Where it all started – RAF Cottesmore (RIAT 2000 & 2001)

Not quite where it all started but certainly where I caught the bug to re-engage with my passion for aviation. I had attended air shows throughout the 1980’s with my father, however, a move to Scotland early in my professional career severely reduced exposure to air shows. Having settled back in England by the late 1990’s and reasonably fresh memories of attending IAT at Boscombe Down in 1990, and at RAF Fairford in 1993 and 1997,I was enticed to attend RIAT at RAF Cottesmore.

Attendance in 2000 was solely for an arrivals day but returned in 2001 for the Sunday display and departures on the Monday. Armed with a Canon EOS 300 35mm film camera and a Sony miniDV Handycam I can hardly call what I captured was stunning or portfolio quality, but the memories were great.

Tupolev TU-22M-3 Backfire of the Ukraine Air Force at RIAT 2000 at RAF Cottesmore.

Clear standout moment was seeing the Tupolev TU-22 Backfire from the Ukrainian Air Force. Having grown up through the tail end of the Cold War, to now see Russian designed aircraft at UK Airshows was a magnificent sight.

It was joined by the uniquely designed Antonov AN-72 Coaler, with another rare classic visitor in the Douglas DC-6 in South African Airways colours.

My other emotive moment was witnessing a missing man tribute to Air Vice Marshal ‘Johnnie’ Johnson, CB, CBE, DSO & Two Bars, DFC & Bar. Having read his outstanding memoir “Wing Leader” many many times I was a great admirer of his achievements and leadership.

Antonov AN-72 ‘Coaler’ from the Ukrainian Air Force.

Saab Viggen of the Swedish Air Force.

It’s only looking back now that you realise how lucky you were to witness these stunning aircraft.

It’s interesting to look back now and notice how things have changed. Not only how many aircraft have now disappeared from service but also air show organisation. At the time, one could become quite blasé when seeing ‘common’ airframes, and now I think wouldn’t it be wonderful just see a Jaguar, Viggen or Canberra in the air again. Then you recall the sheer size of the Air Tattoo in those years and the large numbers of static aircraft attending but also the easy access, proximity to aircraft on the ground and in the air and minimal security barriers. How times have changed!