I needed a fast jet fix, so headed over to RAF Valley to catch the locals in action. Gambling on RWY31, I was pretty much the only person there from 09:00 until 15:00, and managed to try out a few different locations and get some different shots. Also managed my first ever Texan T1
Due to high crosswinds preventing landings at their home base of RAF Valley, Hawk T2’s of 4 and 25sqn were diverted to Hawarden and stayed overnight. I managed to capture some departures and the usual belugas.
Wigeon are lovely birds. Lucky to capture some in very good light back in February.
And then tried a new location for the Beluga landing at Hawarden, looking into the sun, but nice to get a different angle.
no, not an F22, but Hawk, Eagle and Osprey
Great day with plenty of passes, and a first Cv22 Osprey, even tried a low shutter, why? why? why?. . . . think it just about came off
Spent a couple of hours at RAF Valley today
Lots of Hawk action with 4sqn and 25sqn aircraft up, and a nice visit from a Cobham Aviation Services Dassault Falcon 20
First real bit of sunshine this year, so out with the camera chasing things with wings
Eurasian Wren from RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands. Dunnock, Blue tit and Chaffinch from Connah’s Quay and an Airbus A300-600ST ‘Beluga’ landing at Hawarden
Rhyl Air Show is a two day event, with flying displays along the sea front at Rhyl.
Hawarden, being the closest airfield occasionally hosts visiting aircraft, as well as the resident BAC Strikemasters from NWMAS, provides an alternative to battling the crowds.
This year was due to see the BBMF Hurricane, Spitifre and Dakota, the ‘Aircraft restoration company’s’ Bristol Blenheim Mk1 and the very good looking Yak 3based there.
As usual for a bank holiday weeked, the weather played it’s part, and as it was looking dreadful for the second day of the display on the Sunday, there were a few changes to the incoming aicraft.
As luck would have it, the weather for Saturday was fine, and even though the Blenheim routed directly back to it’s home at IWM Duxford they were kind enough to give us a nice little fly-by
2018 Armed Forces day was hosted at Lladudno, with displays by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Disaply Team (The Red Arrows), Typhoon FGR4 and Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight.
The Red Arrows based their BAE System Hawk T1a aircraft at Hawarden Airport for the day, so we were treated to a departure and recovery in glorious early afternoon sunshine
Some of the locals put on a good show too, with 2 Beluga departures either side of an arrival in the 3 hours I was there. With the local flying school adding to the photographic opportunities
Grabbed a nice couple of hours in the sun, on the ‘Mound’ at Hawarden Airport today
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight had Spitfire AB910 call in for fuel and break between flybys and returning to Connigsby (back again tomorrow, but England are playing . . . . )
Nice and busy, with Number 4 Beluga landing, locals doing touch-and-goes, the resident BAC Strikemaster departing and a Phenom 100 inbound whilst I waited to 910
BAC Strikemaster
BAC Strikemaster
BBMF Supermarine Spitfire
BBMF Supermarine Spitfire
Phenom 100
Airbus A300-600ST ‘Beluga’
Airbus A300-600ST ‘Beluga’
