For all the aircraft and RAF enthusiasts out there, next week sees the Farewell Flypasts around the UK of the iconic Tornado.
Subject to weather conditions, three routes on three days are to be flown over a number of RAF locations, starting next Tuesday 19th February.
On RAF Coningsby's Facebook page today - viewable without joining Facebook - are a set of photos that show the day's routes and locations in broad view. It seems the details will be available there later.
https://m.facebook.com/RAFConingsby (https://m.facebook.com/RAFConingsby)
- scroll down to find the entry.
I hope to be at Coningsby to see them.
Edit: MUCH FULLER DETAILS HERE -
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-47211832 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-47211832)
Better check I've got a clean hanky at the ready.
looks like those of us in the south will have to overdose on videos of them down low and dirty in the mach loop, can't see any references to us down here. :'(
Plenty of southern action on the 20th:
Honinigton, Duxford, Bedford, Cranfield, Halton, High Wycombe, Benson, Boscombe Down, Pembrey, St Athan, Cardiff, Filton, Abbey Wood, Shrivenham, Brize Norton
ok, south coast and southwest :-[
Will have to keep an eye out for this, might see them on the way up to Spadeadam.
Does anyone know what day and approx time the Tornado wil fly over High Wycombe please .
Bob Tidbury
Hi Bob, should be overhead RAF High Wycombe on Wednesday, subject to the weather of course.
Full details of route and timings still not released by RAF, but I'm sure this thread will be updated as information becomes available.
:beers:
Addendum to last post for @Bob Tidbury (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=3442) As far as I can tell, looks like route to Wycombe will be from RAF Halton, and after Wycombe on to RAF Benson.
More precise timings will be announce next week, keep your powder dry chaps ;)
:thankyousign: Daffy and Lawrence ,we will probably even see or hear it from our house but will try and get to Naphill once I know the time .
A while ago there was an unplanned fly past over Naphill by another jet and it was doing all sorts of manoeuvres including a near vertical climb right above a friends house she said it shook some ornaments of of a shelf and a picture off of the wall as it was totally unofficial the pilot got a very strong reprimand and had to publicly apologise to the residents ,I can't remember what type of jet it was or actually when it was but we could hear it roaring around and saw the vertical climb from our bedroom window .
I was a bit upset that the Vulcan didn't come over Wycombe as Bomber Comand used to be based at Naphill . The base is still there but it has another name I dont know what it is called now ,for a while it was called something like S I N C U C A I R
Bob Tidbury
Sounds like someone was enjoying their last trip prior to retiring @Bob Tidbury (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=3442) , there have been several stories of fast jet chaps being a bit naughty on their last trip.
I hope that they come past Leuchars even though it is now inhabited by grunts (apologies to any grunts on here :D ) thanks to the incompetence of the MOD and our politicians they closed down a flying base with over 100 years of history behind it (as an aside, it also cost them a lot in terms of pilots, groundcrew and support staff leaving the RAF in disgust).
Fingers crossed for the Thursday
I hope someone posts the approximate time that the Tornado comes over Naphill next Wednesday .
That will be a sight and sound not to be missed .The only problem is that our second granddaughter is due to make an appearance into the world and so I might not be able to see it unless it can be seen from Princes Risborough .She must take top priority .
Bob Tidbury
Having worked on Tornado GR1s, F3s and GR4s for over 14 years it will be sad to see them go, but 40 years is amazing! I live right next to RAF Brize Norton so I hope to see the flypast on Wednesday 20 Feb.
here is a provisional schedule, best to check your local area and nearest rafbase
https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2019-02-11/tornado-final-flypasts-announced-as-warplane-is-retired/ (https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2019-02-11/tornado-final-flypasts-announced-as-warplane-is-retired/)
all uk routes as so to speak
Quote from: Gary Burcombe on February 13, 2019, 02:13:28 PM
Having worked on Tornado GR1s, F3s and GR4s for over 14 years it will be sad to see them go, but 40 years is amazing! I live right next to RAF Brize Norton so I hope to see the flypast on Wednesday 20 Feb.
