Coltishall this morning

[SkyHawk-N]

I flew over Coltishall this morning and thought those who used to fly from there might be interested in seeing it again.

The runway still looks in very nice condition.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r203/Skyhawk-N/Coltishall1.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r203/Skyhawk-N/Coltishall2.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r203/Skyhawk-N/Coltishall3.jpg

[kwachon]

Was stationed at Colt in the 70's, 65 (F) squadron, tragic what they have done to it now.

[oxoneil]

Only actually went there once in 23 years and that was to fix a u/s F4 in the pitch black cos they were doing some sort of night vision trial.

[Raving RHAG Muncher]

What are they doing with the airfield now that it has closed then? Do the MoD still own the land or is it England's newest council housing estate?

[Dysonsphere]

correct me if im wrong but i see no white X`s on the runway implying it is still open.

[A2QFI]

There is no budget for white paint until April 08 (new financial year)

[Raving RHAG Muncher]

Oh my word... I wasn't too far out of the ball park then!!

What a disgrace.

[NDB]

You can still make out the grass run the chippy's used..

I remember hitting a rabbit hole (that was his excuse anyway!) on a AEF trip. One of the best summer camps..

[Megaton]

I can see my old office on the flight line :)

[The Flying Pram]

Disgraceful waste of a perfectly good airfield, particularly as Norwich seem to be trying to push GA out at the moment. I was lucky enough to fly in 3 times whilst it was open - during RAF "families" days. I thought I saw some R/C modelers using the 04 end when I flew over a couple of months ago. Chris Gurney at Northrepps tells me the civilian flying club are using one of the fields just out side the NW perimeter fence - I think it might be the light coloured strip visible running parallel to the runway at the top of the pictures.

[Cyclone733]

Only a matter of time before the runway has chicken huts built on it as all Norfolk airfields do in time. What a waste of an airfield in a quiet area of the country with good access to the ranges.
I wonder what state of disrepair the buildings will be in before they are required and have to undergo an expensive renovation.

As for Norwich pushing GA out, if you believe the EDP they are trying to push out the airlines as well:rolleyes:

[Razor61]

Coltishall looks rather small from the air. Was it one of the smaller RAF stations?

[Bob Viking]

It was small, cosy and damn near perfect.
May she rest in peace!
BV:(:{

[Jamma]

14 years there, and yes BV it was perfect !!:{

[BlackIsle]

Saw the new thread title and couldn't resist a look - my first tour 1974 - 77 and for me it was really enjoyable so many great memories and many are crystal clear even now - last days of the Lightning and the intro to sqn service of the Jaguar - always enjoyed pub lunch and a couple of pints of norwich at The Rising Sun. :)

[kwachon]

This, chaps is how I remember the good old days at Colt.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg8/kwachon/LIT.jpg

[BlackIsle]

Kwachon- great to see a nice piccy from the past. I mentioned my memories and here's one of the best - 8.10 on a blu summer morning and Pete Chapman ripping around in his thrilling display routine - a superb sight and sound eh:D

[kwachon]

BlackIsle

Was there when Pete Chapman scraped a wingtip on takeoff and shall we say, changed the colour of his underwear. Of course, being the opposing squadron we thought it was hilarious. Know better now.

[UpShutter]

Pete Chapman in a Coltishall based 226 OCU Lightning, winning an award for the best solo display at Greenham Common in 1974.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/MikePix/F3LightXP696.jpg

[johnny99]

To complete the trip down memory lane download Google Earth, access the flight sim (Ctrl + Alt + A or Ctrl + Windows Key + A) call up Coltishall and you're all set for a few circuits.

[Rakshasa]

Another one gone and a total shame. It's not like a quick land sale is likely either, they've only just managed to sell off West Raynham! :ugh:

[PPRuNeUser0212]

was lucky enough to do an Aussie "Ex Longlook" at Colt with 54F SQN, was a great time and was sad to hear when they closed Coltishall down. Even got some time in one of the cadet's Chipmunks over the "beaches" of Norfolk. I noticed on the Google Earth site it looks like they now have a Jag at the front gate. Would have loved to see the Lightning in action.

[MostlyHarmless]

Old overheads, I'm afraid - even that's found a new home (http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/index.cfm?storyid=63319DD6-1143-EC82-2E106AF2C0778128) :(

[kwachon]

Those of us lucky enough to have been stationed here in the 70's will remember this...

http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/thumbs/1044039_t.jpg (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1044039/)

[JagRigger]

Looks a bit better than when it came down.........

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/IanDTurner/Scan10001.jpg

More @:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/IanDTurner/172lean.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/IanDTurner/172lift.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/IanDTurner/172nose.jpg

[kwachon]

Sad to see the old girl in that condition. Here is a picture of someone who flew her, anyone recognize him, he was a Squadron Leader then, 1972, and retired an Air Commodore, A great character and always had a smile.

http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/AEROBATIC/Red_Arrows/ducket02.jpg

[Ivan Rogov]

No need to be so sad, she was saved

http://www.huey.co.uk/news33.php

Good work fella :ok:

[kwachon]

Great story......

[OKOC]

"Sad to see the old girl in that condition. Here is a picture of someone who flew her, anyone recognize him, he was a Squadron Leader then, 1972, and retired an Air Commodore, A great character and always had a smile."

I couldn't be certain but it looks like Dickie Duckett who I had the pleasure of knowing when he was OC 1(F) Sqn Harriers at Wittering in 1982ish

[TimL]

Here is a picture of someone who flew her, anyone recognize him

Yes - I agree that it looks like a very young Dickie Duckett.

[BlackIsle]

Yes it has to be Dickie Duckett and that too brings back another memory - I remember him landing a lightning on 04 and having a mainwheel brake seize on him causing him to spin through about 150 degs before coming to rest still on the runway. I was in the tower and when he was asked if he was ok as the canopy came up Dickie quickly replied "yes and for my next trick I'll reverse down the taxiway"

[kwachon]

You are correct gents, it is Dickie Duckett, a great asset to any squadron and a friend to all.

[kwachon]

Found this, now thats a memory.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg8/kwachon/lightning491.jpg

[kokpit]

Well, if we're bimbling down memory lane........... 1982 (Dep of OC Eng if memory serves):

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o121/kokpit/Coltishall82.jpg