RIAT 2019

For the sixth time, the Aviation PhotoCrew partnered with the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford to deliver an intense programme of air-to-air photography during the event’s arrival days. Extensive preparation with the Pink Skyvan’s Chief Pilot, the FAA, ATC, Cotswold Airport, RIAT organisers, and participating air forces paid off handsomely. Despite the cancellation of Friday’s flying due to poor weather—safety always taking priority—we still achieved close to 30 separate join-ups across two days, making this one of our most productive RIAT projects to date.

Every join-up brought something unique, thanks to an exceptionally diverse lineup of aircraft from 15 different nations. Highlights included aircraft wearing striking special markings, such as a Luftwaffe Tornado from AKG51 Immelmann, a Eurofighter from JG71 Richthofen, the Danish 800-years anniversary F-16, Belgian D-Day F-16s, and distinctive RIAT liveries on aircraft like the Jordanian Hercules and Spanish Harriers. The sheer variety of types, roles, and national markings made each mission visually and historically distinctive.

Harriers had long been high on our wish list, and years of coordination with RIAT, Yeovilton, and the Spanish armed forces finally made it possible. The resulting join-up was lengthy, carefully executed, and highly rewarding. Matching airspeed proved more challenging than expected, but the Spanish Navy pilots handled it expertly, even flying with partially rotated nozzles to stay with the Skyvan—an impressive demonstration of skill and cooperation.

Other standout moments came from unique mixed formations rarely seen anywhere else. These included special Luftwaffe aircraft flying alongside the Blades and an Airbus A400, creating opportunities for dramatic prop-blur imagery. Both the Red Arrows and Frecce Tricolori also flew specially briefed formations, designed specifically to exploit the Skyvan’s capabilities as a photographic platform. Enthusiasm from participating crews was evident throughout, none more so than the F-15E Strike Eagle crew from RAF Lakenheath, who executed an exceptional join-up and even brought their squadron flag to personalise the moment.

Not every plan came to fruition. Despite approvals and detailed briefings, join-ups with Turkish Phantoms and Romanian Lancers were ultimately not possible due to the complexities of long-range ferry flights, technical issues, and airspace restrictions. That is the reality of aviation operations, particularly with Cold War-era aircraft, and it only strengthens the determination to try again. Overall, the project concluded as another highly successful RIAT collaboration, resulting in terabytes of rare imagery spanning transports, fighters, helicopters, and patrol aircraft from across Europe, Asia, and North America. With photographers, crews, and organisers delighted with the results, the Aviation PhotoCrew looks forward to returning to RIAT for future arrival projects—and invites others to join us in capturing some of the world’s most unusual aircraft in flight.