UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The invited list looks great - I just hope that with the world watching the UK closely with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, RIAT will put on its best show in years and showcase something really special. Something different and exciting to really get the crowds in. I could list the expectations but know it is down to the countries, logistics and planning. The Eurofighter Spitfire twosome would be a fitting tribute showcasing original and new technology and spectacular flypast tributes showing heavyweights being escorted by strike aircraft would be excellent. This year is a real chance to put on the mother of all airshows. I have purchased my tickets in the hope that RIAT will come up with the goods.

In the past this kind of participating aircraft at shows published at the web has proven to be tough to understand by a lot of people, ending up with people stating aircraft and countries to be confirmed to participate when only an invitation was sent out, ending in a lot of disappointed people. For example Kecskemeth, Eggebek and CIAF spring to mind. But at least these shows had clearly different colours for the different stages the negotiations with the countries was on. With my level of colourblindness the status confirmed and ongoing are tough to distinguish.

The change of format is very welcome indeed! Really looking forward to see how the invitesdiscussions develop over the next few months. Whatever the participation turns out to be at least we've now got transparency. Maybe this will go some way in reducing some of the negativity exerienced last year. Great idea and many thanks! Rich