FighterControl

Due to Brize's runway being reduced to half the usual length available several aircraft have dispersed to other airfields. C-130's A-400's and C-17's can take off and land from Brize. Voyagers can take off from Brize on low fuel but cannot land at Brize untill the runway is fixed.

Current Operating positions:
Updated 03/08/21

RAF Mildenhall
Voyager ZZ331

Birmingham Airport
Voyager ZZ337

Gatwick Airport
Voyager ZZ333

RAF Fairford
Used to allow international flights to refuel once they have left Brize.

I know some old crusties are bemoaning the situation ("would never have happened in my day"/"should never have closed Lyneham"/blah blah), but I'd contend that this does provide valuable training for the crews etc involved in the dispersal. Its also timely given the recent announcement from the Chief of the Air Staff...

PS Odd that Fairford didn't figure in their considerations?

Believe Fairford is being used for circuit work for Brize based aircraft over the next month or so.

Current plan is for aircraft to take off with a light fuel load and head to Fairford to receive their required amount. We drove some of our refuelling bowsers to Fairford yesterday.

Hi thevulcan,

Reg number needs updating somewhere

ZH871 at Rissi and Oxford?

Andrew

Andrew45 wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 27, 2021 10:10 am

Hi thevulcan,

Reg number needs updating somewhere

ZH871 at Rissi and Oxford?

Andrew

It's been operating out of both recently Andrew it is currently at Oxford however.

Surely it's ZH872 that's been operating out of Oxford?

It is ZH872 and currently flying in the climb over Oxfordshire according to ADS-B Exchange.

Are there not Customs complications with landing at USAF bases

They are British bases on British soil, so probably more of a hassle for US citizens!

Is there any update on what's lodging where ?

Loving the increase of movements around the NE as a result :-)

ZZ331 was noted at RAF Mildenhall 30th July 2021.

Possibly positioned here due to runway issues at Brize Norton.