Last weekend saw the world-renowned RIAT 2019 airshow. It was perfect- it was sunny and warm, and the aircraft performances were amazing. There are few events in the aviation industry that can rival the drama, intensity and spectacles of RIAT 2019.
Many spectacular aircraft took flight over the weekend, including: The Spanish Navy EAV-8B Harrier; The British Airways 747 flight with the Red Arrows display team; and several German, Italian, and British Typhoons.
As well as many static aircraft, including: Gulfstream G550, a US Marine Corps CV-22B Osprey, as well as Canadian, Jordanian and British C-130 Hercules just to name a few (see the full list here).
Despite the heavy rain on the Friday, the aircraft were great- many of the static civilian jets arrived during the heavy rain.
The performances on the Saturday and Sunday were breath taking- with stunts from the Red Arrows, Freece Tricolori and The Blades demonstration teams.
Many static aircraft were also providing great exhibits- a civilian-owned L-29 Delfin provided details as to what that specific aircraft did in its military service.
Which was quite interesting, seeing how the Delfin isn’t particularly well known. At least compared to its older brother- the L-39.
A Pakistani-owned C-130 Hercules was converted into museum about the Pakistani Air Force. There was also an abundance of F/A 18’s. The Finnish F/A 18 flight display was breath taking.
Alongside the Swiss F/A 18 Hornet displays. There was also an abundance of F-16’s. The Belgian F-16 Dark Falcon display was stunning. The Black paint definitely suits the display. The American F-16 was cut short.
The aircraft suffered from complications and had to perform an emergency landing.
What happened to the F-16 At RIAT 2019?
On Saturday 21st , a USAF F-16C Viper (part of the Viper Demo Team) was forced to land just minutes into its performance. Commander of the Viper Demo Team Major Garret Schmitz declared an emergency.
He preceded to climb higher in order to assess the problem and then preceded to fly over the runway at a low speed with all gears down before coming in to land safely.
Upon landing, an immediate visual was carried out. This visual inspection showed that there was damage to the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer.
Many aviation experts and engineers believe that the damage was likely caused by the sustained exposure to the stabilizer during the display.
How was the Red Arrows display at RIAT 2019?
As always, The Red Arrows Display Team attended. Merely because they are RAF’s premier display team. The Red Arrows displays were good.
On the Thursday (arrival day) and Friday Major Tim Peake (British astronaut) sat in the Engineers seat of Red One.
The Hawk T2’s (Red Arrows aircraft) held up and performed great. Just as the reds are known for. In between the displays the Red Arrows were left to the right of the airfield for public view.
Whilst the Red Arrows team performed a meet-and-great with the general public. Which was attended by many higher-ups in the RAF and other organizations.
It was also the Red Arrows last performance in the United Kingdom before the reds set off for their tour in the United States.
How many celebrities/VIP’s attended RIAT 2019?
Many celebrities attended- there was a whole separate entrance specifically dedicated to them. Without stating the obvious- there were many top-level executives from many aircraft manufacturers there. Prince Michael, the Duke of Kent (cousin of Queen Elizabeth) also attended.
Even the Crown Prince of Jordan was in attendance (although I didn’t have the fortune to meet him). Many higher-ups from other nations also attended. I had the good fortune to meet a USAF General. A Spanish Navy Commander. And the Head of all Air Operations in the Pacific (Japan).