Anybody got any idea?

[MadsDad]

I work near Heathrow and saw an odd sight this morning when I got to work (about 06:00). There were two twin-engined airliners (too far away to see the type, but looked about A330/767ish size and configuration) climbing out parallel, same flight level, about 1/4 mile apart. They made a perfect parallel turn and headed off south(ish) still flying at the same level and parallel.

The only people I know who fly that type of formation are military (hence the post here) but
1. There isn't any regular military stuff at Heathrow and
2. As far as I know the RAF hasn't got any large twins.

Anyone got any ideas what was happening.

[brit bus driver]

Can't believe I'm replying to this, but.......

parallel runway operations?

"same flight level"?....TA in the Heathrow TMA is 6000', so unlikely to be at a "flight level" (picky I know, but there you go).

Parallax from the ground wrt to the co-altitude report?

Formation departures from LHR? I think not. Probably two totally unrelated flights heading off at the same time. Amazing what they can do with radar, TCAS etc these days :rolleyes:

[binginterviewed]

No way!

Must be special ops.. I expect as soon as they were out of sight they switched positions and special operatives (oops, passengers).

[WE Branch Fanatic]

Careful......or the men in black suits will be coming to get you....

Or the men in white coats..