Farnborough Air Show

[Robbo SPS]

Obviously MGmark and a few others are flighing people.

I have the fun of working for a 7 day stretch at this years air show,

I have No idea about planes etc etc, and have 12 hours a day to fill.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for something vaguely interesting to look at ?

[Ferrari Spider]

Robbo, piece of string question here.  Have a look here first http://www.farnborough.com/. This will give you some basic information.  The show is split in two really, the midweek part is all trade from the commercial and military fields so expect some spirited aircraft flying as the company test pilots show their aircraft in the best light possible.  The Friday weekend bit is public which is the first part plus visiting aircraft like the battle of britain memorial flight.

If you like loud fast and how can that be doing that then euro fighter typhoon 11, F 16 or Grippen are worth looking at.  Its all excellent, the trade stands are definetely worth a look and plenty of opportunity to speaking with the experts and they will be very pleased to explain.  One of the best trade shows to visit, you're very lucky. If you fancy more info over a beer give me a ring.

[DickieAttwood]

I don't know if the following are flying but if they are don't miss em... The Harrier is still a specatular thing as is the Tornado which takes off and disapears for a while and then returns for a high speed wings back pass and frightens the crap out of everyone!

The C17 Globemaster does a good display where it lands and stops in a very short distance and then reverses along the runway. This may be open in the static display for a walk round.

Dont forget to get stickers, badges and anything else thats going free!

You'll have a good time, If you're staying in the area I'll buy you a pint.

Dickie

[wishy]

If you want a nice pint in the evening travel down to Red Lion at Oakhanger or the Robin hood at Standford and I might just join you.

Wishy

[Robbo SPS]

Staying - What after a 12 - 14 hour day.

No i work for the Government which means, travel from Portsmouth to F'Borough every day for 0630,

Sorry, would have loved a quick social drink.

You'll have to meet in September then.

[mgmark]

Robbo,

           Top job you lucky chap - Farnborough is the aviation equivalent of Le Mans and the Motor Show all rolled into one.   The trade days are generally the best flying displays, as the products are being shown off to potential buyers rather than just the enthusiastic punter - everything from the fast and furious military stuff being flung round, to airliners being hauled round in ways that you wouldn't want to be on board.   If you have half an eye to engineering, there's bags of interest on the trade stands too - aerospace engineering is probably the most rigorous in terms of quality and the use of exotic materials.   Just a shame you have to punt up and back from Portsmouth each day!   Enjoy and give us a report back on how you found the experience.

[Fax]

Good to see we have some aviation enthusiast among us!
Every summer over here in Dayton Ohio they have one of the largest airshows in the US and last years was just amazing.
To celebrate 100 years of flight the USAF Tunderbirds, US Navy Blue Angels and the Royal Canadian Snowbirds were all on hand to perform each day. We went up on Saturday and got just had a great time. Combined with a mind blowing display by an F-15 Eagle and sublime summer weather it was one of the most memorable days I've ever had.
John

[TonyT]

I live quite close to the air field and the military jets have already started arriving and practising.

What a noise but great to watch.

[Robbo SPS]

WOW - Noise, Avaition FUEL buring at a rate of knots, LE MANS cars - Nasamax and Lola B2k

Plus VERY fast planes. And bigger engines than i have EVER seen.

Worth a look if youre bored.

even better if you have access all areas !  

[Ferrari Spider]

Robbo, glad you are enjoying yourself, would you be tempted to go to another airshow?  It can be arranged.

[Robbo SPS]

Robbo, glad you are enjoying yourself, would you be tempted to go to another airshow?  It can be arranged.

I would find it hard to go to another, as i have an access all areas pass, get fed for free , 3 times a day, have been "gifted" with numerous things, including bits from Mg Rover, NASA, Us Air Force and Airbus.

I have been into, and enjoyed a cold coke with some VERY big people, Rolls Royce, Smiths, Airbus and a Russian firm whose name i cant spell .

I have also been in an F15 / F16, c15 , and a black hawk copter, plus nearly got into an Apache, until my boss turned up.

Hoping to go in   Lear Jet type thingy care of Boeing and will be in the Presidential Suite in the afternoon !!

It would as i mention take a little beating, but .....

[Steve Pyro]

Beats working for a living eh Robbo  

[DickieAttwood]

Pace yourself, there's 5 days to go yet!

[Brad Zarse]

You know its weird - normally during farnborough, we see all sorts of exotic jets etc flying over.....this year nothing.....



Anyone  know if they have changed the flight path this year??

[jpchenet]

You know its weird - normally during farnborough, we see all sorts of exotic jets etc flying over.....this year nothing.....



Anyone  know if they have changed the flight path this year??

I agree. Saw the Red Arrows a couple of times over the last week or so but nothing this week. Maybe they only do the public days these days??

I've just driven down the M3 too so pretty close to the airfield and not seen anything in the air.