4 x VC10K departing at MTOM at 30 min intervals in the early hours didn't exactly cause expressions of pleasure from the locals some years ago - the aircraft were all trailing to Akrotiri. Which in those days would close at around mid-day...
Although that wasn't quite as bad as the time the Boss took off on a Q scamble in mid-June 1986. Hot, humid morning at 05:30-ish, the very light wind put us just within limits for a full power take-off on RW08. Rather than climbing at V2+20, he then accelerated to Min Flap Retract speed...hence a shallower climb than normal. As the squadron had been nagged at for low level turns, he then decided to set a good example and waited until we'd passed 500 ft before turning. Thus we went over the West Witney estate rather lower than ideal and with the gentle purr of 4 x Conways at max chat to entertain the locals...whose windows were doubtless open because of the heat. That caused the Radio Oxford switchboard to light up like a Christmas tree - and the Boss was later invited to have a chat with the Stn Cdr! A 7hr trip and we didn't even catch any Bears!