What squadrons @Gary Burcombe (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=3872) ?
I was on 617 & 14 on GR1 then Leuchars on F3 2nd line before moving to the simulator
nothing near us here on the south coast, by the look of it, so I guess I'll just have to raise a few drams in memory of it's predecessor, remembering all the evenings and nights spent patrolling around, and when raining sheltering under, the VULCAN :beers: :smiley-laughing:
:thankyousign: Crewearpley40 All we need now are the approximate times from the R A F and to hope I'm free to hear and see the fly past ,I was really annoyed that the Vulcan didn't fly over Naphill as I've said , after all Naphill was Bomber Command and also one of Vals late bosses was a Vulcan Pilot .
But I dare say there was a reason for NOT going over .
Bob Tidbury
https://www.forces.net/news/tornado-flypast-dates-revealed (https://www.forces.net/news/tornado-flypast-dates-revealed)
its says timings are yet to be published
Sad to see them go, although I only worked on stuff for the ADV radar,at...
BAE Warton,
GEC Marconi / Ferranti Milton Keynes,
RAF Leuchars,
RAF Leeming,
RAF Scampton,
RAF Sealand
RAF Coningsby,
RAF Mount Pleasant,
MOD Boscome Down.
Timings for the flypasts look to be released on Monday.
This quote from RAF source on various Facebook pages, such as RAF Leeming and the RAF Regiment (among others), gives the latest details available.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/74/5634-160219104726.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=74182)
:thankyousign: daffy , please let us know approx times for the flypast over High Wycombe as soon as you know on Monday .
Bob Tidbury
Quote from: Bob Tidbury on February 16, 2019, 01:21:04 PM
:thankyousign: daffy , please let us know approx times for the flypast over High Wycombe as soon as you know on Monday .
Bob Tidbury
Will do Bob. :thumbsup:
Timings just released half an hour ago, as this extract from RAF Marham Facebook page shows:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/74/5634-180219130336.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=74234)
All timings will be confirmed on each day to account for weather and serviceability issues that may develop.
So @Bob Tidbury (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=3442) , looks like 13:30 at RAF High Wycombe on Wednesday, coming in from RAF Halton and leaving to go on to RAF Benson.
Any updates will be posted if I'm available to post them.
Judging by these timings, looks like each location will either get a quick fly through or longer display. Other RAF page sources suggest they will be at various heights during the day transiting between locations, but that some may see them down at 500 feet on route.
:thankyousign: very much Daffy ,will be looking out for it on Wednesday but if I don't see it I will as sure as hell hear it ,it does depend on wether Val has the car to see our new granddaughter in Risborough as I don't have a car any more The State Pension doesn't go far for two of us , so my car had to go.
Bob Tidbury
Further info via official NOTAMs (Notice To Airmen) for Tuesday and Wednesday giving more detailed timings. Remember, these can be subject to change on the day, but hopefully will allow all who wish to see the formation to choose a viewing point.
