Non-motoring > Unusual (aircraft) sightings - volume 1   [Read only] Miscellaneous
Thread Author: R.P. Replies: 120

 Unusual (aircraft) sightings - volume 1 - R.P.

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This afternoon's walk took us close to RAF Valley's flightpath. We saw, a Tornado (quite unusual) a Tristar (very unusual) doing circuits and bumps (at least a couple if not three) two Lynx flying in close formation wearing shiny new camo paint jobs - glossy green and desert brown.....they looked like naval variants (long nose), they looked slightly foreign. They were around last night after dark.....wonder what's happened..
Last edited by: VxFan on Tue 26 Jul 11 at 21:18
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
RAF Wittering, that has no aircraft or squadron since the harriers were cut, has suddenly started flying as yet unidentified jets (not Harriers) out at night, and yesterday was spooling up Merlin choppers. No idea where they came from.
Last edited by: Zero on Thu 30 Jun 11 at 15:36
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
HMS Illustrious has just come out of dry-dock and a major upgrade - summat's up.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Old Navy
You won't land a Tornado or Tristar on Illustrious. :-)

I would suspect any extra activity is shifting kit to and from Italy for our latest war.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
I know - Illustrious has been re-fitted as a helicopter carrier......would explain the Helicopter movements here - FAR Lynx hunt in pairs but these looked too flamboyant to be UK ones. There was a naval Sea King around last evening as well. As you say probably linked to Libya. A friend mentioned last night that there was a contingency being put in place for an evacuation in the eastern Med.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Armel Coussine
Not a sighting, but a noting and a passing: the last official mission by the Nimrod was yesterday or so.

Our sort of coastal Poor Man's AWAC, on which billions of quid are alleged to have been wasted as a result of haphazard, reactive, knock-on updating and equipment planning by the MoD, is a graceless, bloated version of what is in my opinion the only decent-looking jet airliner ever to have been made, the de Havilland Comet.

Ground-breaking in its day, the beautiful Comet killed some passengers I think as a result of fatigue cracking of the fuselage shell around the windows, and was thereafter under a cloud although once modified it didn't break up in flight again. It was soon superseded though by the ungainly Boeing 707 and even more brutalist McDonnell Douglas DC10 which were bigger - in payload terms, the only ones that count - and stronger (although as a passenger I always found the way their pod-mounted engines flopped about in flight and when on the runway a bit disconcerting). Never flew in a Comet though, alas.

Early Caravelles were good-looking too. Europe including us is the place for top style, no two ways about it. But all these fanjet monsters look much the same.

       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - spamcan61
Only fairly recent unusual sighting I can think was was a turboprop DC3 last year, the sight didn't match the sound, most odd.

I'd say the VC10 was a decent looking jet airliner.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Bigtee
Last week in Leeds i saw a Apache helicopter and a Lynx together flying towards Leeds Bradford airport, not seen a Apache before we do get the Lynx and Chinook occasionally over the city.

Huey passes over as one is based at LBA.

       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Old Navy
I flew to the USA a couple of times in RAF VC10s, no worse than any other plane in their day. about a year ago I was parked near the runway at Edinburgh waiting for Mrs ON's broomstick to arrive when an RAF VC10 departed, I was amazed at how much noise and smoke it produced compared to modern aircraft. I have flown as crew in Nimrods several times.
Last edited by: Old Navy on Thu 30 Jun 11 at 17:01
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
Apparently they were very quiet to fly in though, good to fly as they didn't have the engines dangling from the wings....I think the RAF have finally ditched their last VC10s. They and the Tristars have served them well.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - sooty123
Nope stilling going Pugugly, and for a couple of years yet.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero

>> I was amazed at how much noise and smoke it produced compared to modern aircraft.
>> I have flown as crew in Nimrods several times.

