FighterControl

Hi All

Living only a mile from RAF Valley on Anglesey I am very lucky - but also I believe that RAF Valley is one of the most photographer friendly airbases in the country with very photo friendly fences. The number of locations you can photograph from is only limited by your imagination, as access to the airbase is almost 360 degree. So i thought I would show what a couple of visits can produce. Unfortunately not visitors - but then again it is lucky that I love the Hawks!

Rhosneigr end (Runway 31) allows for some great taxi shots and morning approach shots - you will have to shift to other side in the afternoon for the approach due to light.

T2's taxi



The legendary workhorse T1's of 208 Squadron are still busy - here three sporting the bomb pods for the range



Most T2's taxi with the canopy open (purely because they can!) - which produces some great closeup



T1's



T2 on the hold for R31 in the morning sunlight



Then on the same runway, R31 but headed to the Cymran Beach end and onto the hill for some takeoff shots and a real sense on the size of the runway. The T2 is just under 10 metres wide!

A pair of T2's rotate kicking up some standing water



Same pair return, one on and one on finals



Then taxi back throught the overrun barrier



There are loads of places to go - and whilst Low level is still the most addictive side of jets - Valley definately comes a close second for me!

Cheers and looking forward to the comments

Steve

great info, great set

I must agree, Me and my dad have always gone to Valley, there is no better place on a red hot day, with the many surrounding beaches valley is a stunning airbase. Also I have to agree that the base is very tog friendly. (My personal favourite a field down the back lanes of fraggel rock, with a 300mm it produces some lovely banking shot's on the finals)
P.S Nice to see some Valley

Sam

Hi Steve
Very nice set of photos. Nice to see some from Valley. Looks a great place to be at with the camera
Thanks for posting and hope to see some more from you soon
Trev

i made a short visit to valley a few years ago with my family, i was really impressed with how close you can get near the visitors carpark, it made my sons day when the pilots were waving to him as the taxied back in not 50ft away, we then spent the afternoon around the other side on the beach with aircraft approaching in over the sea. i just wish i had had a camera with me.

Had my first trip there in October and bumped into one of the locals who should me a couple of spots.

Absolutely superb place for photography, unlike my local (Odiham).

Would love to get back up there soon.

I go across to the loop once or twice a year but always make sure I spend a day up at Valley, as you say Steve the variety of locations is unrivalled anywhere else, I love it!
David

Hi Steve

Now I know why you love the Hawk so much

Cheres for some great pics and angles

Paddyboy

Number 1 taxi shot is a right beauty

Brilliant Steve.
Me and Gill want to visit valley for some pics, done Marham, Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and the Loop.
Will send you a pm for some advice before we come up if thats ok?
Regards
Steve

Just sent you pm Steve