New to FC or not so new? Introduce yourself here.

[Martin Dawson]

Afternoon/evening fellow plane spotters and aviation spotters, who knows since 1979 we probably bumped into each other at airshows at Church Fenton, Finningley the odd Leeming and the Last Lightning Show at Binbrook or other the fence at Linton-on-Ouse. I am primarily interested in Spaceflight ever since the mid-60's and only did airshows to buy patches from Stewart Aviation. One day in around 1988 some one said 'you do realise a lot of these aeroplanes are been retired and scrapped?' it then clicked with me and so I traded my Praktika MTL5B for a Olympus OM-2n. I was doomed... Did the first ten Waddington airshows but I got fed up with 'another grey pointy 'F' thingy. So, took a rest from aviation and concentrated on AFV's. Now, retired am 'slowly' scanning all my prints to 1200 dpi on a brilliant scanner I was passed and am pleased at the results. Best wishes, clear skies and keep looking up! Martin Dawson

[paddyboy]

Hi Martin

Welcome aboard the friendly aviation forum, buddy

I went from a Zenit Photosniper (weighed a ton) to an Om2n, an Om2SP and my pride and joy, an Om4Ti

Like your good self I got fed up in the mid 90's and just watched at shows

Did every Waddo 1995--2014

Get scanning, mate, and get some shots up on WR&N

Best regards

Paddyboy

[Hmb]

Hi boys and girls. Been lurking a while and been a bit of a oh fudge to join up but managed it now.
Live in Essex but parents retired to mildenhall.
Just gotta learn how to use the dslr better

[ST1976]

Have viewed this site for several years and finally decided to register . . . . . . to get some piccies on from the XV final fly-by.

My main use of this site was based on the activity up at Garve - I used to attend at Tain range in my capacity as a dropped debris destroyer , and the same controllers at Tain look after the air moves up at Garve. Specifically I look out for JW timings & activities and have been lucky to be at the range head when live bombing has been going on. I've also watched ship to shore gunnery and shore to shore gunnery and mortars - makes for an interesting day out - I ride up on my bike, wander across the dunes and if I'm really lucky, get into the compound for 1st hand notice of whats going bang when

Shame the 1st JW of this year looks to be a tame affair, weapons wise

still, there is always Octobers event to look forward to

Steve T

[Red Dragon]

Afternoon from cold cloudy Anglesey

Well I'm a 48 year old long time lurker of FC, and was recommended by two FC members to take the plunge, so here I am

Legend has it, when I was 6 months old in a pram, (in late 1969) I pointed to the jets/ helicopters flying overhead from RAF Valley and ever since then I've been hooked on military aviation (although I do dip my toes occasionally into the "Dark Side" for some Civvie aviation in Manchester, Heathrow or overseas airports)

Thanks to my father I managed a few visit in the early 80's to the loop so I can vaguely remember Phantoms/ Jags/ Harriers/ F111's in the loop, just a shame I have no evidence to show for it

I mainly take photos for my records, but I'm still trying to get my head around "scanner speak" etc

After three trips to Aussie & NZ I'm targeting California/ Miramar next on my list

In the mid 90's I joined the Valley Aviation Society and now I'm currently a committee member looking after the Society's Website/ Facebook page and I'm also one of the team that arranges the occasional trips we do.

Tat's a potted explanation of my aviation history

[eagle1]

Welcome aboard guys

Some great info on this forum. You have chosen a good one

Never be afraid to ask a question, we have all had to start at the bottom of the ladder, so to speak

Look forward to sharing your aviation knowledge

Happy spotting

Cheers

Martin

[fuzzielogic]

Hi All,

Long time lurker, new member. Just saying hi!

Hoping to get to Lakenheath this week before the F35's leave

Cheers!

Luke

[Handypete]

Hi, everyone.
I have eventually joined this forum as I have heard that this the best place to get all the latest info and best pics.
My name is Pete 40 years old or young lol . I have bean into planes for as long as I can remember.

[XWP29]

Welcome Pete, hope you'll enjoy your membership, it's a great place to be.

[Mollieanna]

Hi everyone reading this,
I am newer than new at this. Female, just retired with a little bit of spare time on my hands. Love noisy things. Live closeish to Lakenheath and Mildenhall. Have been and sat in the 'spotting areas' (is that what it is called?) a couple of times but have only ever spotted big American trucks! How do you know when something interesting is coming in or leaving?
Sorry to be such a numpty by one does have to ask, if one does not know these things.
Regards
Mollieanna

[Evergreen 44]

Hello All,

Just joined forum. Not sure where the first message went so will try a quick intro here

Been into the hobby for a while now and found how well-informed and good-natured this group is.