Very pretty aircraft, but dirty noisy thirsty beasts.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
There's reference to both airliners in he book I mentioned in another thread (Empire of the Clouds) also mentioned is David Lean's film "The Soundbarrier" it refers to a deliberate continuity "issue" (sorry iffy) whereby a Comet appears in the film a few years before it actually flew...the author describes a conversation between actors with a head on shot of a Comet in the background - which is almost pornographic in nature...a beautiful if flawed (in MK1 form) aircraft. The pay off from all the crashes of the MK1 was that the UK had cutting edge air crash investigators, I believe that they still have an international stature in this field.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Armel Coussine
>> VC10 was a decent looking jet airliner.

All a matter of taste really spamcan. I didn't take to the looks of the Tristar either although I do like the idea of three engines, à la Dornier from the 1930s...

The original Comet was a svelte beauty though, beauty and function in one perfect package - not quite perfect as it turned out, and a lesson learned - but just aesthetically, to me, the Comet's almost invisible engines were what made it so good-looking. You could see where they were, but they weren't on display. The thing was properly dressed, not like some tattooed yob with his sleeves rolled up to show the biceps...

Anyway: RIP Nimrod and Comet. I suppose the Nimrods will go to some maritime country that can't make things like that for itself. Doubtless there are years of service left in them. Perhaps they should put Bernie Ecclestone in charge of selling them. I think he'll get a better price than Whitehall suits would.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Ian (Cape Town)
>> Only fairly recent unusual sighting I can think was was a turboprop DC3 last year,
>> the sight didn't match the sound, most odd.

Lots of them round my area - I'm about 10kms from Ysterplaat, the local marine airbase, and they use them as Long ranger maritme patrol aircraft.

       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero

>> when on the runway a bit disconcerting). Never flew in a Comet though, alas.

I have, a 4B in Dan Air colours.


>> Early Caravelles were good-looking too.

Ohh No, the slightly later and similar looking BAC 1-11 was a much prettier aircraft with its high mounted delta tail wing and the tail mounted passenger stairs

My fav plane as a passenger, is without doubt the Viscount.



       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
You both need to read that book - brilliant aircraft ruined by Governments and BOAC prostituting itself to American aircraft...
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - spamcan61
>>
>> >> Early Caravelles were good-looking too.
>>
>> Ohh No, the slightly later and similar looking BAC 1-11 was a much prettier aircraft
>> with its high mounted delta tail wing and the tail mounted passenger stairs
>>
Yeah, my first flight was on a Dan Air 1-11; used to watch the 1-11s, Britannias and Viscounts taking off, from the end of Luton's runway, many years ago now.

I think pretty much the only 1-11 flying now (and rarely) is Northrop Grumman's flying test bed:-

tinyurl.com/6zz2gw5

Boscombe Down's remaining one hasn't flown for a while now.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - spamcan61
>>
>> I think pretty much the only 1-11 flying now (and rarely) is Northrop Grumman's flying
>> test bed:-
>>
>> tinyurl.com/6zz2gw5
>>
>> Boscombe Down's remaining one hasn't flown for a while now.
>>
Having said that Boscombe Down's 1-11 was flying last week apparently.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Hard Cheese
>>
>> I have, a 4B in Dan Air colours.
>>


Snap, to Ibiza circa 1971, the return flioght was delayed 12 hours due to a lightning strike, quite an adventure as a young'un, the airport terminal there then was more like a beach cafe with a patio surrouned by a low wall leading onto the apron.


>> Ohh No, the slightly later and similar looking BAC 1-11 was a much prettier aircraft
>>

Flown in one of those as well, back from Thesaloniki, had to refuel at Ostend.



       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Old Navy
I think many of us of a certain age have used a variety of the aircraft mentioned, and possibly a few others. My first flight was to Singapore on a British Eagle Brittania trooping flight full of army people, I was one of five navy folk on the way to Sydney. Refulled at Kuwait and Columbo on route. And then a BOAC 707 from Singapore on to Australia.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - NortonES2
What year ON? We flew on a BOAC Britannia (early, troubled, turbo-jet?) to Changi in 1957. Dad was already in Malaya: up-country in a DC 3 to Ipoh. Quite alarming as you got onboard and walked "uphill".
Last edited by: NortonES2 on Thu 30 Jun 11 at 21:31
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Old Navy
>> What year ON?>>

1966. BOAC had early 707s with fragile tailplanes.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Bromptonaut
>> My fav plane as a passenger, is without doubt the Viscount.

