Armedforces News - July 2008
Air Tattoo Day 2 Cancelled Due to Weather
Posted by Mark Broadbent on 12/07/2008 - 18:03:24
The second day of the one of the world's largest military aviation showpieces has been cancelled.
The first day of Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire was called off on Friday due to waterlogging of the airfield and surrounding car parks.
Despite the best efforts of the organisers to clear the standing water from the airfield and car parks in preparation for Sunday, the venue were deemed unusable, and the decision to cancel the second day was made.
An Air Tattoo statement read: "The decision was taken following lengthy discussions between the organisers, police and other safety services. It was based on concerns for our visitors and the disappointing conclusion was that we could not fully safeguard them".
RIAT Ticket Refunds
Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince added: "We have been working around the clock to improve the conditions on the airfield and in the car parks but unfortunately we have run out of time.
He continued: "Many people will be desperately disappointed but I would like to assure them that we have tried everything possible within the time available".
Visitors to the show who booked advance tickets for both Saturday and Sunday are being offered a full refund.
Armed Forces International advises readers affected to visit the Air Tattoo website for more details.
Royal International Air Tattoo History
This is the first time in the RIAT's 37-year history that the show has been cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
Indeed, the event has only once previously suffered from weather that has limited the flying display and made conditions difficult on the ground - and that was back in 1987.
On that occasion, despite the conditions, the show went ahead.
RIAT is reputedly the world's largest military airshow.
Over 200 military aircraft from air arms in Europe, North and South America and Asia had made the journey to participate in the event.
As well as a public show, RIAT is also offers a huge social gathering for air arms and their crews to mix and mingle in an informal setting.
RIAT 2008's highlights were scheduled to include no fewer than seven military aerobatic teams and the first European appearance of the US Air Force F-22A Raptor.
The Farnborough International Airshow, which starts on Monday, now has the honour of hosting the F-22A.
The Raptor will be displaying there on Monday only.
Source - Armed Forces International's Aviation Expert
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