Top five aircraft moments

[Richard E]

Not the most exciting collection but I offer my list, in no particular order:

• Watching two four ship flights of 20(R) Squadron Harriers returning home after a training flight from RAF Wittering's Control Tower.
  
  Having access to the ramp at Yeovilton whilst one of the last 899 NAS flights (2v2 against FRADU Hawks) departed - it was very wet!
  
  When I was "wee so small" being buzzed by a Vulcan at low level in the Welsh mountains: my father simply identified every other speck we saw that week a "a jet" but that was "the Vulcan". An variation on the theme would be hoping to see XH558 in the far distance as it overflew XL426 at London Southend Airport during one of its farewell flights only to turn round and discover it sneaking up behind me as it flew directly over my house. An enquiry elicited an apologetic e-mail explaining that they had to change track slightly to avoid an Easyjet Airbus landing at Southend.
  
  Whilst gliding from the Wolds Gliding Club in Pocklington spotting four F-15 Eagles flying underneath us - they knew precisely where we were and gave us lots of separation.
  
  An evening with the late John Farley at one of his talks

[paddyboy]

Lee: I can assure you John is a larger than life character who has certainly enjoyed a lot of flights, bit is certainly NOT prone to flights of fantasy

He certainly has got around a bit, far more than I am ever likely to

Great idea for a thread, btw, Max

Paddyboy

[raptor9]

Morning and Thankyou Patrick, and Nighhawke!. It was amusing and sad at the same time. Perhaps I could expect an apology from him, but I won't be holding my breath.

[paddyboy]

In all the excitement, I forgot to add my 5 moments

1. Being on the flight deck of a BA 747-400 at 32,000ft over Baffens Island on our way to San Fran, having had an invite from the captain, for a full half-hour.
2. Seeing a stream takeoff by 9 Lightnings and display in 1960 as a 7 yr old at my beloved Coltishall.
3. Sitting in the pilot’s seat in a Victor at Coltishall in 1979 and getting the full gen from the pilot.
4. The Saturday display by the SR71 at Mildenhall when the double flameout/relight took place right in front of us.
5. Any display of XH558 with Kev Rumens in the left seat.

Not a patch on others, but that’s my 5

Paddyboy

[blakey]

Although my post was tongue in cheek and definitely not born out of jealous, it does point to the fact nearly ever post you make you tell us yet again how many times you attended Oshkosh, your close friend is a famous pilot or how many times you've been around the world..... we got all that when you went under the name Jems60.....now it seems we have to live your life again through the name raptor9 not jealous just tired!!

[paddyboy]

Lee

I always enjoy hearing people’s stories and seeing pics from any trips they’ve been on, which I’ll never do, so please keep ‘em coming everyone, and thanks for sharing

[raptor9]

Didn't realise it was compulsory for you to read them Lee. If you don't like them don't read them. Simples. Had many PM's from people who DId enjoy them. I dislike seeing the same old same old when it comes to photographs, but I wouldn't dream of making a childish post about them. And I have never been round the world. Sarcasm is not clever.

[C24]

Blakey has a point, if not several.
We now have it confirmed that jem60 has morphed into raptor9. To me the posts do hint at oneupmanship, almost juvenile. It is a question of writing style. Perfectly acceptable.

In this period of slow FCing if a further, secret forum ID was adopted by the now raptor9, we could indulge in a hunt. Rather like a crime novel.
Anyway, reading FC passes the time during shielding. Both of you please keep posting, no name calling or you will get sent to bed without supper.

Stay safe . Hands, Face, Space.
Charlie

P.S. I’m in the process of writing my list, currently on event 47. It may take some time. Perhaps I’ll turn it into a book or even a film.

Interesting read, this thread. Thanks for posting..

P.P.S. Hum, should I become a FaceTwit?