NOTAM FOR TUESDAY
FORMATION TRANSIT BY FAST JET MIL ACFT ROUTING:
523849N 0003304E (MARHAM AD) 1300
524033N 0003410E (VCY NARBOROUGH) 1305
523815N 0000539W (VCY THORNEY) 1311
524844N 0003320W (VCY MORTON) 1313
524358N 0003911W (COTTESMORE) 1315
524107N 0004430W (VCY OAKHAM) 1316
523347N 0005709W (SHANGTON) 1318
523106N 0011243W (BROUGHTON ASTLEY) 1320
523652N 0013020W (SHEEPY MAGNA) 1322
524343N 0014337W (ALREWASMEMORIAL ARBORETUM) 1324
524945N 0020600W (STAFFORD) 1326
523824N 0021920W (COSFORD AD) 1329
523441N 0023247W (VCY MUCH WENLOCK) 1330
524737N 0024005W (SHAWBURY AD) 1333
531335N 0025933W (SEALAND) 1338
530329N 0042632W (CAERNARFON BAY) 1348
531453N 0043207W (VALLEY AD) 1350
534442N 0025301W (WARTON AD) 1426
534833N 0024802W (VCY CATFORTH) 1427
534627N 0023401W (SAMLESBURY) 1429
545436N 0024439W (HAYTON) 1442
550133N 0023607W (SPADEADAM) 1443
550301N 0023313W (BERRY HILL) 1444
544300N 0020153W (BOLLIHOPE COMMON) 1449
541732N 0013206W (LEEMING AD) 1455
541219N 0012253W (TOPCLIFFE AD) 1456
540256N 0011514W (LINTON ON OUSE AD) 1457
533820N 0003647W (WINTERTON) 1503
532213N 0002532W (NEWTON BT TOFT) 1506
531000N 0003125W (WADDINGTON AD) 1509
530626N 0004132W (STAPLEFORD) 1510
530134N 0003923W (BRANDON) 1511
530149N 0002906W (CRANWELL AD) 1512
530536N 0001004W (CONINGSBY AD) 1514
532330N 0000445W (NORTH ELKINGTON) 1517
532859N 0001338E (VCY DONNA NOOK) 1519
530531N 0002633E (OFFSHORE SKEGNESS) 1524
525152N 0001532E (VCY HOLBEACH) 1527
523150N 0002349E (SOUTHERY) 1531
523849N 0003304E (MARHAM AD) 1545
BTN VALLEY AND WARTON FORMATION WILL CLIMB TO
CONDUCT AAR IN AREA 13 (VCY MORECAMBE BAY) UNDER A
RADAR SERVICE WITH SWANWICK MIL.
————————————————
NOTAM for Wednesday
FORMATION TRANSIT BY FAST JET MIL ACFT ROUTING:
523849N 0003304E (MARHAM) 1300
524031N 0003358E (VCY NARBOROUGH) 1301
524207N 0004442E (GREAT DUNHAM) 1307
522617N 0010031W (KENNINGHALL) 1310
522029N 0004628E (HONINGTON) 1312
521125N 0002942E (VCY LIDGATE) 1314
520802N 0001728E (BALSHAM) 1315
520535N 0000748E (DUXFORD) 1316
521252N 0000435W (CAMBOURNE) 1318
521445N 0001516W (LITTLE PAXTON) 1319
521320N 0002443W (BOLNHURST) 1320
520955N 0003259W (STEVINGTON) 1321
520410N 0003710W (CRANFIELD) 1322
515324N 0004216W (LEIGHTON BUZZARD) 1324
514640N 0004316W (HALTON) 1325
514052N 0004808W (HIGH WYCOMBE) 1326
514217N 0010517W (GREAT HASELEY) 1327
513626N 0010550W (BENSON) 1329
511039N 0011644W (MICHELDEVER) 1334
511224N 0013131W (ANDOVER) 1336
510824N 0014831W (GREAT DURNFORD) 1338
511801N 0041804W (OFFSHORE ILFRACOMBE) 1356
514251N 0042208W (PEMBREY) 1401
514515N 0042207W (FERRYSIDE) 1402
514229N 0035713W (FELINDRE) 1405
512522N 0034514W (OFFSHORE PORTHCAWL) 1408
512432N 0032533W (ST ATHAN) 1410
512351N 0032049W (CARDIFF) 1411
512224N 0031533W (OFFSHORE BARRY) 1412
513211N 0025425W (NEWPORT) 1415
513959N 0024716W (GAERLLWYD) 1416
513622N 0023644W (VCY LITTLETON UPON SEVERN) 1418
513010N 0023334W (FILTON ABBEY WOOD) 1419
512641N 0014243W (POULTON DOWNS) 1425
513224N 0013745W (BISHOPSTONE) 1426
513631N 0013802W (SHRIVENHAM) 1427
514518N 0013440W (BRIZE NORTON) 1428
515831N 0011234W (SOULDERN) 1432
523228N 0002959E (METHWOLD) 1445
523822N 0003321E (MARHAM) 1446
FORMATION PLANS TO TRANSIT AT 250-2000FT AGL. TIMINGS, HGT AND ROUTE
ARE APRX AND MAY CHANGE DUE TO WX OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
2019-02-0181/AS1
———————————
Please note: location references in NOTAMs are for Latitude and Longitude. To find an OS map Grid reference if using a paper map, they need to be converted, for instance via an online app.
