Every year, we visit the RIAT at Fairford with a 1-day trip and and a 2-day trip. The 1-day trip started on Friday 19 July. On Saturday 20 July 2013, a large group of photographers started their yearly journey 2-day trip to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at Fairford. These trips have been on our calendar from the very beginning and are a success every year. The RIAT remains the biggest air show in the world and people are keen to be a part of that!
The 1-day tour arrived on Saturday 20 July 2013 at the show, and left the same evening again for the journey home.
At about that time, the 2-day trip started. Via several stops in the Netherlands and Belgium we headed out to Calais to arrive there in time for the ferry. After an easy crossing we started our last part of the trip to Fairford, where we arrived in time. The weather was cloudy but warm; this changed in the afternoon when the sun came out to play. Despite the lack of American aircraft, a lot of highlights could be seen at RIAT. Among the favourites of the photographers were the Estonian An-2, Brazilian R99 and the Polish MiG-29.
The flying display was tight as always and saw performances of the new Airbus A400, Eurofighters and several display teams as the Red Arrows, Frecce Tricolori and Patrouille Suisse. Very special was the combined flypast of the A400 with the Red Arrows.
At the end of the day everybody gathered near the bus that brought us to the nearby hotel. After a warm meal and some drinks, most people went to their room early to catch up on some sleep.
An early rise on Monday as we needed to be in time for the Park & View. The gates opened at 07.30 and shortly thereafter all participants of RIAT departed for their home base. The weather was warm and sunny, perfect for the photographers. Around 15.00 all aircraft had returned home, and so did we. A fast and smooth drive brought everyone safely back.
Although RIAT had less participants this year in comparison with other years, it is still a spectacular event with enough to see and enjoy! Next year, the theme will be “50 years Red Arrows”, and RIAT will be a 3-day event. One thing is for sure, 4Aviation will be there!
