Vulcan Practice at Waddington Airshow 2009

I have attended finningley every year since I was 8 years old and continued the tradition every year at waddington. Without doubt, waddington offers fantastic value for money with an excellent display of both airbourne and static elements. For the last 3 years the show has not offered the same big-bang birds, but don't forget folks - WE ARE AT WAR and as such cannot take any platform out of theatre just to show off at an airshow! Yes, I would love to see the jag, harrier, A10, tornado, etc but we have neither the machines or available display pilots. As for those comments about RIST, etc, remember that RIAT is not just an airshow, it is a sales pitch to prospective countries to buy these machines, which us why Waddington is billed as the RAF's premier show - RIAT is bigger because there is money at stake. Waddington also has to compete with other shows on the same day - some in the UK, others on mainland Europe and as such cannot always get what they want. The organisers at waddo do a fantastic job and to all those who moan when they don't get to see the fast jets bear in mind all I have said before you spout off!

As for the Vulcan, yes it was a shame she was not up in the air, but beaurcracy reigns, the people responsible for the paperwork screwed up and I've no doubt will have been hauled over the coals for it, but it happened - get over it - just be glad thousands of people have given what ever support they can to help fund this beautiful bird stay available for us to even see on the ground, let alone in the air. She will be there next year, so come back again and support waddington and the benevolent fund - remember it's for those who served, not just a day out for you and the kids.

The car park situation is totally out if the hands of the organisers, it's arrogant idiots who ruin it for others, if people took turns to leave instead of pushing their way out it would run smoothly. Idiots blocking routes out of selfishness cause ALL the delays - remember, thus years waddo had the biggest ever attendance, so it comes as no surprise it took some a few hours to get out. Sit back - have a cuppa and wait till it dies down, failing that leave earlier.

I love waddo and thank all for their efforts in bringing it to us.

Just to add my own personal views on what I have read here. Addmitedly the flying wasnt spectacular but the stalls were better,and to see one of the only nations still flying a phantom was worth it. As for expensive food and drink ive always taken a cold box and flasks with tea or coffee. It dosent take much emagination to have a picknic with the joy of an airshow as well.With the ever increasing prices of duxford and riat I find waddington good value, as where else can you have a whole days entertainment for 17-21pounds each. With the cancelation of Mildenhall and the closure of other airbases that held airshows we as enthusiasts should enjoy it before they end them or close the bases. Ive been to worse airshows and better ones but its down to personal preference. All in all a good day out, spent to much money as usual, got sun burnt, didnt get stuck in trafic either going in or leaving (just go early or leave early) stayed localy so no long slogs after or before show. It beats going to work for 6 days.