Lovely, lovely machine. Did you get on the final tour with G-APEY in the mid nineties?
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - RattleandSmoke
Concorde has to be my favourite plane. I used to love watching them in the sky when the were being diverted to Manchester. You know about it because nothing else sounded like them.

I was almost in tears when I saw the last ever Concorde fly over Chorlton heading for Manchester Airport :(
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Hard Cheese

>> I was almost in tears when I saw the last ever Concorde fly over Chorlton
>> heading for Manchester Airport :(
>>

That was G-BOAC landing in Machester to be exhibited.

The last ever Concorde flight was G-BOAF landing at Filton, Bristol on 26th November 2003. I was there, in fact I was in London the day before and drove through Heathrow seeing the Concorde on the apron in pouring rain then next morining I watched it land a Filton, tragic.

       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - RattleandSmoke
Sorry yep, I meant last ever one in Manchester. E.g the one I would see.

Not sure when this one was, but it was in summer, I know it was timed because I was expecting to see it, so it would have been the flight you mentioned. But have been sad times for the pilots.

       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Hard Cheese

>> Not sure when this one was, but it was in summer, >>

Er, 31st October 2003 actually.

       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - mikeyb
>> The last ever Concorde flight was G-BOAF landing at Filton, Bristol on 26th November 2003.
>> I was there, in fact I was in London the day before and drove through
>> Heathrow seeing the Concorde on the apron in pouring rain then next morining I watched
>> it land a Filton, tragic.

Me to! Just think Cheddar, we may have stood in the rain shoulder to shoulder

Shame to see the airfield at Filton close next year - seen a few sights there over the last few years
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Hard Cheese

>>
>> Me to! Just think Cheddar, we may have stood in the rain shoulder to shoulder
>>

I was on a little hill towards the western end of the runway on the north side with perhaps 50 - 80 other people, the aircraft landed from the east and turned around at the western end, after turning around the crew then turned towards the hill we were standing on and dipped the nose, it was great to be acknowledged.

       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - legacylad
My earliest recollections of flying were a Avro Dart Herald, BIA, from Yeadon (as it then was) to Jersey. Later trips on Viscounts and a Bristol freighter with the Mini Traveller. And a Vanguard. A Comet 4B with BEA from Hrow to Venice, where all the passengers got a signed certificate from the flight deck stating how fast we had flown. As a young 'un i was most impressed.
A British Caledonian Tristar to the Caribbean, ex Mter via Gatwick in early January several years ago, almost empty. Returning full, we had to refuel in the Azores.
Latterly, a KLM DC10 from Schipol to SF which was a wonderful flight.
My old Dad must have hundreds of slides of old aircraft in a tin trunk in my loft. One day I shall look at them.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Alastairw
I too saw the last Concorde in to Manchester - from my (then) 9th floor office window in Stockport.

The place for unusual aircraft this weekend is Waddington - I'll be there on Saturday. Really looking forward to seeing the Vulcan - its there already so even if it doesnt make it into the air I can see it in the metal, at last.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - CGNorwich
I saw Concorde land at RAF Coltishall near Norwich for a once and only a flight from London in 1986.

Coltishall, like Concorde now of course history
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Armel Coussine
I have flown in Viscounts, to Ireland North or South I think. Tristars too, and earlier lots of turboprop things. But in Africa, not usually with premium airlines, it was mostly old 707s and DC10s and 737s... the odd ancient Ilyushin, the odd Hercules... latterly though airbuses and equivalents...

