k5083 wrote:
JDK wrote:
We had a similar discussion on another forum over which were the top ten shows to see before you quit. This was looking at vintage aviation (not just warbirds) with no bias to better flying or greater numbers attending - either or both is great. My list (mid 2007) was:
1. EAA Airventure, Oshkosh, USA
2. Shuttleworth (day or evening show) UK
3. Flying Legends, Duxford, UK
4. Reno, USA*
5. La Ferte Alais, France
6. Classic Fighters, Marlborough, NZ
7. Chino, USA*
8. Warbirds over Wanaka, NZ*
9. CAF 'Airsho' USA*
The ones with the * I've not seen, so it's secondhand info. You'll note it's global, not just USA as well, but AFAIK it's a small world. There's a lot 'bubbling under' for the no 10 spot.

HTH.
Good list, James, that would be very close to my order. Notwithstanding you say it is about vintage rather than warbird aircraft, however, that list is very warbird heavy after #1 and #2. There are 2 or 3 American antique fly-ins that should muscle out at least #9, maybe also #8 if civil is taken at par with military.
We will all have our own biases, however I didn't say "it is about vintage rather than warbird aircraft" - I said "This was looking at vintage aviation (not just warbirds)" - regarding warbirds (W.W.II era and around) as one facet of the whole 'vintage' mix. Despite the reportage, La Ferte Alais and Omaka (Marlborough) have significant civil components; they just don't tent to get the photos published as much as the camou stuff.
Again places like Omaka and LFA score points (on my scale) of multi-national type representation - US, British, local Eastern European etc. (I find endless Waco subtypes of passing interest.) I like European and antipodean shows because of the
mix of European, British
and American types.
Also a 'fly in' isn't an 'airshow', however big - although they perhaps deserve a while category of their own I agree.
Nathan wrote:
no geneseo?

No, Nathan, despite your one-man marketing blitz.

The Geneseo reports I saw last year were of an interesting show, and great if you are local, but not enough to justify travelling around the world for - IMHO, the others all are.
Anyone's welcome to make and show their own list. I reckon we'll spot Nathan's for the top five all beginning with 'g'!
Regards,