For example the references of Lat/Long given for Tuesday "Offshore Skegness" translate to OS Grid Ref TF 6353 5779.
@daffy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) if you can get Thursdays when available chap that would be appreciated
Quote from: Lawrence on February 18, 2019, 06:16:36 PM
@daffy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) if you can get Thursdays when available chap that would be appreciated
I'll see what I can find Lawrence. I'm relying an another source to filter the correct NOTAM from this site:
https://notaminfo.com/node/5 (https://notaminfo.com/node/5)
It's a long list and not in strict date order by any means, and so far no sign of the Thursday flight. I'll monitor the source over the next two days to see if it appears.
http://www.egxwinfogroup.co.uk/?p=2703 (http://www.egxwinfogroup.co.uk/?p=2703)
Couple of maps for Tuesday and Wednesday on the link. Nothing showing for Thursday yet.
Nothing near us on the maps, not that that matters.
I remember when they did a fly past of RAF Neatishead with the Vulcan, we all got ordered out to watch it go by.... it went over at 5000 feet... a dot in the sky...
Shortly after they were reprieved for the Falklands..
Quote from: daffy on February 18, 2019, 06:57:33 PM
Quote from: Lawrence on February 18, 2019, 06:16:36 PM
@daffy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) if you can get Thursdays when available chap that would be appreciated
I'll see what I can find Lawrence. I'm relying an another source to filter the correct NOTAM from this site:
https://notaminfo.com/node/5 (https://notaminfo.com/node/5)
It's a long list and not in strict date order by any means, and so far no sign of the Thursday flight. I'll monitor the source over the next two days to see if it appears.
Found out Leuchars should be 11:15 - 11:30 ish
Not found a NOTAM yet for Thursday, but RAF Marham's Twitter page has this this morning:
QuoteSubject to weather and aircraft serviceability the Tornado GR FINale flypast timings for Thursday 21st February are as follows 1115 – 1130 Leuchars Station 1130 – 1145 RAF Tain 1145 – 1200 RAF Lossiemouth.
Hope that confirms your post @Lawrence (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=16) .
The first day is here. :thumbsup:
Weather looks set to be fair, with good visibility and low chance of any rain. I'm spoilt for choice for viewing as I'm midway between RAF Coningsby and the seafront at Skegness. I'll choose to go to the airbase as the three aircraft in the formation will be down low and dirty straight down the runway from roughly SSE. There's a nice riverside walk that will bring me around to the runway so I will have no problem parking in what will be a crowded viewing area.
At Skegness the height of the flypast is likely to be a lot higher, and going by the location data in the NOTAM they will probably be hundreds of yards offshore, paralleling the coast.
Good luck to all who turn out to see them, whenever and wherever you are. :thumbsup:
URGENT UPDATE RE TODAYS ROUTE AND TIMING
OC Marham announced about 20 mins ago that weather for refuelling en route may not be good enough, so this MAY change route and timings, but this will not be known precisely, in the OC's words "right until the very end".
If no refuelling possible, they will not be visiting Spadeadam and Whitton, and therefore they will be approx 25 mins earlier than listed at Wharton and Spamesbury, and at Leeming and all points thereafter they will be approx 35 mins earlier than planned.
Note that this all may change if refuelling is successful. Only way to be sure is to keep checking the RAF Marham Facebook page where updates are made first.
I'm off out now, so Bon chance.
https://twitter.com/RAFMarhamMedia/status/1097841049496625153 (https://twitter.com/RAFMarhamMedia/status/1097841049496625153)
For those on twitter for updates @RAFMarhamMedia
Had a nice afternoon at Coningsby, arriving well ahead of the earliest anticipated arrival, but as it turned out they were bang on original timing on the NOTAM of 15:14.
