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

[rmt_1982]

Hi..

I'm Rob, long time reader, first time poster and all that. I'm a bit of a nerd at times (for some reason, I love looking at the way in which the Operational Structure of Military Aviation works), but won't inflict that on you guys.

[PhilW]

Hello,

I've been here for a while, and have no excuse for leaving it so late for the intro, so apologies.

I became initially interested in aviation with Airfix kits, the first being an F-111.
As a child i lived on the LH Base leg for Runway 15 at Birmingham Airport, so I spent my life bumping into things while watching BAC 1-11's and similar aircraft of the era coming and going.
I had a VHF airband radio, and learned the ways of Civvie ATC in the 80's.

Went to various airshows and spent days on top of Car Park3 at Heathrow....great times in Dad's taxi.

Joined the ATC, 495 Sutton Coldfield Sqn. Went on camp to Finningly and Manston, along with a few weekend camps with the Rock Ape's (great night exercises of hide n seek).
Unfortunately, education and part-time jobs meant I had to give up the ATC as there weren't enough hours in a week.
I was gutted to find out that I was to be made a Corporal the very next week - bad timing i guess, but a great time had in the ATC.

Gained my PPL,then moved onto Multi Engine mainly on Seneca's,then onto aero's in Pitts S2-B's and did a few aero competitions at a Novice Level.
Converted to PPL (H) in the 90's on R22/R44's,then onto B206B's......then ran out of cash.
(Those Turbines were bloomin expensive/hour)

I always aspired to fly professionally in some way or other, but life overtakes you and so i lost touch with aviation for a long time (but not forgotten).

I recently invested in a radio with UHF and opened up a whole new world of Military, not to mention things have moved on.
Now, what with the internet it is truely amazing the information available for this hobby.
A complete Military novice, and I have forgotten so much civvie stuff due to the old grey mater.
Out of touch, but playing cathup.

Now, I live in North Oxfordshire, not far from UH...but a bit too late unfortunately.

Anyway, bl**dy great to be here in FC.

[GOOSE]

A huge welcome to you all.

[Flyingmonster]

Welcome BBJUK

[Flyingmonster]

Welcome!

[bigjohn]

Hi All

I am new to this forum and returning back to spotting after a break.

I tend to go to Maraham, Lakenheath and the Hall.

Not been to the Hall since the viewing area closed and was turned into an entrance gate, where best to view for there now?

Regards

Big John

[GOOSE]

A big welcome to you all.

[Rotörhead]

Hi I'm new here,
My name is Oli (or Oliver) and I am from Dorset in the UK
I understand there are one or two other people who will recognise me as i am on another aviation forum.
Im in my early teens and have always loved aircraft and aviation. I look forward to talking to you all .

[Mayfly]

Welcome all....


Hello Oli!!!

[Rotörhead]

Hello again Mayfly

[GOOSE]

Welcome Emma, glad to have you on board.

[Mark Owen]

A warm welcome to FC.

Regards.

Mark.

[benji1867]

Hi Guys
Im Ben, 25 from Sheffield. I was an irregular member of the old FC and i have so far been the same again. My aviation interest stems from my dad who took me to airshows and base visits etc from an early age (he ofter likes to show me a terrible pic of me with a hankey on my head in front of a C-5A at IAT '91). I was very into it up until about 2002 then kind drifted away from it. I have always had an interest in the photogry side more than anything too and will be purchasing my 1st D SLR in a few weeks time(advise more than welcome) in preperation for roping my mrs into base visits etc.

hope to get to know to many like minded souls.

Ben

[Paulo]

Just wanted to introduce myself on here.

I have been looking at all the pics on here for the last few weeks and finally got round to registering.

I work for a large contractor at RAF Air Command in High Wycombe (a.k.a Strike or Bomber) and was bought up as with a dad in the Air Force so been amazed by it all for a long time.

Hope to post some of my very amateur photos compared to the standard on here sometime soon.

See y'all around.

Paul

[Mark Owen]

A warm welcome to FC.

Regards.

Mark.

[Nighthawke]

I thought it was about time I did the "formal" intro so apologies for the delay. I'm another Ian living close to Lakenheath & Mildenhall. Just don't get the chance to visit as much as I'd like. However I am keen to help with questions and take part where possible. Currently scanning some of my slides from late 1980s/early 1990s so hoping to put a few up on the nostalgia photography section. Thanks to all for making this a great site.

Cheers
Ian

[Flyingmonster]

Welcome one and all!!

[richw_82]

Hi! I thought it was about time I posted a bit about me in here.

I'm Richard Woods, Rich to all. I'm 29 and live in Derbyshire.

My interest in aviation started through my Dad, I got dragged around various old bomber bases in Lincolnshire when I was a kid, and finally to Coningsby. Seeing the Lancaster at the back of the BBMF hangar flanked by Spitfires and Hurricanes flared the interest and it never went away.

Airshows, holidays on the east coast watching Buccaneers and A10s going up the coast to the ranges at Donna Nook all kept things going until I could join the Air Cadets, where I finally tasted flight for myself. I wanted nothing more than to be a pilot in the RAF, but my eyesight sadly put an end to that dream. Disheartened, I walked away from aviation, finding a desk job and getting heavily involved with classic cars - another passion that I can't kick.

But my eyes would always turn skywards at the sound of a Merlin.. and still do.

I started going on aviation forums (and you'll find me on a fair few!) and through a chance encounter on there I got talking to a group maintaining an Avro Shackleton at Coventry. Before long I ended up on a cold and rainy airfield, with a fistful of tools, staring at that Avro Shackleton. Nearly three years on and I'm still wielding the tools yet now it doesn't scare me as much.

I'm enjoying looking around these forums and deeply envious of some of the photo skills!

Regards,

Rich

[Flyingmonster]

Welcome Gents!!

[Mike]

Welcome aboard Michael.