Green Merlin lands on Hampstead Heath 12.25

[Navaleye]

First time i've seen that. Must assume its a CASEVAC to the Royal Free. It was down for less than a minute, too quick to get a picture. Anyone know for sure?

Nice aircraft and good flying.

[airborne_artist]

More likely there's a top secret 24SAS mission brewing - the guys will be being briefed in the extensive secret bunker complex that's under the Heath.

You did know there's a bunker there didn't you? ;)

[Wander00]

Is there a good pub in the area?

[Navaleye]

AA, Actually there is one in the never completed Bull and Bush station, but that's the other side of the heath. I've been down and yes they have been used for "government purposes"

Bull & Bush Underground Station (http://underground-history.co.uk/bullbush.php)

[NutLoose]

Any decent ice cream establishments?

[ShyTorque]

More likely there's a top secret 24SAS mission brewing - the guys will be being briefed in the extensive secret bunker complex that's under the Heath.

You did know there's a bunker there didn't you?

They're probably related to the Wombles, of Wimbledon Common. Attending a briefing for Christmas litter picking, perhaps? ;)

[Navaleye]

Is there a good pub in the area?

Strangely yes. and its only five minutes away at the double.

The Garden Gate in Hampstead - Home (http://www.thegardengatehampstead.co.uk/)

I will have to go up there now and see if its full of pongos.

[whitebait1]

They almost landed at the Royal Artillery TA field near Liverpool St. Approached, hovered, came down to maybe 50 ft, wheels still up then went straight back up and buggered off. That was at 10.45ish.

[Navaleye]

Seems very strange to do that when they have all of Salisbury Plain to do that sort of stuff. It took off with the ramp open so I assume someone got out.

[airborne_artist]

whitebait1 They almost landed at the Royal Artillery TA field near Liverpool St. Approached, hovered, came down to maybe 50 ft, wheels still up then went straight back up and buggered off. That was at 10.45ish.

You mean the Henries and Carolines? The HAC would be horrified at being call RA TA :}

[whitebait1]

Ha, couldn't begin to say! I'm just a civvy working in an adjacent building who happens to take an interest in stuff that flies :)

Always nice to see wokkas stopping by there, along with the occasional Merlin, Lynx, Seaking and Puma... Definitely adds a bit of excitement to my day.

[Bclass]

Must have been the same Merlin circling above the Thames by Blackfriars Bridge at about 12:45. Can’t imagine it was anything to do with a high profile verdict at the nearby Old Bailey.

Hmmmm, what’s that knock on the door….

[MG]

Seems very strange to do that when they have all of Salisbury Plain to do that sort of stuff. It took off with the ramp open so I assume someone got out.
Choice between flogging around SPTA (albeit at a good height) and flying down the London Helilanes, I'll take the latter any day.

[ShyTorque]

They almost landed at the Royal Artillery TA field near Liverpool St. Approached, hovered, came down to maybe 50 ft, wheels still up then went straight back up and buggered off. That was at 10.45ish.

They were probably embarrassed at having forgotten to put the landing gear down. They obviously cleared off quick, hoping no-one had seen it.

[sitigeltfel]

Hampstead Heath (http://pinkuk.com/venues/377/gay-cruising/london/hampstead-heath)

:hmm:

[BEagle]

sitigeltfel, I was amused to read in your link:

The main entrance onto the Gay West Heath is from behind.....

:ooh:

[Navaleye]

My house looks over Parliament Hill fields all of that stuff happens on the other side of the hill. The air ambulance lands behind my house most days. But the appearance of a merlin touching down without the mandatory fire engine present struck me as being odd.

[airborne_artist]

My best guess is that it was a compassionate flight.

[Tourist]

Hmmm.


Freak show.
Hampstead Heath.


Why does my mind suspect dogging/cottaging?

[skua]

Whitebait
If you worked eves/nights you would see even more interesting stuff.....!

[whitebait1]

Go on... Worked a few evenings here but usually do my utmost to bugger off home as close to 5pm as possible. ;)

[TheWizard]

Hmmm.


Hampstead Heath.


Why does my mind suspect dogging/cottaging?

Because you are in the Navy??

[Wander00]

WB - given the Heath's reputation, that turn of phrase could be seen as "unfortunate"!

[Navaleye]

Perhaps I should rephrase my question. It landed on parliament hill fields just behind my house. The gay thing happens about a mile away. It did a touch and go and left before I could run downstairs, grab my camera and take a pic. Very impressive and hats off to the aircrew if they are reading this. Normally I ignore the air ambulance but this was different.

Its a big beast but very agile. Clearly flown very well. BZ.

[cokecan]

'touch and go' 'hampstead heath'...

snigger...

[NutLoose]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tourist http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/530247-green-merlin-lands-hampstead-heath-12-25-a-post8215970.html#post8215970)
Hmmm.


Hampstead Heath.


Why does my mind suspect dogging/cottaging?

Because you are in the Navy??


He does seem well up on what I assume is all the correct terminology.... :}

[Tourist]

I was young, I needed the money......

[Navaleye]

Well I do not know who got out, but someone did because i watched it and he/she was not in the my local. If it was an army type he would be barred from everywhere anyway, most good pubs in Hampstead only tolerate naval officers. As for the RAF they have to go to Kilburn or Hillingdon and places like that. I think there are bye-laws about them congregating in civilised areas.

Merry Christmas everyone here is something fun. I wish you a Happy new year and many more to follow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hw0EwWKQRY

[whitebait1]

Well consider me duly chastised, I'll try to refrain from dropping the b word. I did enjoy briefly spotting the merlin again today. Still interested in what goes on at night on Bunhill fields though!