Manston air show 1990

[Coxy_99]

Brings back some memories from when i was small. We did manage the last one in 1995 also.

 

[Bucic]

Thanks for posting! What do you mean by 'we did manage'?

 

Nice channel too. I'm sure I'll be watching the vintage F1 videos :)

[westr]

Is it just me or were airshows better back then?

[bart]

Is it just me or were airshows better back then?

 

Not just you mate......I think they were better back then, way better.

 

Less restrictions on the display and a LOT more variety of aircraft. Just looking at that video first 10 mins or so, the Buccaneer....gone, the F-4 Phantom....gone, the Vulcan.....grounded.

 

They are not what they were for sure. I spent 3 years at RAF Leuchars working on VAS (Visiting Aircraft Section) - my first tour in the RAF in the late 80's, and we organised all the handling of the aircraft on air show days. It was great, I got to work on all sorts of stuff from all nations, I still have a box load of aircrew embroidered patches for different squadrons, must have a hundred of them.

 

Defence cuts are one of the main reasons, the variety of different aircraft just isn't there anymore in the RAF alone, a mere fraction of what was in service when I was in.

 

Also insurance companies have their say too on what they are allowed to do now. Air shows are still a fantastic day out but they are now somewhat toned down affairs.

 

For me the BEST air shows now are the Duxford ones, BoB and Flying Ledgends....awesome. Where else can you see 20+ Spitfires doing an aerial ballet that brings a lump to the throat every single time I see it.

[Coxy_99]

Just in general we got to go to the last airshow and yes they were far better in them days less health and safety i think enjoyed these as a kid i remember lines of cars for a couple of miles getting in was boiling hot to no air con in them days great sounds to :)

[westr]

Not just you mate......I think they were better back then, way better.

 

Less restrictions on the display and a LOT more variety of aircraft. Just looking at that video first 10 mins or so, the Buccaneer....gone, the F-4 Phantom....gone, the Vulcan.....grounded.

 

They are not what they were for sure. I spent 3 years at RAF Leuchars working on VAS (Visiting Aircraft Section) - my first tour in the RAF in the late 80's, and we organised all the handling of the aircraft on air show days. It was great, I got to work on all sorts of stuff from all nations, I still have a box load of aircrew embroidered patches for different squadrons, must have a hundred of them.

 

Defence cuts are one of the main reasons, the variety of different aircraft just isn't there anymore in the RAF alone, a mere fraction of what was in service when I was in.

 

Also insurance companies have their say too on what they are allowed to do now. Air shows are still a fantastic day out but they are now somewhat toned down affairs.

 

For me the BEST air shows now are the Duxford ones, BoB and Flying Ledgends....awesome. Where else can you see 20+ Spitfires doing an aerial ballet that brings a lump to the throat every single time I see it.

 

I agree on the variety, Jaguar hawk Tornado, Harrier, and looking there seeing the F-111. I remember seeing it turn up at North Weald once. My god it was loud. The aircraft just seemed to go on and on forever. Last couple of visits to the RIAT and hate to say it but have driven home feeling unfulfilled. The aircraft turn up but the flying participants always seem to be lacking. Especially from the USAF or US Navy. The US Navy should maintain a Tomcat and a Hellcat for heritage reasons. ( I know it won't happen) That would keep me happy.

 

Have to say the Flying Legends I always have enjoyed, as I've got older I love seeing the warbirds.