Mach Loop – Royal International Air Tattoo

England in July is an exciting time. The Royal International Air Tattoo, an event that dates back to an air show first held at North Weald Airfield in 1971, is the world's largest military air show held annually in July at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. The show became the International Air Tattoo in 1976, and recognition of its unique status was granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1996, when the current Royal International Air Tattoo title was adopted. 

This is an aviation festival, where hundreds and thousands of spectators start to follow the arrivals of aircraft from bases around the globe in the middle of the week and their rehearsal flights, and then staying until they depart. 

The Royal International Air Tattoo is more than just an air show, regardless of the day and time you decide to watch the shows. For many, it is a huge social gathering where you can meet countless aviation enthusiasts and aviators from dozens of countries.  

You can join surprising conversations here. You can hear about an RAF pilot’s memories of the Anatolian Eagle Exercise or the long waits during deployments to RAF Fairford from far-off countries. 

 As we were getting closer to RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) on one of the few sunny days in England, we started listening to the broadcasts of the event on our car radio. When we arrived at the event venue, we weren’t sure where to start first. To tell you the truth, no matter where you start, you will eventually find yourself in a position where you cannot say, "I wish." Around every corner, another aircraft or team is waiting for you, and of course, RIAT is a show where there are always jet engine sounds. 

Teams wait for their turn within the huge display area, and planes take off one after another as if it would never end. The Austrian Air Force's use of Eurofighters in a scramble scenario struck me as the most remarkable part of the show. In military aviation, scrambling is the act of quickly mobilizing fighter jets. A scramble take-off is an action against an immediate threat. I could not pass without mentioning the Austrian Air Force, which gave us this scenario complete with alarm sirens and radio conversations mixed with the sound of afterburners. 

The Royal Air Force's F-35B's hovering salute to the crowd and the CH-47 demonstration team's "Blade Slap - Because jet noise is boring" were both breathtaking. If the CH-47 is a helicopter, what are the others? If the others are helicopters, what is the CH-47? 

The Mach Loop adventure, which I considered to be significantly more ambitious and challenging than the days of the Royal International Air Tattoo, was an entirely completely different experience.  I had imagined that I would have the opportunity to get a rare bird's eye view of countless aircraft performing low-altitude tactical military flights across the valley, from the C-130 Hercules to the F-15 and even the V-22 Osprey. I say “imagined” because sometimes all you need to have is a bit of good luck. 

I’m writing with the belief that whatever I’ve discovered, observed, and experienced will become even more valuable when I share it. It is a wonderful feeling and extremely intriguing to see jets when you least expect them among the twists and turns of Snowdonia and to watch them closer than ever before as they approach to pass right over your head. 

In contrast to the Royal International Air Tattoo, Mach Loop is situated in an area where you must wait for hours, where the only amenities are a small parking lot and rough paths. Whether you choose the western slope or the eastern slope, some things are entirely up to luck. The pilot of an airplane that will approach effortlessly to cross the valley by quickly turning the corner at what initially appears to be a small mountainous area may also choose to fly over the other slope. Additionally, even though the Royal Air Force announces the flight schedule, it is completely unclear where and how the flights will be conducted. It is critical to emphasize right away that there is no guarantee that you will see the aircraft. You will see numerous people who give up waiting and close the day with trekking. 

First Advice for Mach Loop: "Patience" 

It's an enchanting spot to sit and watch the world while enjoying some snacks, without risking the rain (bring your umbrella, this is Wales). If you manage to spot a low-flying aircraft here, that's a bonus! To avoid being overly pessimistic, I would suggest that the hours of 10:00–11:00 and 13:00–15:00 on a weekday should not be skipped.  

After spending the previous night in a tiny hotel surrounded by sheep and lambs that are as white as a cotton field, you need to be up early in order to get to your destination. Not a disappointing experience at all, is it? 

Additionally, having a simple breakfast with the unique Wales clotted cream will probably help you overcome your excitement about being side by side with an F-15. 

When you leave your hotel, you will arrive at a location where there is only one parking lot, full of smiling "hopeful" people who make you wonder "What are they looking at?" Two alternatives will be waiting for you here; you will either climb the western slope or the eastern slope. 

The ambience that is created by the waiting spectators is amazing. It will be almost impossible to miss the expected moment. You should therefore bring something with you to pass the time patiently during the extended waiting period. 

It’s a little bit easier to climb the western slope than the eastern slope. You can simply navigate without having to search for ways as it has an entrance and a path. If you want to catch the passing over your head, you should prefer the western slope. The eastern slope offers various options. Before reaching the parking area, you can climb the eastern slope with two slightly more challenging climbing routes, including a vehicle road option on your left (again facing east).  I should also mention that the eastern slope is comparatively higher and offers a superior view. 

You shouldn’t be afraid of valley and slope climbing. Depending on your walking pace, your climb will take 30 to 40 minutes. Moreover, there is no reason to rush. You must eventually wait for a long time like everyone else. 

As you are waiting patiently, there will be times when you think you hear a jet in the distance. Sometimes, even if those jet sounds are real, the jets that you have been waiting for will unfortunately head in another direction. 

Hours later, the patiently awaited "Moment" arrives!

The USAF F-15s crossing the eastern slope as if they were going to touch the eastern slope, as opposed to the RAF Hawks that do not approach the valley, offers us, who are on the western slope at that moment, an incredible scene. At that moment, you can't help but wonder how it would have felt to be in the place of those on the eastern slope, eye to eye with the F-15 pilot. 

If you don't have a professional camera with you when you first hear the distant jet, you should just savor the moment. That moment you have been waiting for hours will be absolutely breathtaking