Virgin Atlantic 406B49 U-turn right above me

[BobbyHowie]

Strange. Trying to print screen!
Nup, anyway strange U-turn at 40,000ft above Ayr flying up from London.

[wiedehopf]

looks like a test flight.

especially because of the missing history for that tailnumber for the last few days.
hints that repairs were done.

also if it were passenger service flightradar normally displays a destination.

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/g-vnew
https://www.flightradar24.com/VIR789T/fdede8c

[KelvinD]

And it rocked up at LHR at 13:56.

[DaveReidUK]

Virgin's (and other 787 operators') recent Trent engine problems are well documented, but I'm surprised that an engine change, even if it was a double one, warranted a test flight.

[dixi188]

Used to be mandatory for test flight after double engine change on a twin.
Had to do in flight shutdown and relight on both.
(UK CAA requirement in the 1980's)

[spannersatcx]

A verification flight is necessary after a single or double engine change according to EDTO. A verification flt may be a revenue flt, in light of the problems with the engines it may of been more prudent to do a test flt, as I would imagine the a/c has been on the ground and probably had numerous other maintenance activities c/o on it.

[BobbyHowie]

Thanks for the info people.

[Groundloop]

And it rocked up at LHR at 13:56.

Was there a strong crosswind?!!!

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I was wondering what "rocked up" meant. I was in aviation for nearly 37 years and I've never heard it.

[dixi188]

HD,

I think "ED Force 1" may "Rock Up" at airports.:)

But otherwise, I know what you mean. Lots of terms in aviation but this isn't one of the familiar ones.

[KelvinD]

To rock up somewhere was a very common term in the Army.

[wiedehopf]

And it rocked up at LHR at 13:56.

For anyone wondering it landed at 13:56 so i guess that's what this means.

edit: you may all know i was merely guessing until i looked at when it landed.

[Groundloop]

For anyone wondering it landed at 13:56 so i guess that's what this means.

We all know what it means - we are just pointing out it is a pretty silly way to describe a landing! Why do some people think they have to try to be smart?

[Brian 48nav]

"Rocked up"" - perhaps Bruce Dickinson was flying it! HD please don't tell me you don't know who he is!

Lighten up Groundloop!

[DaveReidUK]

"Rocked up"" - perhaps Bruce Dickinson was flying it!

Who, coincidentally, has just been on BBC Breakfast recounting some fascinating anecdotes for his (other) flying career.

[Dockwell]

Collins English dictionary

"rock up"
verb
(intr, adverb) informal
"to arrive late or unannounced"

[KelvinD]

Thanks for that, Dockwell. Let's see what rocks up at Heathrow today!

[RAT 5]

Thanks for that, Dockwell. Let's see what rocks up at Heathrow today!

Could be The Rolling Stones private tour B767.