My old man was always flying from Colombo up to Madras and Delhi in Dakotas. He described their wings flapping as they trekked slowly through tropical storms crashing up and down several hundred feet at a time through huge rising bubbles of hot air. I can only claim one of those, going up over the sea out of Algiers: a huge bump, a suppressed squeal from a passenger, a hostess dropping a tray with a crash, all over. Followed by an apology from the captain. Not like the old man's droning nine-hour flights at 150mph through the monsoon at all.

I don't like flying much. I don't like not driving. Same thing really.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Stuartli
>>That was G-BOAC landing in Machester to be exhibited.>>

I have a photograph somewhere of it at Manchester - we'd arrived back on a flight and were fortunate enough to be able to walk past it at close quarters, so were able to get a good look at this fabulous aircraft. The Spitfire and Comet were equally simple, but beautifully functional designs.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
>> >> My fav plane as a passenger, is without doubt the Viscount.
>>
>> Lovely, lovely machine. Did you get on the final tour with G-APEY in the mid
>> nineties?

No my last viscount trip was on the famous GB airways Yogi Bear on a hop from gib-tangier-malaga in very severe weather.
Last edited by: Zero on Fri 1 Jul 11 at 09:10
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
Sea King (assume it's a 22 Sqn aircraft) low and slow over the house rattling the slates - some mug in trouble on them hills...
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Old Navy
A pair of Chinooks heading towards Leuchars. We had the patio doors open and heard the distinctive sound.

Although this is the frozen north we had the doors open to cool the well insulated house. :-)
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
Same here ON - doors opened as part of the morning check list.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
You live your life by a check list?

How very OCD of you!
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
I have very few habits that qualify me for a OCD - the only ones I recognize are all bike related, maybe that's a safety thing, I was never that sure ! :-0
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Crankcase
I think I have C.O.D. - it's pretty much the same thing but with the letters IN THE RIGHT ORDER.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - WillDeBeest
Prefer H.A.D.D.O.C.K myself. With lemon. No vinegar. And exactly 37 peas.
};---)
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
Turns out that the Helicopter was out searching for some poor bloke who was seen jumping from the Menai Suspension bridge, not found.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - BiggerBadderDave
"the Menai Suspension bridge, not found"

Huge metal thing dangling between Anglesey and the modern world, you can't miss it.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Meldrew
If he did jump the speed of the tide race thru the Menai Straits would put him almost anywhere in the Irish Sea!
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
I know - Helicopters sighted off shore later on as well.

On a little bike ride today - saw a couple of these playing in Rhosneigr, long lazy loops across the sands in Aberffraw....

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HawkT2-ZK020.jpg

       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Golf_Paul
Yesterday (Tuesday 12th July) I had to pick up my wife from Doncaster Finningley DSA Robin Hood (stupid name) airport. I always arrive early, just in case anything is going on!

Well, I was surprised to see an easyJet aircraft doing 'circuits and bumps'. I saw him circling at low altitude, at first thinking it was just a normal scheduled arrival. But after touch-down, he was sitting on the airfield for about 10-15 minutes, and then began taxiing and lined up for take-off. He then headed in an anti-clockwise direction, and was in sight the whole time as he completed the 180 and lined up for final approach. He touched down briefly, and then took off immediately, this time heading in a clockwise direction.

This was repeated two or three times, before he then changed course and eventually headed off into the blue yonder and disappeared from view.

I thought this quite unusual; is it possible that it was a second officer being examined for his promotion? I really had no idea that 'circuits and bumps' occurred in commercial airliners like this. I thought it only occurred on light aircraft / PPL training, or on the simulator.

Your thoughts, please.

BTW, the registration was G-EZIN if anyone is interested in that!
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Bromptonaut
Alfa floor will know more than I do but......

I suspect there are still some things, whether training or exams, that need to be done live rather than in the sim. The opportunity to do those things at a major airport are far less than they once were.

