View Full Version : Two low flying jets over central London?
SteveQB
13th Jun 2006, 12:18
Just saw what looked like 2 biz jets flying v low, and in close formation over approx Trafalgar square (heading East). Anyone know what that was about? Always a bit worrying to hear noise of jets so close.
Cheers
Steve
treadigraph
13th Jun 2006, 12:54
They were a pair of Falcon 20s, looked like Flight Refueling. Came south-ish across West Croydon at about 1500' - 2500', and were turning in a westerly direction last I saw of them. Unusual sight over here...
chevvron
13th Jun 2006, 12:56
All above board. Pre-planned flypast co-ordinated with the various ATC units en-route by AUS.
ALLDAYDELI
13th Jun 2006, 13:53
I'm glad that you mentioned this.. I was in town today and heard the "whoosh" and I did wonder what the hell that was. Seemed to be going fast as the noise didnt last long.
Suggs
13th Jun 2006, 14:03
Came over my house in very tight formation less than 1000', maybe less than 500'. I live on a hill and they were very low.
Got to be honest I did worry.
In this day and age you never know.
They looked fantastic!!
potkettleblack
13th Jun 2006, 15:52
Remember seeing about 5 of them returning to BOH in formation not so long ago after a days exercise "bombing" the navy. They did what I think is called a break and run type of approach where they peeled off one by one when over the threshold and then did a circle to land all at reasonably low level. Very skillful indeed. Think most of the pilots are ex fast jet. Would be a great gig to get on.
Smudger
13th Jun 2006, 16:05
A run & break is a standard military maneouvre designed to get a gaggle of aircraft on the ground as quickly as possible. As most of the guys at FRA are ex-mil I guess that they would all have done it many times before. Great fun to fly and it looks good from the ground as well!
ComJam
14th Jun 2006, 11:18
It's a fun job :ok:
The split is around 60/40% ex-mil to civilian, we have Captains who are ex-mil fast jet and others who have a civilian flying background, the First Officers are almost entirely of civilian backgrounds.
Two bases, one at Bournemouth, the other at Teesside (or rather Durham Tees valley Airport!)
I think that they were FR Aviation Falcons doing a flypast for the service of rememberance for Sir Michael Cobham who passed away recently.