Hebrides tour for Bulldogs

[Droopystop]

It was still being used a couple of months ago by Lossie crews. How wide spread its use is amongst GA, I couldn't say.

[chevvron]

I suppose we can't object to the use of Safetycom on safety grounds, but it does go against its originally intended use and extended use by military aircraft in Scotland might 'block' a civil aircraft in Scotland/North of England from using it for its intended purpose.
The RAF should have requested another frequency in my opinion, rather than 'pinching' one which many people in the civil aviation/GA community fought for many years to get allocated.

[gasax]

IT is still being used by quite a number of GA pilots and some military. Its effectiveness is perhaps a matter of speculation and the gentleman who kicked it all off and was largely responsible for pushing it through has long since left for pastures new.

A half decent FIS service would be a lot better and you can get a lot of that from Scottish and/or Inverness etc.

[John R81]

Originally Posted by gasax

A half decent FIS service would be a lot better and you can get a lot of that from Scottish and/or Inverness etc.

My experience is that North of the Great Glen Scottish Information (which I love) is not accessible below about 5k.

The Safety com trial I welcome, and use, as my place is 1km short of the high energy training area. Regularly RAF machines come past the house along the Glen at (I guess) 2-300 ft AGL.

[fisbangwollop]

Talk to Scottish Info on 119.875 as you approach the Solway Firth heading to Prestwick. We are a friendly bunch and are there to help with any info you may require. Enjoy your trip. Maybe talk soon.

[chevvron]

Originally Posted by John R81

Regularly RAF machines come past the house along the Glen at (I guess) 2-300 ft AGL.

Lucky b'stard. All I get is helicopters on H3.

[John R81]

Originally Posted by chevvron

Lucky b'stard. All I get is helicopters on H3.

And to rub it in a little, sitting in the garden that often puts you level with the fast jet pilots (we are up N slope some 300 ft - although you need to be quick with the camera!), though below the Herc's, who fly a little higher

[David Thompson]

Did the Bulldog tour happen in the end ? I ask because two Bulldogs , XX630/S and XX614 (?) , were photographed at Carlisle Airport on the 24 July together with a Miles Messenger .

[sharpend]

Well the Dawgs returned ok. Hit a wall of water over the Solway Firth on the way up and diverted to Carlisle. Stobbart, as handling agents, were first class and sorted out everything we needed including hangarage. Glenforsa was fun, Plockton was short as the crosswind was interesting, Oban was Oban, Perth was helpful and Church Fenton was super. Our ride down the Great Glen was rather interesting; bit like flying down a tunnel; water beneath, rocks either side and nasty cloud above. Still, at 100 kts better than in my Jaguar. Double Skydemon and a Garmin 430W were God sends.

[sharpend]

Originally Posted by David Thompson

Did the Bulldog tour happen in the end ? I ask because two Bulldogs , XX630/S and XX614 (?) , were photographed at Carlisle Airport on the 24 July together with a Miles Messenger .

Hi Dave, yes it did. See my post above re the weather div into Carlisle. The Miles was there for the same reason.

ps where did you see the photos?

[David Thompson]

Originally Posted by sharpend

ps where did you see the photos?

Thanks sharpend , scroll down past the Chinook photos ;
CARLISE airport chinook visit ? FighterControl ? Home to the Military Aviation Enthusiast

[biscuit74]

Originally Posted by NorthSouth

I'm guessing you want to go to Lossie because of a particular military connection but as Tall Guy said it may be expensive and inflexible. Alternatives in that area are:
Shempston Farm
Kinloss via Moray Flying Club

For Prestwick call Prestwick Fight Centre on 01292 476523 to get cheap rates on landing fees for visitors.

Slight snags to note, for any future reference-

Shempston is essentially not open for visitors due to its restricted runway layout and its proximity to RAF Lossiemouth; it is well within the MATZ, right off the end of the main E-W runway.

Kinloss ought to have been an easy option but is not. The Army control the base. RAF ATC is provided, intermittently, to cover Moray Flying Club activities etc. Much of MFC activity is for the benefit of the military personnel based in the area.
While no doubt an emergency landing would be permitted, generally other arrivals are not permitted, and getting off the base afterwards could take some time and careful talking! If the Bulldog pilots had a military background they MIGHt have been able to get clearance.

[SWBKCB]

ps where did you see the photos?

There's also a picture on the Carlisle Airport Facebook page.

[sharpend]

Originally Posted by David Thompson

Thanks sharpend , scroll down past the Chinook photos ;
CARLISE airport chinook visit ? FighterControl ? Home to the Military Aviation Enthusiast

Thanks David.