Keywords
Citation
(2001), "Airshow celebrates 30th birthday", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773cac.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Airshow celebrates 30th birthday
Airshow celebrates 30th birthday
Keywords: Exhibitions, Royal Air Force
The Royal International Air Tattoo 2001 (RIAT), to be staged at RAF Cottesmore, Rutland, UK, on the weekend of 28/29 July, marks its 30th year. The first Tattoo was held at the historic wartime airfield at North Weald on 31 May 1971 when just over 100 aircraft took part. The flying display did not start until 2.00 p.m., and only five overseas air forces were present.
In contrast, RIAT 2001 is set to welcome 50 air arms representing over 30 nations – and the flying display will be a non-stop, eight-hour spectacle for aviation fans of all ages. One of the highlights will be the appearance of veteran Hunter pilot Rod Dean, now retired from the RAF, who, as a young pilot officer, won the first-ever Tattoo flying trophy in 1972. Rod will lead the RIAT 50th anniversary tribute to the Hawker Hunter, the British designed jet that was the most successful fighter of its era.
RIAT directors and former air traffic controllers, Paul Bowen and Tim Prince, are celebrating a 30-year association with the Tattoo. Both men helped to organise the North Weald event and, over three decades, have been the masterminds behind RIAT's present-day ranking as one of the most exciting and varied airshows to be seen anywhere. Paul Bowen says "When the Tattoo began, the RAF was operating Lightnings and Phantoms. Since then it has been a great honour to showcase the many advances in aviation technology, including the introduction of fly-by-wire and stealth aircraft". Tim Prince adds "From air traffic control to airshow organisation can be seen as an unusual career move, but Paul and I agree it has given us 30 years of doing the best job in the world".
Over 350 aircraft, including the RAF Red Arrows and other superstar acrobatic teams, are expected to fly into RAF Cottesmore for The Royal International Air Tattoo 2001. The event is held in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund and its charitable welfare work.
Details available from: RIAT. Tel: +44 (0) 1285 713300; Fax: +44 (0) 1285 713268; Web site: www.airtattoo.com