I too was surprised to see a civvie 146 arrive. I thought they would use a 32 Sqn machine with all the bells and whistles on to put off any unwanted stingers!!
I believe the reason is that the Royals now have to fork out for they're own transport. Interesting to see what Heli turns up this morning to take her to Cashel (She's been travelling by road so far). Maybe they'll use one of our own AW-139's??
Interestingly, David Cameron turned up in a 32Sqn 125 on Wednesday as his privately hired one (G-IFTE) had gone U/S. Must not have been too bad as it came down the glideslope not ten minutes later to relieve the RAF machine!!
With regards to British military aircraft landing at Bal, we often get them. Linton have they're annual piss u......I mean Nav-ex into here and we get the odd Army Gazzelle, RN Seaking, Merlin, Big Yellow Valley bird.
Cheers,
BW