Airshow

An airshow is an event at which aviators display their flying skills, normally to the public, but occasionally to invited guests, or employees and their families only. Some are held for commercial motives, gaining income from onlookers or from companies hoping to sell aircraft, but many are held to raise funds for charities. Usually they are arranged at airfields in which case a variety of static aircraft and helicopters might also be on view. Less often shows are held over the sea near popular coastal resorts. Where space allows, other entertainments and market stalls may add to the attractions on offer at an airshow. The better organised shows and those with longer flying displays will tend to be more expensive and sometimes discounts will be offered to those booking in advance. The organisers of larger events will normally work with the police and traffic authorities to ensure that motor traffic flows as smoothly as possible and that bus shuttles are on offer from nearby towns or railway stations. If you do take a car to such an event, do not expect either to watch the flying from within the car, or to make a swift exit if you wait until the close of the flying programme. If you are relying on a shuttle bus, get some information about final departure times and boarding points before leaving the set-down point. If you arrive in a group you may wish to agree where and when to meet-up if people become separated. A site plan in the programme may indicate a "lost persons" rendezvous point or you may prefer to select a prominent landmark such a mast or hangar.

If you intend to take young children to an airshow you may wish to choose a display at a small airfield where noisy jets are less likely to appear. You may also wish to buy them ear-defenders for them to wear on the day. Pleasure flights in aircraft (possibly historic types) and helicopters are offered at many airshows, normally before and after a continuous sequence of afternoon displays. These will be priced separately from admission and flights may be surprisingly brief, particularly if there is a long queue of customers waiting. Airfields in high summer can become extremely hot and shaded areas are few and far between, dress accordingly and take drinks and sunscreen lotion with you. In conditions of wind or rain, the lack of shelter may come as an unpleasant surprise, so take note of the local weather forecast and take appropriate clothes with you. Magazines aimed at aircraft enthusiasts will normally include a list of forthcoming airshows in their February, March or April editions. Shows at military bases are liable to be cancelled or postponed during periods of international tension. To get a good view of aircraft in flight you should look for slight variations in ground level, it may be better to seek out a small crest or ridge than to head instinctively for the congested front of a crowd-line. Consider where toilets are situated and notice the direction in which planes are landing and taking-off. At a busy airshow it will be sensible to choose your viewpoint before the flying display begins. If you intend to take video film you may wish to avoid being near any loudspeakers or noisy generators (eg.serving food vans or fairgrounds). The position of the sun may be important to photographers.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT NO LITTER BE DROPPED AT OR CLOSE TO AIRFIELDS. LITTER CAN BE INGESTED BY ENGINE INTAKES AND MAY ATTRACT BIRDS THAT REPRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD TO AIRCRAFT. DEBRIS CAN ALSO BE BLOWN INTO PEOPLE'S FACES BY PROPELLORS, OR JET EXHAUST, OR THE DOWNWASH FROM A HELICOPTER. Stay alert to any aircraft taxying, hovering or starting an engine close to you. There may be security, emergency or traders' vehicles moving along or across pedestrian routes during the show. Display teams may emit smoke that can drift over public areas and irritate. These are further reasons to ensure that children are well advised and closely-supervised at airshows. Wherever children are allowed to look inside military aircraft, remember that these are not furnished in the style of a passenger airliner; much apparatus protrudes from ramps, floors and fuselage sides in a helicopter or aircraft designed for soldiers or bulky cargoes. Assist children or companions unsteady on their feet with these hazards in mind. It is NOT a good idea to take a pet to an airfield or an airshow.