I was at the WSW end of the runway, expecting them to bat down the line of the runway, but they kept well left and parallel to it, aligned to pass directly over the control tower before banking right to continue their flight north-eastwards. It was all over in a moment, so my advice to any wishing to see them tomorrow or Thursday is to get some height so they are in view for longer. Three aircraft in close V formation, and surprisingly quiet for Tornadoes.
Loads and loads of folks out to see them, as witnessed by the traffic queue to leave! I'd avoided that by walking the riverside and took a leisurely amble the mile or more back to my car.
Coningsby was an excellent choice, as from the time I arrived at runway's end until I started the walk back I was treated to no less than nineteen Typhoon take-offs, mainly singles but a couple of pairs, as well as a couple of circuits and bumps. As car drivers crawled along I was also rewarded with some lovely sun-kissed hanger-breaks by about ten of the Typhoons returning.
Hadn't looked into the flypasts owing to work and stuff but as very good luck would have it I went out on my bike straight after work and lo and behold a few minutes later, right over my head, 3 Tornados. All unexpected and noisy like, very good!
Quote from: daffy on February 19, 2019, 05:17:40 PM
Had a nice afternoon at Coningsby, arriving well ahead of the earliest anticipated arrival, but as it turned out they were bang on original timing on the NOTAM of 15:14.
I was at the WSW end of the runway, expecting them to bat down the line of the runway, but they kept well left and parallel to it, aligned to pass directly over the control tower before banking right to continue their flight north-eastwards. It was all over in a moment, so my advice to any wishing to see them tomorrow or Thursday is to get some height so they are in view for longer. Three aircraft in close V formation, and surprisingly quiet for Tornadoes.
Loads and loads of folks out to see them, as witnessed by the traffic queue to leave! I'd avoided that by walking the riverside and took a leisurely amble the mile or more back to my car.
Coningsby was an excellent choice, as from the time I arrived at runway's end until I started the walk back I was treated to no less than nineteen Typhoon take-offs, mainly singles but a couple of pairs, as well as a couple of circuits and bumps. As car drivers crawled along I was also rewarded with some lovely sun-kissed hanger-breaks by about ten of the Typhoons returning.
Best not mention that I used to run the Typhoon Simulator at Leuchars then, don't want you getting over excited @daffy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) ;)
Coningsby was a good place to watch tornado's, especially from the back door of the avionics building, when installing test equipment to support the ADVs,. 1988-9... 30years ago where did the time go...
Quote from: Lawrence on February 19, 2019, 06:31:53 PM
Quote from: daffy on February 19, 2019, 05:17:40 PM
Had a nice afternoon at Coningsby, arriving well ahead of the earliest anticipated arrival, but as it turned out they were bang on original timing on the NOTAM of 15:14.
I was at the WSW end of the runway, expecting them to bat down the line of the runway, but they kept well left and parallel to it, aligned to pass directly over the control tower before banking right to continue their flight north-eastwards. It was all over in a moment, so my advice to any wishing to see them tomorrow or Thursday is to get some height so they are in view for longer. Three aircraft in close V formation, and surprisingly quiet for Tornadoes.
Loads and loads of folks out to see them, as witnessed by the traffic queue to leave! I'd avoided that by walking the riverside and took a leisurely amble the mile or more back to my car.
Coningsby was an excellent choice, as from the time I arrived at runway's end until I started the walk back I was treated to no less than nineteen Typhoon take-offs, mainly singles but a couple of pairs, as well as a couple of circuits and bumps. As car drivers crawled along I was also rewarded with some lovely sun-kissed hanger-breaks by about ten of the Typhoons returning.
Best not mention that I used to run the Typhoon Simulator at Leuchars then, don't want you getting over excited @daffy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634) ;)
You lot are walking through my history, I fitted a load of test equipment for the F3s there as well.
