London Airshow
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: South East England
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Generally, I was a tad disappointed with the event after attending (and paying for) the preview day on Friday. Starting with the question "would you like a programme?" when I walked in... Yes I would like one, but not for £5 (I've already paid £20!!!). The security there was also debatable... could I check your bag? I thought he was a cloakroom attendant. I opened my bag and told him what was in it but he didn't really care. He managed a nod and I continued into the show.
I always start these things with a walk-around to see who's there and what stands are worth spending time at. Didn't take long. I was surprised at the number of aircraft (and pensioners) there, always good to have a look-around but I was scuppered everytime by these old boys, clambering round the cockpits, presumably with money to burn from their pensions because there were signs everywhere saying "do not open door" unless you want to buy one, of course. I got fed up of trying to get a look-in and watched the life-raft demonstration - pretty good, especially when he almost failed to make it aboard!
Highlights of the show: The short Utterly Butterly girl, very nice thank you.
Venue, although not the best of places to travel to, there were plenty of things to do outside the show.
Lowlights: Rip-off food and drink prices. Insurance salesmen.
I always start these things with a walk-around to see who's there and what stands are worth spending time at. Didn't take long. I was surprised at the number of aircraft (and pensioners) there, always good to have a look-around but I was scuppered everytime by these old boys, clambering round the cockpits, presumably with money to burn from their pensions because there were signs everywhere saying "do not open door" unless you want to buy one, of course. I got fed up of trying to get a look-in and watched the life-raft demonstration - pretty good, especially when he almost failed to make it aboard!
Highlights of the show: The short Utterly Butterly girl, very nice thank you.
Venue, although not the best of places to travel to, there were plenty of things to do outside the show.Lowlights: Rip-off food and drink prices. Insurance salesmen.
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
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Several flyers have told me they bought equipment, clothing, etc at "bargain" show prices from the pilot supplies shops but I didn't think the prices were any different. There were life jackets at £25 cheaper than the catalogue price at one stand, but that only reduced them to the price advertised by other suppliers. One well-known shop wasn't accepting the "£10 off" vouchers it publishes in all the aviation mags - only for use at their retail outlets other than the retail outlet at the show, apparently.
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: London
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Thank you very much for your kind comments here, in the 'Pink' thread and in e-mails/PMs. It's always a little tricky knowing how to pitch a 'legal' talk to a 'non-legal' audience and your feedback is much appreciated.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet quite a few fellow Ppruners in the Breitling Bar and, if I hadn't had another commitment in the evening, I'm sure I would have been in the group who stayed until the show closed.
Thanks again.
Tudor
PS:
I've had a few messages from Ppruners who weren't at the show asking if I'd post my lecture notes here. I'd be happy to do so, but I didn't use any notes. Sorry.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet quite a few fellow Ppruners in the Breitling Bar and, if I hadn't had another commitment in the evening, I'm sure I would have been in the group who stayed until the show closed.
Thanks again.
Tudor
PS:
I've had a few messages from Ppruners who weren't at the show asking if I'd post my lecture notes here. I'd be happy to do so, but I didn't use any notes. Sorry.
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: UK
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I can't say the show was great but as I had a free ticket then it wasn't that bad either but with the numbers of people there I can't see it being held again next year, well not in Earles Court anyway.
As to bargins at the stands, I was expecting really big stands with loads of choice of gear etc and as anyone who went knows, the main trade stands were tiny and packed and you had to q up to be ripped off, sorry I mean purchase a bargain! Actually to be fair to mr Mendhelson I did get a new garmin 196 for £550 against list price of £642 so I guess that goes towards paying for getting there.
As to bargins at the stands, I was expecting really big stands with loads of choice of gear etc and as anyone who went knows, the main trade stands were tiny and packed and you had to q up to be ripped off, sorry I mean purchase a bargain! Actually to be fair to mr Mendhelson I did get a new garmin 196 for £550 against list price of £642 so I guess that goes towards paying for getting there.
