Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo
The Royal International Air Tattoo, held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire is an annual event that brings Fairford into the spotlight of the world's aviation press and enthusiasts.
The 2010 RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo)
The 2010 Fairford Air Tattoo will take place at RAF Fairford over the weekend of 17th and 18th July.
Held annually each July at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, the Royal International Air Tattoo, the world's largest military airshow, has gained the well-earned reputation as one of the UK's top outdoor family events
Causing a buzz this years is the news that the legendary Vulcan bomber has been added to the Royal International Air Tattoo's flying display after its operators won a last-minute battle to have the aircraft airworthy in time for the world's largest military airshow.
Air Show Archive News
The 2009 Royal International Air Tattoo - 18th and 19th July
RIAT 2009 is an all ticket event. There will be no ticket sales at the gate
The organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo would like to remind all visitors that this year the event will be TICKET ONLY.
In order to control the numbers attending the event only advance tickets are being sold. None will be available at the gates as in previous years.
Chief Executive Tim Prince said: "By not selling tickets on the gate we are able to ensure all of those that have purchased tickets will be able to gain access to the show. A number of recent outdoor events have had to make the unfortunate decision to shut their gates as they have been overwhelmed by the number of people that have decided to attend on the day, without previously purchasing a ticket. We want to ensure that this is not the case at the Air Tattoo."
The decision to make the Air Tattoo an advance ticket only event was made earlier in the year as part of the overall plan for 2009. Tickets are selling extremely well and some ticket outlets may sell out before the event on 18 & 19 July. (From RIAT website)
Aviation Pioneer Joins Air Tattoo
A REPLICA of the air balloon which made aviation history a decade ago will be joining aircraft from all over the world at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford next weekend.
This year sees the 10th anniversary of the Breitling Orbiter's flight around the world: it was the first balloon ever to do so, and its flight in 1999 is still the longest in aviation history (of any flying machine) in terms of both distance and duration. And pilot Brian Jones is bringing a replica of the balloon to the Air Tattoo to mark the occasion.
The giant silver hot-air balloon will be tethered in the mornings from 7 to 9am, offering a spectacular start to the day for visitors before the flying displays start. It will be re-inflated once the displays have finished and, weather permitting, will be flying out in the evening, probably between 7 and 8pm.
Brian Jones, who flew the original around the world 10 years ago, will be on board the Orbiter on both days at the show, and he'll be meeting members of the public while signing copies of his book The Greatest Adventure, written with co-pilot Bertrand Piccard.
He said: "As the country's most popular aviation event, the Air Tattoo at Fairford is the ideal opportunity for me to share my experiences with as many like-minded aviation enthusiasts as possible, and also to raise important funds for the Winds of Hope foundation conceived during our flight around the world."
The Winds of Hope foundation was set up with the $1 million won by the Breitling crew for the first flight around the world by balloon. It aims to raise money to rid the world of the noma disease: all money from sales of the book go towards the foundation.
Tim Prince, Director of the Royal International Air Tattoo, said: "We're delighted to welcome this spectacular replica of the Breitling Orbiter 3 in its 10th anniversary year, as it adds to the number and variety of aircraft on display at the biggest military airshow in the world."
(From RIAT)
Future Dates for the Air Tattoo
2010 - Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 July
2011 - Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 July
2012 - Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 July (provisional dates, subject to change)
2013 - Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 July
2014 - Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July
2015 - Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 July
2016 - Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 July
Previous Faiford Air Show details
The 2007 Royal International Air Tattoo - 14/15 July
This summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo will host Europe’s largest tribute to the United States Air Force on its 60th anniversary.
The airshow, which takes place on July 14-15 at RAF Fairford, home of the USAF’s 420th Air Base Group, will feature a wide range of American military aircraft including B-52s, C-17s, B-1B bombers, F-15s, F-117A stealth fighters plus a number of historic aeroplanes such as the legendary P-51 Mustang. The USAF Thunderbirds aerobatics display team, based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, will also be making a rare UK appearance.
On the ground, there will be the opportunity to meet aircrew and enjoy a wide range of American-themed entertainments including a star-spangled outdoor evening concert.