I wouldn't say I was excited, just impressed, and thankful for all who protect the country and keep the peace - including those who help(ed) in training and testing. :thumbsup:
Sounds like @The Q (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=6067) was a 'fairy' and probably kicking around the mob about the same time as me, I had a proper trade though ;)
Quote from: Lawrence on February 19, 2019, 10:45:17 PM
Sounds like @The Q (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=6067) was a 'fairy' and probably kicking around the mob about the same time as me, I had a proper trade though ;)
Yep But not on these in the RAF,
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/74/6067-200219104052.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=74292)
When I was in I worked on these amoungst other things../
PS 1976 to 88 in the RAF, 1988 to 2001 working on Tornado bases as a civilian..
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/74/6067-200219104153.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=74293)
I went to many more RAF bases as a civilian than I did in the RAF..
All seems okay for today's flight.
This is one of the photos on RAF Marham's Facebook page this morning that is most appropriate here:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/74/5634-200219105548.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=74294)
And, again from RAF Facebook pages, the view I had yesterday, though I had no camera ...
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/74/5634-200219113750.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=74296)
Photo by Cpl Phil Major at RAF Coningsby.
BBC TV News in about a minutes time.......aerial footage onboard one of the Tornadoes.
Quote from: daffy on February 20, 2019, 06:21:22 PM
BBC TV News in about a minutes time.......aerial footage onboard one of the Tornadoes.
Footage may be shown again on later evening news, or BBC News channel , or on t'internet.
Newsreader mentioned final event for the Tornadoes will involve flights at Cranwell and Marham on the 28th.
Of all the days to get a bug ,missed the fly past at High Wycombe went to bed at 12 o'clock midday and woke up at 4-45 pm ,been feeling rough all day ,most unusual for me to sleep during the day ,I haven't done that for years the last time was working nights when working on the M4 driving a roller .
Bob Tidbury
Sorry to hear you are unwell today @Bob Tidbury (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=3442) .
At least you can rest in the knowledge that standing on a river bank for over 45 minutes only gave me less than 20 seconds viewing of the flypast. Hopefully you can get a longer view on BBC News tonight at ten o'clock, if they show it again.
Driving a roller on the M4? I have visions of you at the wheel of a creation of Mr Royce and Mr Rolls, but maybe your roller was a bit slower - and a lot heavier! :D
Hope you feel well again soon. :thumbsup:
In the four years prior to "retirement" in '93, I was the only Rigger Sgt on the station at Sealand in the TNR bay. A good job and a nice way to finish my service.
My local paper has just run a piece about the flypast, and the newly acquired gate guardian for DECA Sealand, as it is now called. Here's a link to a few photos, just scroll down to see them all.
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/gallery/take-look-raf-tornado-given-15862009 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/gallery/take-look-raf-tornado-given-15862009)
Thanks for that great link Trev. :thumbsup:
Others on that page lead to some great shots of the Tornado's long service, and this one gives 21 photos including a few of the special paintwork applied to celebrate the FINale to some of the aircraft. The camo version is expected to be amongst the three in today's flight over Scotland.
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/gallery/forty-glorious-years-raf-tornado-15819448 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/gallery/forty-glorious-years-raf-tornado-15819448)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-47310485/raf-tornado-retirement-journalist-gets-queasy-on-goodbye-flight (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-47310485/raf-tornado-retirement-journalist-gets-queasy-on-goodbye-flight) :no: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
What a pussy that journalist was, the pilot wasn't even throwing the aircraft around! I was lucky enough to get an hour and forty five minutes in a backseat of a GR1 (ZA548) many years ago. It was a twin sticker, so I had a bit of a clutch and we did some very low flying and some aerobatics too and I'm proud to say that the sick bag remained empty.
Quote from: Gary Burcombe on February 21, 2019, 11:20:14 AM
What a pussy that journalist was, the pilot wasn't even throwing the aircraft around! I was lucky enough to get an hour and forty five minutes in a backseat of a GR1 (ZA548) many years ago. It was a twin sticker, so I had a bit of a clutch and we did some very low flying and some aerobatics too and I'm proud to say that the sick bag remained empty.