Going back 35 years I lived near Leeds Bradford airport and was a keen 'spotter'. Air Anglia had a Fokker F27 that was 'spare' between the morning and evening rotations to Schipol. It was used almost daily for training of one form or another. Sometimes circuits and landings, other times practice 'procedural' approaches or simulated engine failures.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - bathtub tom
When an aircraft is near its service time, it'll often be used for 'circuits and bumps'. Many take-offs and landings can be fitted into the remaining odd few hours that couldn't necessarily fit a commercial return flight, thus benefitting training.

It used to be a common sight at Thurleigh airfield before it was filled with 'scrappage' cars.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
Still wondering why that Tristar was being circuited and bumped (see OP)

Are the scrappage cars gone now BT ?
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Citroënian
I was lucky enough to be in Seattle the other week and had a quick look over to Boeing field. There were at least three 787s there (noticeably quiet on take off) and the new 747 8i. Plenty of other interesting stuff too, but my favourite was their Concorde in pride of place.
Last edited by: Citroënian on Thu 14 Jul 11 at 03:36
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Old Navy
On one occasion when returning to RAF Kinloss in a Nimrod we did 10 "bumps and circuits", each critically assessed by the RAF crew in the back. The pilots were left in no doubt of the crews assessment. :-)
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Arctophile
Six Hawk trainers (as used by the Red Arrows) practising their formation flying over South Oxfordshire yesterday. Judging by their colouring I think they were the Saudi aerobatic team getting ready for the International Air Tattoo at Fairford this weekend.

Anyone going? Weather doesn't look promising.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Duncan
>> but my
>> favourite was their Concorde in pride of place.
>>

I didn't know they had a Concorde. Is there a list anywhere of where all the Concordes are?
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Duncan
To answer my own question. I am pretty sure this list is out of date.

www.concordesst.com/fleetoverview.html
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - henry k
>> To answer my own question. I am pretty sure this list is out of date.
>> www.concordesst.com/fleetoverview.html
>>
The obvious update is that the Concorde at LHR has been moved several times and IIRC is parked in the engine test unit at the BA Hatton Cross base.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
>> To answer my own question. I am pretty sure this list is out of date.
>>
>>
>> www.concordesst.com/fleetoverview.html

Its easy to see how BA made money out of their concordes, look at the flying times compared to Air Chance.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
They dont have a concorde, they MADE one - it was going to be a rival.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Mapmaker
>> They dont have a concorde, they MADE one - it was going to be a
>> rival.
>>

www.museumofflight.org/concorde

Amazing they painted it in British Airways colours then.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
Ah thats new then, when i was there in 83 they had a Boeing 2707 SST.

Of course Concorde was still flying then.

How was that wine Mappy? not given you gout then? Pity.


       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Mapmaker
Just trying to be educational, Zero. I was actually trying to find out about the supersonic Boeing (never heard of it before).

The wine was so good (thank you) I have just been back and bought all their stock. One bottle. Super wine for £3. A bit thin perhaps, but you could have paid three times that and it wound't necessarily have been better.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
I dont know how they can do it at that price, what with excise duty and VAT..
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - bathtub tom
>>Are the scrappage cars gone now BT ?

Sorry, no idea. I don't go up there any more.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
Report in the local rag that the Red Arrows were seen flying over a local school, apparently on their way from Prestwick to Brize Norton but diverted over Colwyn Bay for an unofficial display over one of the pilot's old school. Nice they can still do that.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Bromptonaut
>> Nice they can still do that.

The Vulcan has been seen to route over our way quite often. Probably not unconnected with the RAF linked photographer who resides in the village.

Incidentally, it's still not financially secure. Absent the euromillions I cannot suport it single handed but every donation committed helps www.vulcantothesky.org/
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - henry k
>> ... low and slow over the house rattling the slates -
>>
See what you are missing !

www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/296115-low-level-images-tal-y-llyn-pass-wales-9-10-oct-07-a.html
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
I used to drive/ride quite often down that road - it is a very odd experience to be looking down on a pilot's face - very unsettling.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
Pity you cant plan your time to photograph there, at least trains run to a timetable!
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
The anoraks hang around there for days, they even camp there - interested as I am don't think my attention span would stand for it.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - helicopter
I have fond memories of walking and climbing on Tryvan with SWMBO and helicopter jr and watching various fighters far beneath us .....

