the static park!
PS The RN still doesn't realise just what an excellent asset it has with the Lynx Pair. Nothing but praise for the way the team have set themselves up and promoted the FAA around the UK. The results at RIAT in 03, and comments around this year's circuit are proof!
During my attendance last year the INDIVIDUAL hosting at Squadron level was on a par with the best shows (Thanks 702!). It was the "big picture" contractorised handling that led to the gripes mentioned. Seems sad that things still have not changed.
As to lack of support/team spirit? Simple. So many of the visiting crews wandering around trying to find somewhere to sit and watch the show last year said 'This is bad...won't be coming back here again!" Hence the poor turnout. Word gets round.
Hopefully if there really was a more favourable response from this year's crews then things might improve. But, I stress again, some Big Decisions need to be made by those who can (!) to sort this out!
Note: Some of HairyClamEaters suggestions above are just the sort of things that might start to turn around the static park!
PS The RN still doesn't realise just what an excellent asset it has with the Lynx Pair. Nothing but praise for the way the team have set themselves up and promoted the FAA around the UK. The results at RIAT in 03, and comments around this year's circuit are proof!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: uk
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just to be different, I thought the air show was rather good. I also thought that the purpose of air shows was to display aircraft to a wide cross section of the population and provide an entertaining day out for all the family. This is something that was certainly achieved.
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: nowhere new
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well said SLS. Everyone who was station based put alot of time and effort into making the day a success for the visiting crews and the public, and comments like 'thank God for the Chinook' and the words from Pulse1really p
me off!!!!
Add to that the fact that we had to pay £12 to bring our spouse.
Thanks to all the chaps that did pitch up, static and display. It is very much appriciated.
DB
me off!!!!Add to that the fact that we had to pay £12 to bring our spouse.
Thanks to all the chaps that did pitch up, static and display. It is very much appriciated.
DB
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: near Doncaster
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I enjoyed it too.
It was a very different and much lower key affair than Waddington (the only other show I went to this year), but none the worse for that. I managed to see all the statics, all the stalls I wanted to see (something I never manage to do at the larger events) and enjoyed the displays. The fact that there were few FJs did not worry me, as I had had my fill of those at Waddington.
What I wanted to see were the vintage aircraft and the more unusual stuff (such as that VW powered flying circus and the finale). All this met or exceeded my expectations.
It would have been nice to see the BBMF again, as I might actually have been able to hear them (something that can be difficult at the larger shows). I also really missed seeing the Hunter fly (one of my all-time favorites and the only plane in the static park to get a "that's cool" from my wife), but I can accept that the weather can get in the way of the best plans.
It was also a shame that the Vixen was only there as a static. I saw it at Southport last year and had hoped to see it fly again. It would have fitted in well with the other FAA vintage planes, and this (of all shows) is the one where it should display. Why did it not fly? Cost?
But all in all, I really enjoyed it. Staying on the base with my family (as guests of a friend who is based there), and getting into the wardroom enclosure (and meeting the Reds) certainly contributed to a good time, but I would have enjoyed it as a regular visitor.
It was a very different and much lower key affair than Waddington (the only other show I went to this year), but none the worse for that. I managed to see all the statics, all the stalls I wanted to see (something I never manage to do at the larger events) and enjoyed the displays. The fact that there were few FJs did not worry me, as I had had my fill of those at Waddington.
What I wanted to see were the vintage aircraft and the more unusual stuff (such as that VW powered flying circus and the finale). All this met or exceeded my expectations.
It would have been nice to see the BBMF again, as I might actually have been able to hear them (something that can be difficult at the larger shows). I also really missed seeing the Hunter fly (one of my all-time favorites and the only plane in the static park to get a "that's cool" from my wife), but I can accept that the weather can get in the way of the best plans.
It was also a shame that the Vixen was only there as a static. I saw it at Southport last year and had hoped to see it fly again. It would have fitted in well with the other FAA vintage planes, and this (of all shows) is the one where it should display. Why did it not fly? Cost?
But all in all, I really enjoyed it. Staying on the base with my family (as guests of a friend who is based there), and getting into the wardroom enclosure (and meeting the Reds) certainly contributed to a good time, but I would have enjoyed it as a regular visitor.
SLS, Dirty Bleeder,
This thread has provided a channel for some of us to provide feedback to the show organisers as to how we felt about it. One of the first rules of marketing is to get customer feedback.
Being told that we cannot offer our opinions because we cannot do it ourselves is not particularly helpful to anyone.
I have attended the Yeovilton Air Day many times, over the years, and this year was the first time I have been disappointed. I felt it was important to say why because it may help to make it better in future. One thing that has always made Yeovilton better than any other show for me was the way that they used to create a feeling that it was a show, designed to be entertaining.
The first Air Day I ever went to was an example. It started with the Swordfish and, as it landed, the commentator had us all listening to the wonderful sound of its engine. Then about 6 F4's came in very fast from behind the crowd and made us all jump. That's the type of showmanship which we used to expect at Yeovilton.
Last year there was a similar thread here and I was the first to pour praise and thanks on all the participants and, especially, the FAA contribution. The Harrier contribution last year was brilliant. The Lynx Duo display was incredible.
I do not need to be able to fly a Harrier to decide that I was not entertained by one just as I do not need to be able to play a violin to decide that I did not enjoy a concert.
I was in a party of seven (one FAA member) and none of us is likely to go again next year unless we hear that it is going to be better. This was the first time I had bought tickets in advance too.
