Thunderbirds Display

[Buran]

About the thunderbirds, does anyone:

a) find it interesting the amount that they flew over the crowd. I though this was against the rules (not that im complaining)?

b) think that (even accounting for them having to do a flat display) that their display was a bit under whelming compared to the red arrows, or even the extra 300s?

c) think that it was bad form for the merlin to start up its engines + rotors while the thunderbirds were still displaying, causing a large diversion of attention?

[Vulcan]

Quote (Buran @ 25 June 2007,05:18)

c) think that it was bad form for the merlin to start up its engines + rotors while the thunderbirds were still displaying, causing a large diversion of attention?

You mean like the Thunderbirds do at most air shows with there 20-25 minute pre-show drill that causes huge diversion of interest?  The Thunderbirds put on a great show considering the conditions and I think we were very lucky to have them, much to the hard work behind the scenes.  I have to agree that the Blades did an excellant display also, so two great aerobatic teams in one small FREE air show.

[joey1]

I just pointed that out on another thread

Red arrows never flew over the crowds, and isn't a 300 or 350-meter parallel display line enforced at all airshow

As to their performance! I suspect the weather had a lot to do with the toned down display no blame to the thunderbirds!!!

I reckon they could of easily Cancelled but what a disappointment that would have been
They assessed the situation then acted accordingly

Personally the Typhoon & Blade Displays were the highlight of the show  
Again it was all down to weather

[FiannaFail]

Must say I am with Vulcan on this one!

FiannaFail

[Paul McA]

I have been lucky enough to see the Thunderbirds display 3 times and have seen them practise at their base in Nevada.
The ground show takes 20-25 mins of faffing about and saluting anything with a heartbeat!!! Comical at first but very annoying after a while.
The Thunderbirds show is VERY different to the European Display teams we are all used to.
They can take some time to form the formations,and spend a fair bit of time away from the crowd line-hence the use of the singleton aircraft to keep everybody`s attention.

Some teams are begining to be permitted to over fly the crowd (ie at start and finish of displays) but I believe only in straight and level flight.
I know the Red Arrows and the Blades have been allowed to do this for the 2008 season.

[Blue Monday]

The Thunderbirds practice of over-flying the crowd has obviously caught on with the Air Corps. At the Alouette Retirement Display the AW139s introduced a single-ship crowd fly-over once or twice while the other two helicopters reformed mid-display.

Blue Monday.