...rolling inverted over the North York moors to watch a low-level flight of F-4s streak south back to RAF Lakenheath. No, I’ll not bother with that one, it was only a fleeting moment

[Rugbyref]

1. My first solo in a Kirby Cadet Mk3 at RAF Debden.
2. My first flight in a 6AEF Chipmunk at White Waltham.
3. Being treated as a VIP visitor at Bristow Aberdeen, including 3 sectors as supernumary aircrew in a Super Puma.
4. 6 1/2 hour flight in a Shackleton MR3 from Luqa, including tracking a soviet sub.
5. BN2 flight to and from Yasawa Island in Fiji on honeymoon.

[iainpeden]

In no particular order:
2010 at Duxford and that wonderful and lengthy multiple Spitfire display.
2008 - the first public display of the Vulcan at Waddington; my mum had died 5 days before and as XH558 did the power climb there were tears behind my sunglasses
Christmas 1986 - 14 Phantoms from AR at low level straight over my house
My day at Pima and DM in 2012
Sitting on the fence at Lossie in about 1974 on summer holiday; 16 different types and an RN Phantom did a practice display and they were always better (lower, faster, louder) than the public ones.

Am I only allowed 5?

[quid21]

1. Meeting Bob Gilliland and Jim Eastham at 40th Anniversary of the SR-71 first flight
2. Sitting in a Lightning with the canopy up being shown around the cockpit as the other Lightning roared in full afterburner down Bruntingthorpe's runway during the LPG fast taxi runs - amazing!
3. Being stuck at traffic lights just outside Matlock Bath as Vulcan HX558 suddenly appeared overhead
4. Seeing the group of Concordes land as they retired at Heathrow
5. Seeing Space Shuttle prototype Enterprise landing at Stansted on the back of the NASA 747 back in '83.

[raptor9]

C.24. Morning.'Tis true. I morphed!!. Computer problems forced me to change, to the relief of some and the chagrin of others. Problem is, I don't do photography [never had a still camera], and the only things I can post with some authority are travel and flying. However, I accept that some people didn't like it, but, hey, no cruises, no travel, no airshows for the foreseeable future so nothing from me about those. If, however, I feel my advice/experience is worthwhile to some youngsters, then I will , perhaps, post. No one-upmanship. Just a full life. Didn't much like being accused of fabricating from someone tho'. But enough on this subject from me on this subject.

[Gordsmith]

I belong to the “senior” group of people. (The fact that I have had two Covid jabs is a clue.) I find it very hard to decide on which 5 events are my most cherished, there are so many great aircraft memories in my life. However I'll give it a go and in some sort of chronological order...

!. Leaving school in Aberdeen one day in the early 50's we all stopped to look up as we could feel this deep throbbing. There we saw these huge crosses in the sky as “umpteen” B-36 aircraft trundled north.

2. My first flight when a cadet in an Anson flown by a grizzled old W.O pilot

3 At Akrotiri when F-8s of the Saratoga and 208 Sq Hunters tail chased over the field. It was no contest when the crusaders hit the burner.

4 At El Adam when the late great Neil Williams did a beat up in a Canberra and promptly looped over the field.. I subsequently flew back to Akrotiri from El Adam in a Canberra.

5 QRA at Scampton holding my breath as four Vucans scrambled under command of the Bomber controller at High Wicombeb and to the relief of all present as they, aborted on the runway. When the voice of the bomber controller was broadcast prior to the launch of the Vulcan at RIAT, I cannot recall the year, but the memory his voice invoked chilled me to the bone

So many other great memories, especially multiple trips to the USA with my mates Pete and Dave.
Roaming the ramps of F-4s, being able to go onto the desert at the runways end at Nellis, before the Airforce banned access. Trips to Fallon under the superb access given vie the legendary “Zip”. And I have to finish with being on Coronado beach when an F-14 came in complete with Phoeonix missiles........so many, so many.! Cheers, Gordon.

[JOLLY GREEN]

1. First solo in a Cadet Mk3 at RM Condor, Arbroath. The following day I managed to hitch a ride to Prestwick (via Leuchars for a refuel) in a Sea King from 819 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Gannet.

