Lakenheath

[cat1]

Morning,

don't visit Lakenheath very often because of the distance, but would like to make a pilgrimage up there on the 16th, not aware of anything that would stop the flying but thought id just check.

Is there likely to be anything on that would disrupt usual flying activity?

Many thanks

[markranger]

16th is a Friday, Fridays can be fantastic with quick climbs etc but there are occasions where they will notam it being closed , That said it normally a good few days before so you would have a warning,

[colp]

Looks like the 19th Feb is President's Day, so there's a chance they might be closed on the Friday. Definitely keep up to date with the NOTAMS.

[Supra]

Good advice you guys! Before anybody throws their toys out, Lakenheath is never "Closed". There's only the possibility of operationally required Flying & Movements on those Notam published days = No routine flying.
The following is also a personal observation, USAF Bases in the UK. not only observe CONUS Public Holiday special Anniversary & Tribute days (& occasional Family Days) they also observe all the UK. ones too!
Nett result is a potential rash of 4-day weeks.

Another date to watch-out for is the forthcoming Superbowl LVIII on Sunday 11th Feb 24. Could be some sleepy-heads & hangovers on Mon 12th.... Even if they live-stream the game from Las Vegas on-base?

[Bilvo]

Good advice you guys! Before anybody throws their toys out, Lakenheath is never "Closed". There's only the possibility of operationally required Flying & Movements on those Notam published days = No routine flying.
The following is also a personal observation, USAF Bases in the UK. not only observe CONUS Public Holiday special Anniversary & Tribute days (& occasional Family Days) they also observe all the UK. ones too!
Nett result is a potential rash of 4-day weeks.

Another date to watch-out for is the forthcoming Superbowl LVIII on Sunday 11th Feb 24. Could be some sleepy-heads & hangovers on Mon 12th.... Even if they live-stream the game from Las Vegas on-base?

Not exactly correct, on a general rule the base does close over weekends with any movements being NOTAM'd - Lakenhetah is NOT an emergency diversion airfiled and is not on 24 hour standby so your statement is incorrect. Any weekend acivity will only ever consist of the odd transport flight or the possiblity of jets in transit to/from deployments to Europe/Middle East or some based aircraft departing or returning from CONUS for maintenace.

The base observes all US and UK public holidays, so expect little to no activity. Again if the base is to open in such periods it will be NOTAM'd.

Friday's whilst you can get a period of unrestricted depatures (ie going vertical in an "unrstricted" climb once beyond the end of the runway threshold), however activity will often be curbed early that day ahead of the coming weekend.

Superbowl will have no impact to the base flying on Monday 12th Feb.

NOTAM = Notice to Airmen. There are websites to view these on such as https://notaminfo.com/ukmap

[tomw]

Not exactly correct, on a general rule the base does close over weekends with any movements being NOTAM'd - Lakenhetah is NOT an emergency diversion airfiled and is not on 24 hour standby so your statement is incorrect. Any weekend acivity will only ever consist of the odd transport flight or the possiblity of jets in transit to/from deployments to Europe/Middle East or some based aircraft departing or returning from CONUS for maintenace.

The base observes all US and UK public holidays, so expect little to no activity. Again if the base is to open in such periods it will be NOTAM'd.

Friday's whilst you can get a period of unrestricted depatures (ie going vertical in an "unrstricted" climb once beyond the end of the runway threshold), however activity will often be curbed early that day ahead of the coming weekend.

Superbowl will have no impact to the base flying on Monday 12th Feb.

NOTAM = Notice to Airmen. There are websites to view these on such as https://notaminfo.com/ukmap

The base is closed on the 12th February because of the Superbowl, Same thing as last year,

U0540/24 NOTAMN
Q) EGTT/QSTLC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5225N00034E005
A) EGUL B) 2402120600 C) 2402122200
E) AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER AND AIRFIELD MANAGEMENT FACILITIES CLSD

[cat1]

I know its popular knowledge that past 12 aclock not a lot happens,
i assume its only worth being their from around from 06:00/07:00 to 12:00/13:00

[colp]

I know its popular knowledge that past 12 aclock not a lot happens,
i assume its only worth being their from around from 06:00/07:00 to 12:00/13:00

Actually times have changed on that score and they can fly well into the afternoon now, perhaps returning after 3pm on some occassions.

[colp]

Not exactly correct, on a general rule the base does close over weekends with any movements being NOTAM'd - Lakenhetah is NOT an emergency diversion airfiled and is not on 24 hour standby so your statement is incorrect. Any weekend acivity will only ever consist of the odd transport flight or the possiblity of jets in transit to/from deployments to Europe/Middle East or some based aircraft departing or returning from CONUS for maintenace.

The base observes all US and UK public holidays, so expect little to no activity. Again if the base is to open in such periods it will be NOTAM'd.

Friday's whilst you can get a period of unrestricted depatures (ie going vertical in an "unrstricted" climb once beyond the end of the runway threshold), however activity will often be curbed early that day ahead of the coming weekend.

Superbowl will have no impact to the base flying on Monday 12th Feb.

NOTAM = Notice to Airmen. There are websites to view these on such as https://notaminfo.com/ukmap

The base is closed on the 12th February because of the Superbowl, Same thing as last year,

U0540/24 NOTAMN
Q) EGTT/QSTLC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5225N00034E005
A) EGUL B) 2402120600 C) 2402122200
E) AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER AND AIRFIELD MANAGEMENT FACILITIES CLSD

Good spot! So it actually will have an impact after all!!

[cat1]

ok, thanks all for the info, think il take my chances and have a look at the notams nearer the time.
Many thanks for the help

[colp]

Yes definitely check back nearer the time and make sure there's no NOTAM up for 16th Feb!

[Mike]

It's such a shame that the forum doesn't have a dedicated UK military airfield section in which members could ask questions like this.

[colp]

ok, thanks all for the info, think il take my chances and have a look at the notams nearer the time.
Many thanks for the help

Not good news I'm afraid.

NOTAM U0542/24: RAF Lakenheath (EGUL)

U0542/24 NOTAMN Q) EGTT/QSTLC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5225N00034E005 A) EGUL B) 2402190600 C) 2402192200 E) AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER AND AIRFIELD MANAGEMENT FACILITIES CLOSED. CREATED: 31 Jan 2024 15:39:00 SOURCE: EUECYIYN

NOTAM U0541/24: RAF Lakenheath (EGUL)

U0541/24 NOTAMN Q) EGTT/QSTLC/IV/NBO/A /000/999/5225N00034E005 A) EGUL B) 2402160600 C) 2402161800 E) AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER AND AIRFIELD MANAGEMENT FACILITIES CLSD CREATED: 31 Jan 2024 15:37:00 SOURCE: EUECYIYN

[cat1]

yes, just seen

well, looks like some rescedualing is in order

just going to bump it to the next week