I spotted a Chinook chuntering around very near Gatwick flightspace last week , not quite sure what he was up to amongst the Easyjets.....
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
Not been up Tryfan - maybe a little too popular with the big yellow helicopters (according to the local press anyway)
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - helicopter

At 3000 ft a bit more of a climb than a hill walk but some people never learn....
.....They maybe just fancy being rescued by a Prince....
If you ever get to the top try the leap of faith

tinyurl.com/3mu29cr


       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
One of my FB pals has a photo of himself foing that as his profile picture....!
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
Being rescued by a prince?
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
The one that flies the big yellow helicopter (well one of a few at least). You're quite correct though, some human interest stories in the local rag about "how I was arrested by the Prince" usually when he's off globetrotting though.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-OaSxDZOQw

Damn, wish I'd gone now....


And the reason for it.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14190193
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Meldrew
Great respect to the men and women who keep these BBMF aircraft flying. There is very rarely a "no show" for technical reasons. They are obviously well maintained and serviced but none of the basic airframes can be less than 50 years old. I think one of the Spitfires was rescued from a plinth outside Coltshall where it had been exposed to the elements for about 5 years before being rescued and rebuilt!
Last edited by: Meldrew on Tue 19 Jul 11 at 20:09
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - sooty123
>> Great respect to the men and women who keep these BBMF aircraft flying. There is
>> very rarely a "no show" for technical reasons. They are obviously well maintained and serviced but none of the basic airframes can be less than 50 years old. I think
>> one of the Spitfires was rescued from a plinth outside Coltshall where it had been
>> exposed to the elements for about 5 years before being rescued and rebuilt!
>>

But most of them have very few hours on them, one of the Spitfire's has less than 50 hours on it, most of the others are the same. In the winter, out of show season, is spent on maintaince and a few chipmunk flights.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Mapmaker
Sooty>>But most of them have very few hours on them, one of the Spitfire's has less than
>>50 hours on it, most of the others are the same.


Prove this ridiculous assertion.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - sooty123
>> Sooty>>But most of them have very few hours on them, one of the Spitfire's has
>> less than
>> >>50 hours on it, most of the others are the same.
>>
>>
>> Prove this ridiculous assertion.


Well about 2 months ago I went into BBMF to borrow some tools, and on the rects control board each aircraft is displayed with it's current flying hours.

Sorry that should have been a few not most.
Last edited by: sooty123 on Fri 22 Jul 11 at 18:17
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Mapmaker
I don't think you were reading the right board. Number of hours since last service or until next, perhaps?

If you look at the bbmf pages most of them saw active service, and those that didn't (except for the very last Hurricane which has apparently always been a demo 'craft) were well used by the RAF.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Ian (Cape Town)
Mapmaker, airframes have a limited lifespan - they eventually will not be certified any longer. See my adjacent post.
And god knows, due to the embargo on arms to this country, local engineers worked their gonads off to stretch the working lives of the few aircraft we did have - the Bucanneers and Shacks were a major problem - but for some reason the Mirages and Daks and their variants always seemed to keep flying. Thank you Tel Aviv!
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - sooty123
>> I don't think you were reading the right board. Number of hours since last service
>> or until next, perhaps?

Maybe so I wasn't in there for long and was busy. Next time I pop in I'll have a proper look.
Last edited by: sooty123 on Fri 22 Jul 11 at 18:35
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - sooty123
>> >> I don't think you were reading the right board. Number of hours since last
>> service
>> >> or until next, perhaps?
>>
>> Maybe so I wasn't in there for long and was busy. Next time I pop
>> in I'll have a proper look.
>>


Mapmaker having had a think I'm sure I'm right, one Spitfire had 46:xx on it. I remember the hours next the chipmunks were beyond the hours of the next set servicing.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Ian (Cape Town)
The local flying Shackleton is down to just a few hours - less than 30, I think. Often it is put on the schedule for airshows, but for some reason or other won't fly. Those Griffons and contra-rotating props are tempramental beasts, and trying to find chaps who know how they work is becoming increasingly difficult.

