RIAT 2016

Location: RAF Fairford, UK

Closest City/town: Swindon, UK

Spotter tickets: Yes

Website: http://www.airtattoo.com/

As 2016 was a "Farnborough year", my expectation on this year's event was a lot higher than last year. The theme of the 2016 event, "The Next Generation", promised that we would  get to see "the latest and the greatest" and I don't think that anyone was disappointed.

F-35A/B Lightning II, F-22A Raptor, Eurofighter, SAAB Gripen and Rafale were all on display, both in the air and on the ground. Add to this two Greek F-4 Phantom on static display and you got a very good mix of airplanes.

The biggest let-down is not related to the event it self, but the fact that every aviation photographer's favorite photo spot, Rhymes Farm, was closed due to safety regulations. So this year, we spent most time at the second "off base" photo spot, Totterdown Farm. Not as good as Rhymes Farm, but some interesting angles and shots.

The typical English summer weather, with rain, winds, sunshine cold and heat all within an hour caused some issues, with Grey sky and low clouds. 

Based on my experience from RIAT the last three years, I will probably not go there next year, unless there's some very special planes attending.