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The UK CAA only allows a select few operators to fly over crowds meaning that all the action must happen further away than necessary; over the sea in Bournemouth’s case. What we get as a result of this is a relatively two-dimensional display.
Overzealous European bureaucracy aside, this airshow is definitely worth a visit just due to the fact that it is free. It is however impossible to deny the size of BAF, and for this reason it can still be said that the selection of aircraft on display was average at best. The RAF could easily have made a greater effort to fly in more recent or more interesting jet aircraft so that the show might have a broader selection. As an aviator myself I certainly enjoy seeing ANY aircraft in flight, this post is directed at critically analyzing the airshow and giving or taking credit where credit is due to be given or taken.
The warbird selection was typical of a British airshow, the cherished Supermarine Spitfire (which by now should just be recognized as a symbol of worship within England) alongside its older and yet less idolized brother, the Hawker Hurricane, a Tornado GR4 made an appearance, as did a Chinook (quite commonly seen flying over the entire UK anyway). There were some very exciting planes present, yet since the airshow is many days long you would have to be inconvenienced by attending every day if your goal was to see these aircraft.
Pictures will be posted soon in form of an article update.