My leaving present from 617 Sqn was a backseat from Marham over my folks house in fife by the Sqn boss, we got to the Forth bridge and then he asked me for directions! Lovely comfy seat in the back of a Tonka, only time I felt bad after was a trip in the back of a Hawk, 40 mins low level evasion over Yorkshire, pilot forgot I was in the back and popped 6g briefly, wasn't ill but the constant pulling of 3, 4 & 5g totally drained me, damn those fly boys are fit. Still have the film from the gun camera somewhere.
RAF Marham Facebook entry today just before 5:00pm:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/74/5634-210219172800.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=74321)
Extremely disappointed in the fly past, they seemed more interested in flying over places that had little relevance to the aircraft than the factory that built the engines. I thought we may have had a pass down the disused runway like the Beluga last week but all we got was a pass abeam the factory, seemed more intent on overflying MoD Abbey Wood. People remember aircraft but how many remember who built the engines to get them in the air?
Geoff
Quote from: daffy on February 20, 2019, 10:56:02 AM
All seems okay for today's flight.
This is one of the photos on RAF Marham's Facebook page this morning that is most appropriate here:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/74/5634-200219105548.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=74294)
A similarly fine shot just posted on RailPictures.net (http://www.railpictures.net/photo/688479/) today Mike. 8)
Hi all,
No pictures here, but fond memories (well mostly) of the Tonkas. As a forward air controller I had many chances to have a play and see these go about there business, and sad to see 2 legends which i had the pleasure of working with (Harrier and Tornado) in the space of 10 years.
While I was training for my job as a forward Air Controller we used the former RAF Sculthorpe where we had a pair of Tornados to practice with when a light aircraft decided to enter restricted airspace and fly over the airfield and despite trying to raise the light aircraft via radio it didnt leave so the Tornados decided to encourage him to leave with a jet flying past at level either side of the light aircraft!
Fair to say the light aircraft made a wise choice and decided there were better places to be after that show of displeasure from the jets! (who needs a horn)
And the time we went to America shortly before deploying to get some live ordinance training with the culmination of getting the jets to do shows of forces and seeing who had the bigger testicles by going as low as they dare over us! While the Royal Navy harriers won that day the Tornado's gave them a run for their money, and my trousers the need of urgent replacement, 14 tonnes of metal at 400 mph at 30 foot does make you question your life choices as it hurtles towards you!
But after 40 years, I guess they have earn't retirement i can only hope a few examples are kept flying as a reminder of the jets that have protected the country and soldiers one the ground around the globe!
Sadly I missed the nine-ship flypast at Cranwell on the 28th, but the Telegraph have a good photo of Tornadoes on the runway this morning:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/02/pictures-day-2-march-2019/ (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/02/pictures-day-2-march-2019/)
Looks like there will now just be two further scheduled single-ship farewell flypasts before the end on the month, (on the 8th and 14th, but I have no details). There maybe other odd flights in March, as all 36 GR4 aircraft are to be decommissioned, with a few moved to other locations such as Cosford or a museum, though expect movements to be mainly by road.
Farewell to the Tonka.
Quote from: daffy on March 02, 2019, 10:42:07 AM
..
the nine-ship flypast at Cranwell on the 28th, but the Telegraph have a good photo of Tornadoes on the runway this morning:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/02/pictures-day-2-march-2019/ (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/02/pictures-day-2-march-2019/)
....
Standards ain't what they were - one would expect a Telegraph journo to be able to count to ten! :D
Yes, I noted that and after reading the Telegraph webpage it is not clear whether the picture is of the day of the flypast or not. With the camo jet at the head of the procession, I suspect it is, and maybe #10 was used as a camera ship? :hmmm:
RAF Tornado makes final flight into retirement (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/raf-tornado-makes-final-flight-into-retirement/ar-BBUKfO7?ocid=spartanntp)