Actually, the reason none of the Apache fraternity want to move to Wattisham is because the local area is full of flying complaints, and Dishforth isn’t.
Beagle, in the days of the Lightning and the Phantom, you made a lot of noise for a very short period, and then you were gone. The helicopter is very different. The noise loiters a whole lot longer. In Suffolk you can’t fly for any longer than a minute in any direction without having to turn to avoid over-flying some pointy-heads farm.
The Apache has done so well on operations, as a result of fantastic training, flown in the majority of cases in the north of England, flying from good old Dishforth.
Without saying too much, an average sortie would include low level to Spade, a few runs against a system or two, then low-level departure, climb for a IF recovery to Leeming, and all on one tank of gas. Outstanding value, day and night. Now, lets see how far can you go on a tank of gas from Wattisham. Marham, PAR overshoot to Coltishall, oh no that’s right, Coltishall has closed. Marham, PAR overshoot for further then back to Wattisham for PAR to overshoot for further and land. Outstanding. NOT!
I'm in the Army and I'll move where ever they tell me, and indeed I'll be off to Wattashambles with the Mrs, but not out of choice. The move of the Apache to Wattisham has been forced upon us, not for the right reasons; I disagree with it and can't see myself living with it for too long.
