My family and I decided to go to RIAT at Fairford, after an absence of two years due to runway resurfacing work.

Having been regular attendees up until two years ago, we were very disappointed with the organisation of the event.

The traffic queues were the worst that we can remember. The security, along with airport scanners, was definitely overkill, which resulted in many discontented aircraft enthusiasts having to queue for a couple of hours.

The toilet facilities were woefully inadequate compared with previous years, with long queues at all times during the day, and this was especially bad for older people who attended the event.

The aircraft in the static display were of the types seen many times before at the tattoo, with nothing new on offer. The same could also be said about the variety of aircraft taking part in the flying display, with nothing on offer that had not been seen before.

The event was dominated solely by Western European aircraft, and nothing from the former eastern block countries, and this in itself was a great disappointment for enthusiasts.

The official programmes for the event cost £6 each, which most people do not begrudge paying as the proceeds go towards the RAF benevolent fund, but even inside this there was no mention at all of eastern block aircraft.

The event was a great disappointment, and mediocre to the point of being boring. The only plus side of this year's event was the friendliness and helpfulness of the security staff and service personnel, who did a great job under difficult circumstances.

Would the organisers of RIAT please note that the entrance fee cannot be considered to be cheap, and aircraft enthusiasts expect more imagination and variety to be on offer after waiting for the show to return to its Fairford home after a two year absence.

After being regular visitors, my family and I may think better of attending any event next year.

G A Woodward

Nelson Street, Swindon