Mach Loop possible?

[Sled Driver]

Hi Folks,

Planning a trip for Monday 7th June travelling from Brum.

Either Lakenheath or to try The Loop??

Been to Lakenheath a few times over the years - never disappoints! But yet to see any Eagles at The Loop. With the weather getting better. Is it worth giving Cad West a go?

Seen some recent YouTube vids so thinking ?

Any insight from more experienced spotters really thankful, cheers!

[roughcutter]

Go to Lakenheath bud, at least there you're guaranteed to see something for your efforts, you'll have a much better day there. The Loop is very hit and miss, especially in this day and age, where there are fewer aircraft around to see (and more punters fighting each other to see them). I personally think the Loop is very much over rated now, it's a lot of hassle with scant reward for your efforts.

[Finty]

Lakenheath for quantity, Mach loop for quality.

[The wrong stuff]

Been to both and both are great days out for differing reasons at Lakenheath you see loads if you see them through the loop you feel lucky because a four ship through there is a great sight

[roughcutter]

If you do decide to hit the Loop, don't forget your coat. Even on a nice day you'll need it with you, the weather can change so quickly up there.

[Philly1971]

I absolutely love both, but in the Loop you get to witness something hardly seen anywhere else in the World, especially since the closure of Star Wars canyon. Yes the loop can be busy with people (and very low on action) but people wise we’re talking multiple 10,s of people as opposed to hundreds which we are seeing at Lakenheath these days. However at the end of the day I would wait until you see the Weather forecast if you can. If the forecast for Wales is good, go to the loop, if not, go to Lakenheath.

[Sled Driver]

Thanks guys for your advice so far!
Has there been much recent F-15 action this past week or two at The Loop?
Sometimes over north Birmingham can hear and see the contrails hi up above (guessing they're Eagles leaving Lakenheath for The Loop through the Lichfield Corridor).

[GWJPhantom]

Over the past fortnight there has been 1 pair of Es round twice and a 4shop of Cs once .Ospreys and MC-130 are once a week visitors on average .
No RAF Frontliners so left with RAF training aircraft the odd helo and Herc , no A400s as they give it a wide birth also.

HTH
Regards
Gareth

[Sled Driver]

Over the past fortnight there has been 1 pair of Es round twice and a 4shop of Cs once .Ospreys and MC-130 are once a week visitors on average .
No RAF Frontliners so left with RAF training aircraft the odd helo and Herc , no A400s as they give it a wide birth also.

HTH
Regards
Gareth

Many thanks for that Gareth

[Finty]

A400 did Bwlch the other day but as has been said, they’re quite rare in the loop. Last time I was on holiday in the loop (around 14th April) I managed to see 8 eagles in a week including a 4-ship which was nice.

[Philly1971]

Just to follow up and match other threads on here it seems Lakenheath is also fairly quiet currently (I was there for a few hours yesterday morning). I know a lot are away, and perhaps being a short week they are keeping things reduced until next week? If not, that might reduce your chances of seeing Ragles in the loop on Monday, although it seems that the 493rd are doing the bulk of the flying currently, and without upsetting anyone, IMO they are the “golden ticket” to see in the Loop, as they tend to come heavy handed, and they seem to have a bit of fun going around. Good luck with whatever you choose and hope you see lots!

[Sled Driver]

Decisions decisions decisions!
Wife wants to go Lakenheath next Monday as feels more of a chance at seeing Eagles.
I wanna risk The Loop!

I'll probably do what The Boss says.
Will keep a look out on FC tomorrow being Friday then decide over weekend. At least weather seems good over both areas!

[Sled Driver]

Thanks so much guys for the responses!
If any of you are Lexus owners I'm also on the owners club forum!

[James Cutting]

I'd say more recently (last month or so) the Lakes has seen much more action in general, especially F-15's too, through Thirlmere, Dunmail, and Ullswater

[Boneyard1]

Yes,James,great info!

[Philly1971]

Just to add a final bit of info, Mad flight yesterday all did unrestricted climbs out of Lakenheath, which is fantastic to see. Speaking to some ‘locals’ recently it seems this has become more common lately. Again not sure if it’s just part of their training, or they are aware of the larger crowds sitting in the visitor car park and like to show off! I was at the 06 end yesterday but the folks at the 24 end must have got a great view!

[Nighthawke]

Downside for me in Brandon was waking up to the roar suffering post-vaccination effects - not pleasant!

[Finty]

Going back to this thread, the week just gone was pretty bad despite the reasonable weather. It was only redeemed by the single pass of CONAN, fourship of F15Cs on Friday.

[Sled Driver]

Decided will take a drive down to Lakenheath tomorrow morning. Play safe.

Possibly in July will do The Loop.

Many thanks folks!

[slogen51]

Just to add a final bit of info, Mad flight yesterday all did unrestricted climbs out of Lakenheath, which is fantastic to see. Speaking to some ‘locals’ recently it seems this has become more common lately. Again not sure if it’s just part of their training, or they are aware of the larger crowds sitting in the visitor car park and like to show off! I was at the 06 end yesterday but the folks at the 24 end must have got a great view!

Friday is a good day for unrestricted climb or ' Quick climb' - they are cleared to FL170

Friday 4/6 every Eagle ( 9 reapers and one Echo model) all did a vertical climb out of 06 - obviously best viewed from the departure end.

There are quite a few eagles away and flying has been more limited recently but the great thing about military is that you never know what will happen until you arrive. I would arrive by 07:30 if you can.

Keep an eye open for any G7/potus developments?