Your first ever military spotting trip, where, when etc?

[32FIS]

My first trip was to Soesterberg AB in 1966. As I live close by the base, I went more often and was hooked on the hobby. Took my first picture in June 1967 of a grey Dutch F-104G, and many, many more followed over 50 years’ time.
Things to see: F-102's 32 FIS and Hunters 325 sqd R. Neth AF and many USAFE and NATO visitors. For a look on this period, please have a look at: https://www.sberg-movements.nl a very good site of mr. Hans Ragay and a lot of old Soesterberg spotters.

Ton van Schaik

[sschofield]

Hi Stuart

Who could forget that 'Last, last, last Lightning Show'

The wettest me and SWMBO EVER got at an airshow

Worth it though

Paddyboy

Paddyboy,

Yep, likewise! We were only 15 at the time, so obviously couldn't drive. Somehow I managed to convince my parents that they fancied dropping me and a mate off at Binbrook, spending a day on the Lincolnshire coast, then picking us back up that evening and driving us all home to Cheshire! We got caught in the queue before we were anywhere near the base, we bailed out of the car and left them to it, walking the last mile or so.

Just found this on Youtube (not mine). We knew we were in for something special when the Lightnings launched like this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx28jWfr80w

[Philwinward]

First interest in mil aviation as a young 10/11 year old traveling south down the old A1 in the early sixties, seeing the “v” force aircraft parked at Cottesmore and Wittering. Family then went overseas and on return eventually found itself settled on the London / Essex borders. Later in the early 80’s I decided to give my newly acquired Cortina mk4 a run. Saw signs to “The Airshow” and found myself attending one of Mildenhalls air fetes. After a few minutes watching the action (complete with necessary burger ) I decided this was for me !!!

Phil
I

[Ryan22]

Would have been circa 1988, as a 10 year old, stood at the end of runway 05 at Lossiemouth, watching in utter awe as a growling Shackleton appeared on the horizon and lumbered its way into the air and right over my head. I'd always seen and heard them fly over our house in Elgin and to this day the sound of those Griffons with the contra-rotating propellers has stayed with me in some way! But to see them that day, so close, just sparked my enthusiasm further. There were some Jags flying that day too as I recall and a venture to the other end of the runway at 23 gave me a view across the airfield where I could see all the movements, with the anticipation building of what was about to take off next. And it's something I love to do to this day. Lossie is just such a great airfield for viewing.

[lambo1784]

Used to venture over to Northolt by bus when I was on the Queens building at LAP.Used to live in north London more or less on 26 approach at Northolt so plenty of goodies used to come and go especially Farnborough week.
My first military show was the Hall in 69 with a B58 in stattic.
In the days before the internet and mobiles you had no idea what was going to be at the shows until you turned up.

Joh in Seaford

[The Star of Woo]

1969 RAF Chivenor.......... aaaahhh those were the days.

[David Vincent]

My first spotting trips were during the summer of 1984 when my dad took me to RAF Upper Heyford, followed quite quickly by a visit to RAF Bentwaters a couple of weeks later, both being more than enough excitement for a 10 year old boy!

[Blue Diamond]

Hi Stuart

Who could forget that 'Last, last, last Lightning Show'

The wettest me and SWMBO EVER got at an airshow

Worth it though

Paddyboy

I was there paddyboy. Typically the drive back down the A1 to home was nice and sunny.

[Nighthawke]

Best airshow I ever went to for content but the worst ever for weather! Mind you Lightnings taking off with immediate 270degree turns filling the sky and sod the rain

[banshee]

Not exactly a spotting trip, but my introduction to the hobby was Binbrook Air Show 1978. I took about a dozen photos, and bought an "I-spy" book or similar to see what the aircraft were!
I had a holiday in Anglesey, and Finningley air show in 1979, but my first actual spotting trip was to Waddo & Coningsby in January 1980.

John