Having to rely on over-flights to see things regularly but manage the occasional airfield visit now and again

Looking forward to contributing where I can

All the best,

Paul
EG44

[XWP29]

Hi everyone reading this,
I am newer than new at this. Female, just retired with a little bit of spare time on my hands. Love noisy things. Live closeish to Lakenheath and Mildenhall. Have been and sat in the 'spotting areas' (is that what it is called?) a couple of times but have only ever spotted big American trucks! How do you know when something interesting is coming in or leaving?
Sorry to be such a numpty by one does have to ask, if one does not know these things.
Regards
Mollieanna

Hi Mollieanna,
Welcome, Lakenheath is quiet because many of the F15's and Pavehawk Helios are away. Mildenhall is probably your best bet at present.
Try looking at ADS-B on the internet and select Military Aircraft. Once you have made 5 posts you will have access to the heads up section.
Enjoy the forum.

[ianlane1960]

One of the many feedback themes we have received is that there is no dedicated area for new members to introduce themselves.

All new and recently joined members, or those who are not so new but still wish to introduce themselves, please feel free to do so here.

Welcome to Fighter Control.

That's me, latest newbie. I'm an avid togger and spend hours on hills when I can chasing that elusive photo of a lifetime hoping to improve my overall knowledge of military aviation here and hopefully share a bit too.

[Tiga1050]

Hi,
(Fairly) recently retired and rekindling my interest in military aviation. Hoping to combine some other interests - motorcycling, photography, radio - into more frequent visits to various airfields.
Not quite so many to choose from as there used to be when I was younger. I think those of us who were active in the 70's and 80's had the best of it.
Still, we have to go with what we have.
Looking forward to it.

[paddyboy]

Welcome aboard, buddy

Paddyboy

[Brum]

Hi guys I'm a newbie here really looking for some info and decals for F48 Tomcat as per Top Gun
Decals 1:48 scale top gun for my partners boy who is absolutely besotted I a am a military modelling enthusiast looking at Building and painting model before Christmas I believe that decals are available from China any info gratefully received thanks in anticipation ....brum

[mjnt777]

Hi All
I started my working life at the Hawker Siddeley aircraft factory. I am retired and my main interest is Military aircraft photography. I took this up 3 years ago and started on the LFA7 Mach Loop. During this time I have made some good friends with the same interest. As a result I travelled to Switzerland last year with some of these friends and attended the Sion Air show.
This year I am already booked on to the 3 day RIAT and saving to improve my photographic equipment

[airfixpilot]

Old hat Me, joined FC in October 2009, maybe earlier in the old FC. Taking my username from Airfix (model kit maker) and Pilot, becouse I am only 5th 2ish. My intrest in aircraft began as a youngster when I went to finingly airshow, then Waddington airshow. Frequent visits to crash gate at Binbrook to see Lightnings.

Joining the ATC when I was fourteen as a member of 195 Grimsby squadron, it furthered my intrest in aircraft and at sixteen try ed to join the RAF. Unfortunately I didn't get in due to previous medical record. Staying on with the ATC, I became one of the first cadets to format 866 squadron Immingham ATC . Working up to cadet flight Sargent, then finished up as an civilian instructor at Immingham.
I recommend the ATC to any young boy or girl.

Now over the years with Fighter Control I have found it an invaluable asset, were nearly all aspects of military aviation is catered for, from modeling to photography, from airband to RAF bases. With a knowledge base with very friendly members ready and will in to help all. I have met members here who are understanding of each others needs. Here I must praise members who are happy to help me, in buying items and giving me time to pay in installment, which is rare in this day and age, were trust is needed (Thank you to those members).

To sum up, this site and those who run this forum (and its sister site, Civilian Aviation Forum), it's such a rich and diverse site for the enthusiast were members are welcome and make friends and learn more about their hobby. I thank you.

[Tarnish9]

Just popped in to say hello and that I live in Southport and spend as much time as I can at Warton, Valley, Lakenheath, Coningsby etc etc

Love both the Civil and Military have done for many years. Looking forward to have a read up on the Forum, thanks for having me here

[paddyboy]

Hi Guys

Welcome aboard the friendly aviation forum

Paddyboy