The Tattoo benefited from a high US contingent this year including the USAF Thunderbirds and a B-2 Spirit (Stealth Bomber) that flew across the Atlantic for two flypasts and returned immediately to Missouri. They were celebrating the seventieth anniversary of the United States Air Force. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was also celebrating an anniversary at RIAT 2017, sixty years since its formation, with their Thompson Formation of a Lancaster, Hurricane and three Spitfires.
This was the first UK outing for the French tactical display team Couteau Delta, flying two Mirages. Although sunny and hot in the early afternoon at RAF Fairford, the day was mostly overcast with a rain shower at the end of the day.
RIAT 2017 – my photos
Radio frequencies
The following frequencies were in use:
| Display | 124.8 |
| Fairford Ground | 121.175 |
| Approach (Brize Norton) | 134.55 |
Orientation
Runway 27 was in use at Fairford, with the crowd facing north. The sun was behind the crowd during the whole flying.