Well, it certainly doesn't get any easier! That seems to be the message from Rob when we spoke on Sunday, less than a week ahead of RIAT 2011 and I suppose you could say that the show is a victim of its own success.
The bar has of course been raised very high and the show is probably best known for a static park bulging at the seams and an eight hour flying display including a host of exclusives and debut performers - not the easiest benchmarks to meet in the current climate.
"Everything is set up and in place and generally we are very pleased with how the show is looking. Numbers are down overall of course and it has been very difficult this year, especially with regard to aircraft for the static displays.
"The ongoing operations in Libya have had a huge impact on statics, notably on European air arms in particular, and we have tried everything to deliver the kinds of numbers people expect.
"That's why the criticism is unfair because we literally have gone to everyone we can think of to do that and when it comes to civilian aircraft we have a budget to work with and we simply can't exceed that."
Slight grumble over, and I can't I blame him for making the point, Rob goes on to tell me about some of the participants he is most looking forward to, along with many of us too probably!
"We obviously have a number of F-16s in the flying programme but, as well as those displays which traditionally support us, we also have the Danish and Turkish solos, which is very exciting. The Danes haven't been here for some time and the Turkish is of course a UK debut.
"We also have the only UK display by a Eurofighter Typhoon this year and we are extremely grateful to BAE Systems for that fact. It sounds like a superb display as well (with a full weapon load to boot) and I'm really looking forward to seeing it."
The USAF A-10 is sure to be another highlight and the West Coast Demonstration Team's attendance is certainly one that I am eagerly anticipating as Capt Joe 'Rifle' Shetterley displays a jet that was based on UK soil and was a familiar sight for many years.
"It's been impossible to get the A-10 for the past few years as the tempo of their operational work and training simply hasn't allowed it to happen. Air Combat Command always tries to support RIAT though and despite being under its own budgetary pressures they worked very hard for us as sanctioning approval for the use of two jets from Spangdahlem AFB in Germany for the airshow was a task in itself."
The Italian Air Force has also truly stepped up to the plate this year and its commitment to RIAT 2011 is a significant one with the Frecce Tricolori, RSV Tornado IDS and C-27 Spartan all taking part in the flying display, with two additional MB-339s also due to be present in the static line up.
"I think it's fair to say that the C-27 has become something of a RIAT favourite and, while it is always great to welcome Frecce to the show, the Tornado routine is apparently superb and that is definitely one we were delighted to confirm, especially as there probably won't be any solo Tornado displays for too much longer."
One of the biggest stories to break was the news that the Ukrainian Air Force would be supporting RIAT this year, albeit in a static sense, with a Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker from the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade and an Ilyushin Il-76 from the 25th Transport Aviation Brigade. Despite the obvious disappointment that we wouldn't get to see the mighty Flanker displaying, this remains a great coup for the show and all eyes will be on Fairford on Thursday when those aircraft are due to arrive.
"This came about following a great deal of hard work from the UK's Defence Attaché at our embassy in Kiev; most of the leg work was done from there. It became apparent quite early on that the Ukrainian Air Force would like to support our 40th but they also said from the beginning that they wouldn't be able to fly in the display.
"A few proposals went back and forth and in the end we agreed on the one that was probably everyone's preferred option from the word go. These are two iconic aircraft and great additions for the RIAT 40th line up."
The show also marks the 50th anniversary of the NATO Tiger Meet and, while numbers are definitely down in this regard, largely as Rob explains, due to financial pressures on armed forces and the more practical issue of many Tiger squadrons being involved in Libya.
"It was looking a bit thin at one stage I admit. But we have the French back on board and there should be some fabulous Tiger aircraft on display, including the Spanish Mirage F1Ms of course."
Ah yes, the Spanish Mirage F1s, heralded as an addition to the flying programme but now participating only in a static sense, and possibly, for many enthusiasts at least, the biggest disappointment of all.
"We were contacted a short while ago and told that the Spanish Air Force would like to attend and could they bring an F1 for the flying display; naturally we were delighted. To then get a call telling us that they wouldn't actually be able to fly at the show was definitely a blow. We're not entirely sure why they can't at this stage, it could be that they couldn't make it work in terms of timing, they may even have jumped the gun in the first place or it might be that the display pilot is simply unavailable. So, a blow as I said, but we are still looking forward to welcoming them to Fairford."
Fast jet fans were of course disappointed but with the likes of Rafale, Gripen, Tornado IDS and a host of F-16s to enjoy, the skies won't be quiet for too long this weekend. Add to this a pretty full complement of RAF participation, including the Tornado GR.4 role demonstration and the first, and only opportunity, to see the Dutch and AAC Apache routines go head-to-head, and the flying programme begins to shape up quite nicely.
Aerobatic teams also feature and they have of course been a staple for RIAT over the years with this year seeing the Saudi Hawks make its UK debut as will Belgium's Diables Rouges in its current incarnation and they will be joined by Spain's Patrulla Aguila, the Red Arrows, Frecce Tricolori, Royal Jordanian Falcons and both the Breitling Jet team and Wingwalkers. The latter will be making its first four ship appearance since Breitling sponsored the team and will play a part in what Rob promised should be a spectacular finale for the show with their jet-borne colleagues.
The Air Cadet 70th is also being marked at the show and, bearing in mind the work carried out by RAFCTE to promote air mindedness and aviation to young people, I believe it is perfectly valid to do so. This potion of the flying display should provide some types not seen before in formation and is certainly a good way to the highlight the important role played by cadet organisations in the past 70 years and in the present day. The aircraft that aspiring cadets could go on to fly in military service are also well represented this year with the likes of Tutor, Tucano, Hawk, Saab J105, SF260 and MB339 all representing the training department.
In addition to Team Viper, the Swiss Hunter Team Mk68 will be in attendance alongside Jonathon Whaley's Miss Demeanour and three jets from Hawker Hunter Aviation on static - a fitting gathering to mark the aircraft's 60th, and they won't be the only classic jets on view either with Vulcan B.2 XH558 due to arrive on Friday and the two Norwegian Vampires among other notable visitors from that generation.
We could go on but let's leave the last words to Rob Windsor:
"We'll be bringing as many of the flying participants we can southside to make them accessible for the crowd and really only the display teams will be across the other side of the airfield as we don't have the space for them as well.
"I genuinely believe that we've got a varied display lined up which will be most enjoyable and should feature something for everyone. Most of all, after fairly mediocre weather for a few years I'm really hoping for a sunny weekend!"
Amen to that. See you there.
2011-07-12 - jabba69
"Most of all, after fairly mediocre weather for a few years I'm really hoping for a sunny weekend!"
ahhhhh nuts!
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