Airshow organisers will be focusing their 60th anniversary tribute on the close relationship that has built up between the Royal Air Force and the US Air Force since the latter separated from the US Army in 1947. Among the special guests scheduled to join the tribute will be the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy and Chief of the US Air Force, General T Michael Moseley.
In addition to recognising the USAF’s 60th anniversary, the Air Tattoo will also be marking the 65th anniversary of the US Air Force in Europe (USAFE).
Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said he was particularly pleased to be marking the anniversary of an air force that has been instrumental in the success of the airshow.
He said: “It’s quite simple. Without the help and encouragement we have received from the US Air Force during the past 30 years there would be no Air Tattoo. Not only does it send us an incredible range of aircraft year after year but also it makes available its Base and provides valuable logistical support. We hope our tribute will reflect the huge sense of gratitude we feel.”
The 2006 Royal International
Air Tattoo
Stay cool this summer and head for the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire – the greatest airshow on earth.
For just two days a year, this sleepy corner of the Cotswolds is transformed into a throbbing, adrenalin-fuelled flying festival as thousands of people gather to satisfy their lust for thrust.
On Saturday July 15 and Sunday July 16 more than 300 aircraft from around the globe will take centre stage as the hottest high-fliers take to the skies for some cloud-busting aerial action.
Watch as man and machine are pushed to the limit as they unleash an electrifying combination of raw power and state-of-the-edge technology in this ultimate display of 21 st century airpower.
Expect high-octane entertainment from the super-sleek stealths, futuristic fast jets, Cold War fighters plus the cream of international aerobatics teams - including the legendary Red Arrows. And birdwatchers will be out in force as rarities such as the Osprey, Merlin, Falcon (F-16), Harrier and Hawk gather overhead.
On the ground, there is the opportunity to meet the Top Gun pilots, get up real close to their aircraft and fly your own jets in a range of exciting flight simulators.
There's the chance to set your own Guinness World Record, experience metal mayhem in the Robotzone and enjoy an outdoor evening concert – featuring wonderful jazz singer Clare Teal and the BBC Big Band.
All this plus exhibitions, Formula One cars, games and an exciting new Tri@RIAT zone that offers youngsters the opportunity to experience a range of fun, interactive activities incorporating music, sport, engineering and cutting-edge technology.
The Royal International Air Tattoo is organised by The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises in support of RAF charities. Tickets are priced £30.95 in advance or £36 on the day. Under 16's go FREE. Tickets can be bought either online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0870 758 1918 .
The 2005 Royal International Air Tattoo
The 2005 Air Tattoo
took place on July 16th and 17th. And here is a press release for the
event.
Ever thought you’re
being watched? Well, turn up to the Royal International Air Tattoo at
RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on July 16 and July 17 and there’s
the strong likelihood that you will be as Europe’s largest airshow
lifts the lid on the secretive world of aerial surveillance with some
of the greatest spy planes from the past 50 years.
And seeing will be believing
as organisers promise flying Tigers and other Big Cats at this year’s
Tattoo. These brightly-coloured aircraft, from squadrons with Tigers or
Big Cats in their emblems, have always been a popular addition to the
Tattoo and are guaranteed to receive a huge roar of approval.
The Tattoo also plans to mark
the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two by focusing on the role
international aircraft have played in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions
since the formation of the United Nations in 1945.
Add to this an eight-hour extravaganza
of precision flying by some of the world’s leading Top Gun pilots
and breathtaking displays by international aerobatics teams - led by the
legendary Red Arrows – and you can be sure of an experience that
will live long in the memory.
On the ground, there will be
a stimulating display of futuristic technology in the TechnoZone, a chance
to be a record-breaker with Guinness World Records, a funfair, simulator
rides plus a wide range of interactive activities for the whole family.
But that’s not all, as the sun begins to set on a fabulous day’s
entertainment, you’ll be invited to enjoy a free, two-hour musical
extravaganza.
And remember, with
free entry for accompanied children aged 15 and under, the Royal International
Air Tattoo is an unbeatable, fun-packed family day out this summer.
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