The Confederate Airforce can still raid the boneyards for stuff that has been sitting in desert air for years - sadly, Britain never had that luxury.
Parts fabrication is an expensive business, and very few chaps will spend mega-$$$ on remanufacturing a wingspar or similar to keep a 10-hour-a-year plane flying.


       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Kevin
Anyone on the south side of Reading about 2pm today would have been able to see Catalina G-PBYA flying overhead. A retired colleague is part owner and they were on their way to RNAS Culdrose for tomorrow's Air Day.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
Just watched Vulcan XH558 doing aerobatics over RAF wittering. Pics and video clip of it doing a 90degree bank to follow over the weekend. Red Arrows due over in 25 minutes.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Mapmaker
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxOrzgd3xWI

Worth a watch - amazingly cleaned up (and presumably "tinted" too).
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
Red Arrows did a 30 minute display - couple nice pics to follow

Battle of Britain flight due in 30 minutes.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Bromptonaut
Is this a public display Zeddo?
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
nope, closed display, Raf Wittering family day.

I just happen to to be near the runway, a strange coincidence that! Tuned in to RAF Cottesmore sector, and Wittering tower and approach.

Battle of Britain flight not turned up yet. Were due in at 14:00 - depart 16:10
Last edited by: Zero on Fri 22 Jul 11 at 14:46
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
And they dully rocked up at 15:00, the Hurry, the Spit and the Lanc.


Show over folks.
Last edited by: Zero on Fri 22 Jul 11 at 15:25
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Bromptonaut
>>I just happen to to be near the runway, a strange coincidence that! Tuned in to RAF Cottesmore sector, and >>Wittering tower and approach


IIRC from t'other place you were once a licensed amateur?

What's your scanning 'rig' ?

My delightful old Yupi MV225 is unfortunately succumbing and I'm looking for something with more sensitivity on 118-136 than my other receiver, a Sony Wavehawk.

       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
Dumped all my Ham gear, now just have a second hand Yupiteru -MVT7000, but everyone swears by the newer MVT7100
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Bigtee
IIRC from t'other place you were once a licensed amateur?


That makes two of us then.....

I use from home a kenwood ts-2000 and from the mobile yaesu ft-7800 which is wide band receive for all the airbands and the military plus many more.

120.800 i beleive is the BBMF frequency aswell as conningsby approach.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Old Navy
I know nothing about licensed amateur radio but happened across this site when looking for a battery charger.

www.nevadaradio.co.uk/
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Stuu
Had a Lancaster go over today, very low indeed over the Bramptons, crikey they are loud when 50 odd ft up. Lovely old thing though.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - bathtub tom
Four low winged monoplanes just went over in finger four formation. They appeared identical with fixed under-carriage.

Wonderful noise.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
These babies?

www.theblades.biz/pages/home.php

They were very tight at Wittering, good display.

But the best display went to these guys


www.teamviperdisplay.com/
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Alastairw
Saw both of the above at Waddington, Z and I agree. My boys were most impressed by the blades, perhaps because it was a bit easier to follow the action, what with them being a bit slower.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
>> Red Arrows did a 30 minute display - couple nice pics to follow
>>
>> Battle of Britain flight due in 30 minutes.

