FARNBOROUGH WEEK 2018

[PB]

You may have seen on the Blackbushe Airport website news of reduced parking fees for visiting aircraft during the air show period? If not, here's a link www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/farnborough-airshow-parking/

Some additonal jet movements may be anticipated during the show period... I have no details except that some operators will be finding Blackbushe the easier option during the show period..

PB

[rocky14]

Guaging expressions of disappointment re the eponymous air show, 'pound for pound' 'Blackbushe 75' was better!!!

[PB]

An interesting conclusion on last year's festivities, Rocky14, and not one that I'll argue over!

Blackbushe 75 was run under shall we say "challenging conditions".... and had my intentions come to fruition it would have been better, bigger, and more deserving of your 'valuation'! However, events took place during the preceeding months... The air display I had in mind would have been well suited to Blackbushe.probably have brought in many more heads to swell the profits for our charities. 1977 again it would not be, especially as our Display Authority was royally screwed up... and in these days you cannot go anywhere without 'authority'..

As it turned out, however, the selection of aircraft acquired was I think reasonable, the bolt on goodies with singing, dancing, and a broad exhibition area provided a family day out that was not too big, nor was it too small... and we flew our aeroplanes throughout each day 'on the circuit' as we could not proceed with the display. Farnborough is massive beyond words, the flying is just a small part of the whole. In due deference to the knocks that have been aimed at Farnborough this year, having been there for the past three days as part of the Farnborough International Team, it is the most incredibly complex operation bringing together the best in world technology across the whole gamut of the aerospace business. It's saddening to read the negativity that has appeared, often from witnesses outside the fence who complain because there is not enough noise this year. A distinct contrast with those who say there is too much noise!!

I will be feeding back a detailed collection of observations/recommendations to Farnborough International, mainly about the internal bottle necks, weak points, and even a bit about the flying. The Red Arrows' fly-past routine has no doubt soured many an observer not understanding the reason why they do not display as in the past.. Straight from the mouth of Red One comes the explanation... "we spend the winter running up our display for the coming season. Farnborough is so increasingly urbanised that we are unable to justify our approved routine under current restrictions, and we will not work on a new routine for just one venue". You cannot argue with them, unfortunately people just say, "Huh, Shoreham", or think that FI have put some kind of ban on them...not realising that the Reds decided that formation high energy aerobatics do not belong amid highly developed areas.. By next Farnborough local building will no doubt see the old NGTE site morph into a new town/village or whatever, and that won't help future Farnborough Air Show 2020..

Judging by the vast crowds over the past two days the event was very successful, brought much acclaim, amid disappointment about the Reds, most 'complaints' coming from the Facebook railing rattlers from outside who did not know what they were missing. The flying component of FI 2018 was, without question, very much watered down VV other years of greater fighter participation, and that unfotunate trend of the big commercials flying home as soon as the Trade Days are wrapped up.. "Farnborough" brings in business of immense value within the locality, and is far from dead despite some social media chit chat's conclusions...I met a number of friends with aeroplanes, DC-6 downwards, keeping contacts going is very important just in case we are able to move into the broad sunlit uplands and have to celebrate the new Blackbushe - one day? Various ideas are in the concept region of the mind, no more than that.......

Tonight I'll sleep well, a quiet day at home tomorrow, no doubting watching those who I met at Farnborough take to the skies over home as they leave, Farnborough once more becoming the domain of the rich and famous..

I like the "pound for pound" analogy putting BB against FI! In a sensible world there is room for both, but sense is often divorced from the world of reality..

PB