2. Five hour low level roller coaster ride in a 21st SOS MH-53M Pave Low. The mission was to conduct a Recce for a suitable Helicopter Landing Site beside the Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum. Following a successful Recce and a quick chat with my Family/Museum members, we did a spectacular beat up of the old airfield with two very low passes, a zoom climb, pedal turn and equally low departure to the South. The Pilot was the same guy who made “THAT” departure from RIAT 2007:

viewtopic.php?t=107535

3. A two-ship HH-60G Pave Hawk Area Familiarisation and Minigun Firing sortie to the Red Desert near Kandahar. This was during the handover period between the 129th Rescue Squadron and the 55th Rescue Squadron. I had been briefed how to operate the Minigun prior to take off: 3 to 5 seconds on the low rate button (2,000 rounds a minute) followed by 3 to 5 seconds on the high rate button (4,000 rounds a minute). The Gunner said: “This is your safe direction, we’ve got plenty of time and loads of ammo, pick a sand dune and blow the s**t out of it!” We spent the next fifteen minutes tooling around whilst I laid waste to the Red Desert. When the ammunition was expended I traded seats with the Gunner and sat with my legs dangling out the side as we flew back to Kandahar at low level and high speed.
Just prior to the 129th departing, I was invited to their Ops Room to watch their end of tour video. Awesome!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWaehyJb0pg

4. Ten hour day into night flight in a 7th SOS CV-22B Osprey. The day flight was a singleton mission to conduct low level flying and simulated troop inserts/extractions around Northumberland and on the Otterburn Training Area. Back to Mildenhall for a hot refuel and a switch to a less crowded CV-22. We then launched as part of a two-ship mission for night flying. Up to Penrith before heading East and out over the North Sea. Two in-flight refuels from a 67th SOS MC-130J (pitch black, no lights, minimal radio chatter and, without the NVGs, you could not even see the MC-130!). We then flew to Donna Nook where I was allowed to let loose with the M240 Machine Gun. Simulated troop extractions at Sculthorpe and then back to Mildenhall.

5. As part of the C-17 Crew who supported the 2008 Red Arrows Tour of Canada and North America. On the ramp of a brand new C-17 whilst the Red Arrows flew formation for a photo shoot. The Reds then departed to fly a display over New York whilst we conducted a low approach, spectacular power climb and left bank for the benefit of the staff at the Pratt & Whitney Factory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPNOwdK0v4o

[Cyberfox]

Mine are very boring compared to all you vets and pros, but they were cool by my English suburban normal standards with absolutely no links whatsoever to the aviation industry or services.

1. Flying in Pumas as an air cadet during summer camp, amassing a total of 5:45 hours over five flights, including low level over Salisbury Plain with the big doors open and crewmen’s headset on.

2. My first ever flight that my parents bought me aged 13, in a Jodel light aircraft over Northumberland during a family holiday. I remember seeing a SAR Wessex fly below us and pointed it out to the pilot very excitedly.

3. Glider flying in open cockpit Slingsby Sedburghs with air cadets at RAF Woodvale and being (apparently) only the fourth cadet in the country to fly in the then new Grob (ZE495, I think!).

4. Again, flying in the air cadets at Woodvale, this time in the Chipmunk. Despite the lengthy pre-flight safety briefings and video, I still don’t think I’d have had any idea how to use the parachute if I’d had to! I remember the pilot saying “you have control” but I only used the joystick and could barely reach the rudder pedals!

5. Going on a trip around RAF Marham aged 16 after writing to them to ask for one before a holiday in Norfolk. I was up the ladder into the cockpit of Tornado ZA464 in 20 sqn markings in a HAS in no time, and sat in the cockpit of a Victor.