I do hope to be there again next year.
This thread has provided a channel for some of us to provide feedback to the show organisers as to how we felt about it. One of the first rules of marketing is to get customer feedback.
Being told that we cannot offer our opinions because we cannot do it ourselves is not particularly helpful to anyone.
I have attended the Yeovilton Air Day many times, over the years, and this year was the first time I have been disappointed. I felt it was important to say why because it may help to make it better in future. One thing that has always made Yeovilton better than any other show for me was the way that they used to create a feeling that it was a show, designed to be entertaining.
The first Air Day I ever went to was an example. It started with the Swordfish and, as it landed, the commentator had us all listening to the wonderful sound of its engine. Then about 6 F4's came in very fast from behind the crowd and made us all jump. That's the type of showmanship which we used to expect at Yeovilton.
Last year there was a similar thread here and I was the first to pour praise and thanks on all the participants and, especially, the FAA contribution. The Harrier contribution last year was brilliant. The Lynx Duo display was incredible.
I do not need to be able to fly a Harrier to decide that I was not entertained by one just as I do not need to be able to play a violin to decide that I did not enjoy a concert.
I was in a party of seven (one FAA member) and none of us is likely to go again next year unless we hear that it is going to be better. This was the first time I had bought tickets in advance too.
I do hope to be there again next year.
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would hope that Pulse1's feedback woild be taken onboard, but I think the distinction needs to be made between the organisers (ie flying participation etc) and the framework they are forced to operate within by the contractors.
DB - I know the effort the Ship's Company/aircrew etc will have expended and it typifies the whole approach to airshow organisation (using outside "event" contractors) that spouses were charged to attend what should also be a family event in support of the Squadrons. I'm not suggesting a free-for all, but genuine NOK should not have to pay to attend. (The general public do that in anticipation of seeing a full and varied air and ground display that showcases the role of the Armed Forces, and Fleet Air Arm in particular @ Yeovilton.)
DB - I know the effort the Ship's Company/aircrew etc will have expended and it typifies the whole approach to airshow organisation (using outside "event" contractors) that spouses were charged to attend what should also be a family event in support of the Squadrons. I'm not suggesting a free-for all, but genuine NOK should not have to pay to attend. (The general public do that in anticipation of seeing a full and varied air and ground display that showcases the role of the Armed Forces, and Fleet Air Arm in particular @ Yeovilton.)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: nowhere new
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pulse1
My gripe was not with the fact that people were expressing their opinion of the 'Airshow' and its decilne since the 80's or with the suggestions to turn it around or call it a day.
My gripe is with the singling-out of individuals who were trying hard to make it entertaining for the public, with the extremely small and constantly changing goal posts they have to deal with in the twilight hours of the last British fighter.
I think they achieved the aim, rather than not bothering at all.
Long live the spirit of the FAA
DB
My gripe was not with the fact that people were expressing their opinion of the 'Airshow' and its decilne since the 80's or with the suggestions to turn it around or call it a day.
My gripe is with the singling-out of individuals who were trying hard to make it entertaining for the public, with the extremely small and constantly changing goal posts they have to deal with in the twilight hours of the last British fighter.
I think they achieved the aim, rather than not bothering at all.
Long live the spirit of the FAA
DB
Join Date: May 2003
Location: South Oxon
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just to add on some peoples comments re the Lynx duo "Black Cats" who are very impressive - i had display at my Abingdon Fayre Air & Country show back in May the less seen solo Lynx HMA8 of 'HMS Marlborough Flt', 815 NAS flown by Lt Coulton (ex Black Cats!) & Lt Dowling- an equally impressive display and top marks to the FAA for sending it....
Yes but...........
VL Air days have steadly appeared to get quieter each year, gone are the days when the guys from the Station could bring in the family for the day at no cost (and spend loads on the kids!). This does make the place seem half empty, however I also believe Biggin Air day was on the same day so what can you expect. So sadly no BBMF and no Blue Eagles.
The civvies who run these things do seem to get a good deal from pusser, free labour for 3-4 days for setting up and taking down displays, car park attendants, medical cover etc etc.
Weather wasn,t great either. Guess its only a matter of time before it finishes. Personally I think it was the worst one I've seen in nearly 20 yrs.
The Lynx display was fairly comprehensive with all variants on show. (just outside 815 Sqn, miles away)
Junglie Assault was good though...............
The civvies who run these things do seem to get a good deal from pusser, free labour for 3-4 days for setting up and taking down displays, car park attendants, medical cover etc etc.
Weather wasn,t great either. Guess its only a matter of time before it finishes. Personally I think it was the worst one I've seen in nearly 20 yrs.
The Lynx display was fairly comprehensive with all variants on show. (just outside 815 Sqn, miles away)
Junglie Assault was good though...............
Join Date: May 2003
Location: South Oxon
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Low ratio - if you mean at Abingdon re Spit - yes it turned up this year & all went ok..
Went to the Yeovilton show in 02 & 03 & as soon as the show had finished, you were told to leave the base by uniformed personnel (even a family who had just bought a burger were told to 'hurry up') - did that happen this year & is that normal practice on an operational station??
Went to the Yeovilton show in 02 & 03 & as soon as the show had finished, you were told to leave the base by uniformed personnel (even a family who had just bought a burger were told to 'hurry up') - did that happen this year & is that normal practice on an operational station??
