A Dull Cold Day at Scampton 7/1/19

[Rhubarb]

But not as dull as Coningsby, it was closed ! Arrived 11:29 about 5 reds on the apron. 11:45 Hunter ZZ190 in grey and green camouflage was towed around to the engine test bay from the far side. “Bang” she was started with a cartridge I believe. The Hunter ground crew did three runs up to well, 75%, full power ? It’s hard to tell but it sounded great ! 11:40 two young ladies arrived one with a midium size tank gun camera and both full of enthusiasm ! 11:53 Red 1 the “boss” out and doing LGAs and general handeling. Normal operational squadron stuff. 12:30 Red 2 doing same. “Trust me” squadron stuff by the arrows beats 737s any day ! Doing a 3g pull, to bring you downwind after a low approach and feeling the squeeze from the speed jeans must remind you that “life is good as a fast jet pilot” 13:03 the boss landed. 13:10 another Hunter out for a ground run. ZZ191 in white and grey camo “Swiss” according to a senior anorak. 13:17 Red 2 in Wado circuit. 13:31 Red 4 out in xx319.13:32 Red 2 still on rollas. 13:37 Hunter runs complete. We now have NBC Environment on bird control using a hilux type vehicle. The little yellow 4x4 seems to have gone. 13:41 Hunter towed back to the far side hangar. 13:46 Red 2 to land. 13:52 Red 8 out with back seater in. I always cringe when I see a hawk out with an empty back seat ! Seems such a waste 14:09 Reds 2 & 3 wizzing around the circuit. 14:17 Red 3 to land. 14:18 Red 10 out pulled 3G to the right and vectored to Robin Hood Radar and then routed north. 14:45 Red 4 to land. 15:14 Red 10 rollas, battle breaks and LAGAs. 15:24 Red 10 to land.
Jets away and we all go home to a fish and chip supper and hot tea
That’s it from me till spring !

[C-Harvey]

Well done Rhubarb for an excellent report. I'm sad to have missed meeting a likeminded January enthusiast. Off driving for another few weeks otherwise we may well have crossed paths.
Jan and Feb have always been very good for watching the progress. Thank you for posting