Pics

s606.photobucket.com/albums/tt148/know_wun/RAF%20Wittering%2022%20Jun%202011/


Vid

www.youtube.com/user/MrKnowwun
      1  
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Bigtee
Avro BBMF Lancaster flying over Leeds Saturday afternoon approx 1000ft lowest i have seen it over the city, heading north/west.?
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
Saturday 23 July 11 - Lancaster/Hurricane/Spitfire
1340 Lancaster depart Coningsby

1345 Lancaster flypast Waddington

1400 Lancaster flypast Winterton

1425 Lancaster flypast Bingley

1450 Lancaster flypast Windermere

1530 Lancaster display Southport

1555 Lancaster land Blackpool

1355 Spitfire/Hurricane depart Coningsby

1405 Spitfire/Hurricane flypast Caister

1420 Spitfire/Hurricane flypast Breighton

1450 Spitfire/Hurricane display Windermere

1530 Spitfire/Hurricance display Southport

1555 Spitfire/Hurricane land Blackpool
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Bigtee
1425 Lancaster flypast Bingley


Thats the one Zero where did you get this info please?

Nice vids on you tube and the trains.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Old Navy
I didn't realise a Lancaster could carry enough bombs to hit all those targets in one flight.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
>> I didn't realise a Lancaster could carry enough bombs to hit all those targets in
>> one flight.

As long as it has a full bomb load for Blackpool, who cares.
      1  
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/displayinfo/
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Alastairw
Also worth subscribing to the twitter feed @RAFBBMF

@XH558 is worth a follow too.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero

>> Nice vids on you tube and the trains.

Ta, will be putting one up of A4 class 60019 Bittern tomorrow if all goes well.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - sooty123
>>
>> >> Nice vids on you tube and the trains.
>>
>> Ta, will be putting one up of A4 class 60019 Bittern tomorrow if all goes
>> well.
>>

Never had you down as a plane and train spotter Zero.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
Yeah, why not. The dog and I have been out hunting for new spots to take shots, and I have found a place to take a seriously dangerous looking shot. Next week, of Britannia probably.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - R.P.
If anything happens to you we'll start up a Facebook page.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
you can tie scarves round the tree afterwards maybe?
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - henry k
In the past we did get some excitement in Zero land
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmakSwlYLs0
Vickers Vanguard lands at Brooklands -- The incredible story
A recently loaded clip.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
Thanks for that H,

Flew over my house, which was 700 metres from the end of the runway. Nearly took my TV aerial down.

Runway was cut in half by a road a few weeks later.,
Last edited by: Zero on Mon 25 Jul 11 at 21:37
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - Zero
>>
>> >> Nice vids on you tube and the trains.
>>
>> Ta, will be putting one up of A4 class 60019 Bittern tomorrow if all goes
>> well.

And here she is
www.youtube.com/watch?v=08kpWah1pvY

Shot take this morning of LNER A4 Class 4-6-2 60019 Bittern in it's current guise as 4492 Dominion of New Zealand. Have to say she looks absolutely stunning in the LNER duck egg blue and silver LNER tender lettering!
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - spamcan61
>>
>> Shot take this morning of LNER A4 Class 4-6-2 60019 Bittern in it's current guise
>> as 4492 Dominion of New Zealand. Have to say she looks absolutely stunning in the
>> LNER duck egg blue and silver LNER tender lettering!
>>
Thanks for reminding me, due through here about half 12 so time to check my camcorder battery.
       
 Unusual (aircraft) sightings. - spamcan61
Ok i thought I'd join the Youtube anorak gang, so here we are, all filmed in glorious SD WobblyVision(tm)

Today's big blue engine:-

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VVet-bk6LY&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL


Ollie the big green engine:-

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TvyWvlc2x4


..and a big steaming black 'un:-

www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3zALT7p-fs&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
       
 Unusual Planes and Trains - Zero
>> Ollie the big green engine:-
>>
>> www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TvyWvlc2x4
.and a big steaming black 'un:-

Hey! thats the one carrying family Zero! Demand my name is on the credits!

Can we have this thread renamed?


I need a new video editing suite, my free one does not deal with 1080 hd, only 720. Plus it doesnt do image stabilisation!
Last edited by: Zero on Tue 26 Jul 11 at 15:20
       
 Unusual Planes and Trains - R.P.
Going to lock this now and start another volume...seems to have legs.
       
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