Northolt Nightshoot X - We're Off!

[Northolt Nobbler]

Evening all,

The date for the next nightshoot has been set for Thursday, 6 October, timing tbc nearer the day.

The reason for this date is that this was offered up by the Securite Civile as one when they could finally commit to sending an S-2 Tracker (Traquer?) at long last - let's hope that's the case!!

Also, after returning back to Poland, the captain of the Bryza called up to offer a Polish Navy Mil-14 Haze. Now we have a date, we'll be pressing to test on that one also, don't worry.

I think Phil's plan is to go for a SAR Theme, after 203 Sqn pulled out at the last minute but said they'd attend the next event. The longer lead-in time should give us plenty of time to chase some 'exotica'....

More news as it follows.

As is usually the case, express your interest to Phil by emailing him at phillip.dawe@btinternet.com. Any noobs wishing to break their cherry should do the same.

Lee

[Dunk]

Excellent news Lee, cant wait for the October event, really enjoyed the proper dark evening shoots!

[Northolt Nobbler]

Sorry for the delay in updating, but there's been a few busy weeks at Nobbler Towers....

Latest participation news:

Securite Civile Tracker confirmed, crew assigned, merchandise sorted (subject to weather and the earth stopping!). Due to arrive late morning on the 6th
IAC AW139 now changed to SAR-roled EC135 due to serviceability issues
The recently-returned 25 Flt will also be around with one of their B212s.

Other attendees:

German Navy Sea King,
2 x Alpha Jets (1 Belgian, 1 French),
French AF Fennec (one used for interdiction over Paris)
203(R) Sqn Sea King
Belgian Sea King, iirc

AFAIK, the Poles haven't said 'no' yet.

For those attending bacon butties will be available on the night.

If you're interested and haven't registered then email Phil as per the first email and we'll see you next week!!

[pikey01]

Thanks for the update Lee, already got my ticket and looking forward to this

[Northolt Nobbler]

You can tell we're getting closer to the date now - stuff's cancelling!

Yep, the German Navy and the Belgian's have both cried off due to aircraft unserviceability.

That said, the Alpha Jets, Fennec and Irish have booked in with ops.

Hopefully, I won't be posting again on the thread before Thursday!

Lee

[Focal_Plane]

You can tell we're getting closer to the date now - stuff's cancelling!

Yep, the German Navy and the Belgian's have both cried off due to aircraft unserviceability.

That said, the Alpha Jets, Fennec and Irish have booked in with ops.

Hopefully, I won't be posting again on the thread before Thursday!

Lee

Lee can you confirm this the is the current state of play , with attendees in bold? I didn`t see a Belgian Alpha on Phil`s original list.

Sea King HAR.3 203 ( R ) Sqn RAF
Sea King Mk 41 MFG5 German Navy (Cancelled)
Sea King Mk 48 40Sqn Belgian AF (Cancelled)
Alpha Jet French AF (from Tours)
Alpha Jet Belgium
AS555 Fennec French AF (from Villacoublay)
Securite Civile Turbo Tracker French Ministry of the Interior (Confirmed by Phil)
EC135 Irish Air Corps
Bell212 25 Flight Army Air Corps
Mi14 Polish Navy (Maybe?)

Plus anything 32 Squadron can spare?

Regards

John

[Northolt Nobbler]

John,

Still nothing heard from the Poles, unfortunately, but the rest is correct as of now. I think it's safe to assume that they are effectively not coming, unfortunately.

For anyone in the area, the Fennec has filed to arrive at 1400 local on WEDNESDAY, followed an hour later by the Alpha Jet pair.

Edit - Securite Civile Tracker due Thursday at 1100 local.... *Gets mat out and looks for Mecca on Google maps*

[Focal_Plane]

Thanks Lee,

If the last stands as it is (touches wood), that`ll be a nice line-up anyway.

Regards

John

[Northolt Nobbler]

Ok,

The Fennec and ONE Alpha Jet (French not Belgique, unfortunately) made it in today.

The IAC EC135 had a go but turned back due to bad weather en-route. Will attempt an extra-early start tomorrow am.

No cancellations today...

[Chris IL-76]

F-ZBEW/11 S.2A Turbo Firecat arrived at 1115 'Tracker 11'

Lovely jubbly!!

[pikey01]

[Dunk]

F-ZBEW/11 S.2A Turbo Firecat arrived at 1115 'Tracker 11'

Lovely jubbly!!

You going tonight?

[Chris IL-76]

Yes I will be there!

[pikey01]

Huge thanks to Phil, Lee, all the crews for giving up their time, and of course everyone at RAF Northolt for what in my opinion was the best Nightshoot ive attended there

[Dunk]

Fantastic event, great line up, helpful crews, great weather.

Was good to meet up with so many people, a few for the first time, and some that I hadnt seen for a long time.

Big thanks to Phil as ever for taking the time in arranging this event, and all those that help out too, including Lee for one!

A very happy

Dunk