[johnwayne]

1. Mass B36 arrivals Burtonwood 1956
2.SR71 arrival IAT Greenham Common 1983
3. Huey ride Capetown 2010 (ex 66-01009)
4. Harvard aerobatic sortie Duxford 2017
5. 'Piloting' BA 747-400 Heathrow tower 'beat up' 2016 500ft agl [BA's simulator]

[Evergreen 44]

Great thread, nice to see such individual moments, some by intent and the really enjoyable ones by chance.
My modest contribution from a treasure-chest of aviation moments :

1) RAF Jaguar GR.1''s appearing from nowhere low-level in Scotland in the early '70''s on a family holiday aged ten, two of them right to left and gone again in flash. First time I had experienced the thrill of fast jets at low-level and hooked from that moment on.
2) The obligatory first solo in a Cadet Mk.3 - launched straight into cloud. Schoolboy error. My first introduction to what we now call 'situational awareness'. Made plenty of similar (aviation) mistakes since but learned plenty from them.
3) First really 'exotic' a/c, (and just got my first camera) during family holiday in Malta, some ex-Kenya DHC Caribou parked-out on the maintenance side of the airfield at Luqa plus an assortment of Canadian reg. C47's - back in the days when meeting one of the locals was enough to get you airside before fun Police were devised. Thirty degree + heat, a long, dusty walk around the perimeter fence but worth it. Found a wind-blown tenner lodged in the fence and enjoyed the coolest ice-cold 7-Up and snacks with the kind local who had arranged the access. It was the early '80's and £10 was a fortune to a young teenager. My own Ice Cold in Alex moment - experiences always much better when shared I have found
4) A-7's at Sculthorpe in the mid '80s on a summer holiday with borrowed car (thanks Dad) as very first solo aviation road trip. Arrived at Mildenhall as planned and spoke to a local (theme developing here) who said that the A7 det. was having ramp photo opportunity, first come, first served. From never having heard of Sculthorpe to being there roughly an hour later I was taking the type of limited-time access photo I had only heard about from others. Finally I felt like I had become a 'spotter'
5) The two Lancasters at Southport show. Took ages to get there with understandably grid-locked roads and only just made it to the vantage point when they appeared. A long day (and had to skip a duty day to do it) but the only sickie I have had to pull but for what you knew was going to be a true once in a lifetime experience but also a sense of duty to commemorate the sacrifice of brave forbears.

A quick thank-you to all those friends (and such kind complete strangers) who have made these and many other aviation-related special moments possible.

[Bushpilot]

Over many years but in order of significance to me
1. Taking control of a Hughes 500D for an hour when the pilot fell asleep over the Yukon in 1980.
1a. Subsequent near crash on take off in an overloaded Cessna 206 (I had 36 rounds of .303 in my pockets at the time).
Both of these were during the same silver prospecting trip on the border between Yukon and Northern territories.
2. Visiting the cockpit of a Boeing 707 in the way to Canada in 1976
3. While doing test in advance at OASC being under a Harrier GR3 that was hovering between the hangars as it arrived for the Biggin Hill Air Fair
4. Sitting in the Fighter collection Spitfire IX and Mitchell at Flying Legends.
5. The 08:15 Jaguar waking us (and the east German border guards) while on honeymoon in Germany.

[bvs]

1. Glider and Power first solos (1969 Spitalgate and 1972 Scone respectively).
2. RHS ride in 231 OCU Canberra T4 @ Cottesmore.
3. Climbing to 11,500 feet AGL twice in a glider,1st time in a thermal in Zimbabwe,2nd time in 'Wave Lift' Scotland - both from winch launches.
4. Low level back seat rides in Hawk Tmk1's and Mk60 (incl spinning after completing some Flight Control system work on a Mk60 in Zimbabwe).
5. Hearing the 'Blue Note' as Meteor 8 did low passes at Brawdy on completion of Banner Towing sorties.

[Vulcan74]

Here some of mine!

1. Flying on Concorde over Norway!!
2. Taking controls of a C-130 on a 4.5 hour low level flight down South.
3. Flying on a L188 Electra cargo plane from EDI - EMA.
4. Flying the Vulcan in the simulator at Waddington in the 70's.
5. Over the years watching aerial spraying in Lincolnshire by Ag-Cats, Pawnees, Bell47, Hiller helicopters.