FULL marks and thanks to (Swindon) Thamesdown buses.

The service provided to the RIAT, Fairford, was excellent.

Staying in Pinehurst for the weekend, I made it from there via the bus station to Fairford in 11/4 hours, arriving at 9.25am in time for the start of the flying display. The return journey was just as well organised, might I say with military precision.

Listening to people stuck in traffic jams on Sunday (Wiltshire Sound) I was glad I had chosen to go by bus. It was £5 well spent for a hassle free journey.

Having driven to RAF Cottesmore for RIAT 2000 and 2001, the unsuitability of Fairford is obvious.

Cottesmore had no 'off base' parking problems and being virtually next to the A1 made it an ideal location. I would think that the USAF would be pleased not to host RIAT either, as the upheaval and disruption of Foreign Object Damage (FOD) or simply litter left behind was a big labour intensive problem where were the litter bins? Why also were there not more toilets provided, after all, big crowds were expected.

The RAF also seemed hostile in their attitude in allowing the show visitors the tax payers who pay their wages for acquisition of service aircraft to inspect/walk/sit in or even peer into the airframes on display. The USAF are far more receptive.

I trust people who didn't get a full days viewing, due to traffic delays, will receive some cash back. The RAF Benevolent Fund can afford it.

TONY SMITH

RAF 1961-2000

Lincoln