Gifu Airshow

[Niall Grant]

Hi,

I'm planning on taking in the airshow at Gifu while I'm in Japan in November.

Looking at various maps and photos it appears that you are shooting into the sun, if the weather is good, during the flying display.

So my questions are

1) where is best to shoot the flying display outside the base, at the museum or at the threshold to Runway 28?
2) is it practical to go onto the base to photograph the static display and then head outside for the flying display. I will be walking.

Thanks in advance.

Niall

[scuderia]

Niall,

Been there in 2010, and around the museum was the place to be.
There was a shuttlebus from the gate at the museum.
Arrived early, took the 1st bus to the static. The static was terrible for making photo's so 1hr later we were back at the museumspot. It was fantastic outside the base. Sun in the back and all the aircraft bank in front of you.

Cheers, Fred

[Fred]

I was at the Gifu open day some years ago. I had to deal with backlit conditions from the public area. However, the sky was overcast the whole day, so in this case it wasn't that bad. Note that the museum balcony is popular (so very crowded) and at a considerable distance from the runway. With westerly winds you may have good conditons outside near the threshold of 28. When I was there I walked round the threshold of 10 on base, which would mean that with easterly winds you may encounter good photo conditions on base.
By the way, contrary to the previous poster, I did not find the static so bad.
Anyway, for me it was the highlight of my trip to Japan. Good luck!

[CBR]

Have been there twice off base ... but bear in mind that from the main gate to RWY 28 is at least 3km and to the museum 6 km. It will be very busy so you'll need some time to reposition. For the museum you need lots of mms : 800mm full frame or 500mm crop. Also I am not sure if everything can photographed there. If its your first time in Japan/Gifu RWY28 is the surerst bet (and my favourite option) ...

Both visits I also went the friday(morning) before the (sunday)show. You may catch some arrivals, rehearsals and some operational flying like I did.

Saturday in between can be spend at Nagoya-Komaki. "Buying gifts for the homefront." There is a large shoppingcenter at RWY34.

[Niall Grant]

Thanks lads for all the advice.

Niall