Ely Air Cadet’s Report from The Royal International Air Tattoo

Whilst some of Ely Squadron’s Air Cadets and staff have been working away last week at RAF Fairford on the Royal International Air Tattoo airshow, Sergeant Carter was there privately enjoying his love of aircraft and photography.

Here is a report from our Staff Cadet Sergeant Jay Carter:

“This past week I have been at RIAT, one of the largest Airshows in Europe. The theme this year was SKYTANKER which included a variety on Tankers from different countries and some Demos to go with the theme, and also the Italian Airforce celebrating its 100 years anniversary. I was there not as a cadet but with a group of mates. We brought a 6 day pass to take in the Arrivals, Show Days and Departures.

Wednesday/Thursday are the main arrival days where all the aircraft participating in the Airshow either static or flying arrived into RAF Fairford. The main highlights for these two days where the arrivals of Two Spanish Navy AV-8B Harriers and 2 USAF B-52s which arrived on Wednesday; A single Polish Su-22M-4 ‘Fitter’; Two Italian Navy AV-8B Harriers one of which was a TVA-8B trainer which is the only one the operate and the main attraction of the show a single Greek Airforce F-4AUP Phantom II, which all arrived on Thursday.

As many of you know the weather took a turn for the worst on Friday, I braved the weather for a few hours hoping between different stands and seeking shelter, but after my waterproofs had been soaked through and my poncho drenched I decided to head back for the hotel.

Finally the weather broke on Saturday and Sunday and gave us the opportunity to tour the statics, meet the pilots and enjoy the airshow. On the sunday in the FRIAT encloseur we had the opptonunity to meet pilots from the 492nd ,493rd ,494th and 495th all from RAF Lakeneheath along with Greek F-4 Phantoms pilots and the Spainish Harrier display pilot which all signed images and gave out a variety of free merch.

The Monday was arguably the best day in terms of weather and also the best day of action as every aircraft participating in the show depart. Being in FRIAT we were the only ones allowed on the airfield, we were confined to an enclosure which allowed for all the pilots to show off before they headed home.

Overall minus the weather I would recommend the airshow to anyone weather they are interested in aviation or not. Below are many of my images for you to enjoy.”

From 1094 Ely Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets