Posted on

RAF Valley

Covid lockdown and the cancellation of all airshows in 2020 (and most in 2021) left me needing an aviation fix. I gambled on the Mach Loop being quiet, and went to Valley, which turned out to be mixed fortunes, with the USAF and RAF putting in a fairly good ‘show’ at the loop for once.

Valley was busy with multiple launches and recoveries, and a bonus new aircraft for me, with 2x Shadow R1’s in different paint shemes calling in for practice approaches. I moved around a bit and took images from three different locations for a bit of variety. Nice to get a couple of waves from the Instructors in the back seat.

All in all, a great day in the sun.

Posted on

Raf Valley

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

Posted on

BAE Hawk T2s at Hawarden

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.

Posted on

Things with wings, 2nd February

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

Posted on

Hawarden Airport August 2018 – Bristol Blenheim

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

 

Posted on

Hawarden Airport June 2018 – Red Arrows

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

Posted on

Hawarden Airport June 2018

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’