Queen Elizabeth II last flight tomorrow.

[langleybaston]

Presumably the most checked best serviced aircraft available, but will there be keenness to captain and crew, or reluctance?
big big responsibilty, huge satisfsction and sense of duty done on landing.

[ORAC]

Do we know which Sqn/type for the flight?

Thought it might be a C-17 as per Operation Overstudy. But I understand Princess Anne will be accompanying her so that might not be suitable.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/coded-operations-triggered-queens-death-24970297

[Jhieminga]

I saw a mention somewhere of an A400M positioning to Edinburgh just a day or two ago, think it was last Saturday. Could be related... or could just be a training sortie.

[NutLoose]

Surely, they can palletize a couple of VVIP seats and fit the pallets etc or what about the VIP portacabin they used to have for the Herc fleet, do they still exist?

[ORAC]

Could do both, C-17 being seen off by Princess, then the party by 32 Sqn timed to arrive first and greet her on arrival.

Surely, they can palletize a couple of VVIP seats and fit the pallets etc or what about the VIP portacabin they used to have for the Herc fleet, do they still exist?
I think you’d want an empty hold except for the coffin with suitable accoutrements, waiting for the bearer party to board.

[NutLoose]

I seem to remember when the Duchess of Windsor came back she was accompanied, as was Diana, and Diana came back with the then, ex husband the Prince of Wales in a BAe 146

Examples

SelectTech - Airborne VIP Suites and Roll-on/Roll-off Solutions (selecttechservices.com) (https://dev.selecttechservices.com/suites.html)

[Jhieminga]

Both the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were carried back to the UK in 10 Sqn VC10s in 1972 and 1986. The coffin was carried in the forward freight hold, which was modified with black curtains or a wall lining so that the rest of the hold and the walls were not visible when the coffin was carried into and out of that hold. This also left the main deck with whatever fit was deemed suitable to carry family member(s) and staff.

[NutLoose]

Both the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were carried back to the UK in 10 Sqn VC10s in 1972 and 1986. The coffin was carried in the forward freight hold, which was modified with black curtains or a wall lining so that the rest of the hold and the walls were not visible when the coffin was carried into and out of that hold. This also left the main deck with whatever fit was deemed suitable to carry family member(s) and staff.

Several times we prepped a Ten because the Duchess kept recovering, eventually we left one in the fit. IIRC

[BANANASBANANAS]

Several times we prepped a Ten because the Duchess kept recovering, eventually we left one in the fit. IIRC

I flew the 'spare' VC10 on Operation Haze in 1986. It is a memory that will never leave me even though I was very much just playing a supporting role.

[langleybaston]

Thanks to all, but I was wondering if the flight might either be regarded as a great honour [and therefore a few wing commanders/ group captains qualified and current on type wanting the job] or a shocking responsibility and thus more junior captain and crew assigned.

I do know of senior [and very senior] officers jostling for prestige flights .... not necessarily the best choice, even as Co. [or especially as Co. in one dreadful tragedy].

[BANANASBANANAS]

Thanks to all, but I was wondering if the flight might either be regarded as a great honour [and therefore a few wing commanders/ group captains qualified and current on type wanting the job] or a shocking responsibility and thus more junior captain and crew assigned.

I do know of senior [and very senior] officers jostling for prestige flights .... not necessarily the best choice, even as Co. [or especially as Co. in one dreadful tragedy].

In '86 I was the (Flying Officer) F/O and the Captain was the (Wg Cdr) Squadron boss if that helps.

[Compass Call]

Doesn't the Voyager have a cabin freight door??

[melmothtw]

Doesn't the Voyager have a cabin freight door??

Nope, the Voyager doesn't carry cabin freight.

[Mogwi]

Obviously a Capt’s sector taking the King to Scottyland - tracked beautifully, just 2 feet left of the centreline all the way down the runway!

Mog

[ATSA1]

I am just wondering if a C17 can get into Northolt...5525 ft/1784m sounds a bit tight to me...
We often had Hercs in there when I was there 1979-81

[MAN777]

If I was a pilot (im not !) I would consider it a great honour to fly her home to London, I dont think any
self respecting professional pilot would shy away from the honour.I think the A330 would struggle with Northolt ?

[treadigraph]

I am just wondering if a C17 can get into Northolt...5525 ft/1784m sounds a bit tight to me...
We often had Hercs in there when I was there 1979-81
RAF and USAF C-17s have been into Northolt.

[DaveReidUK]

I am just wondering if a C17 can get into Northolt...5525 ft/1784m sounds a bit tight to me...

GS5DvCP79FQ

Needless to say, RAF examples have visited too.

[ORAC]

I am just wondering if a C17 can get into Northolt...5525 ft/1784m sounds a bit tight to me...
We often had Hercs in there when I was there 1979-81


https://youtu.be/GS5DvCP79FQ

https://youtu.be/Bj3JgImMlT0

https://youtu.be/5tiU-f0xtjQ

[Diff Tail Shim]

Presumably the most checked best serviced aircraft available, but will there be keenness to captain and crew, or reluctance?
big big responsibilty, huge satisfsction and sense of duty done on landing.
There is a massive change in the flying schedules of every operator into and out of EDI tomorrow as well to ensure HMs last flight is not disrupted in any way shape or form. Any military aircraft flying the Royals will be maintenance clear and prepared, especially this one. Assume the crew roster will be the preserve of the the OC or CO of Brize. It will be professional whatever as any repatriation flight was.

[Diff Tail Shim]

https://youtu.be/GS5DvCP79FQ

https://youtu.be/Bj3JgImMlT0

https://youtu.be/5tiU-f0xtjQ

Sure the mathematics has been checked out against performance figures.

[treadigraph]

Northolt is around 1500' longer than Peter O'Knight Airport in Florida and a C-17 bound for McDill landed there in error - and got out again, presumably empty. POK seems quite short in a C150...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1Hp6IHFsZo

[ATSA1]

Wow chaps! I stand corrected!
Maybe we should lobby Boeing to restart the C17 production line...another 20 please!!!
I have always liked the A400M, but the reports seem to say its a POS

[bean]

In '86 I was the (Flying Officer) F/O and the Captain was the (Wg Cdr) Squadron boss if that helps.
Who was the CO in 86. Len Marshall?

[DaveReidUK]

There is a massive change in the flying schedules of every operator into and out of EDI tomorrow as well to ensure HMs last flight is not disrupted in any way shape or form.

Do you have a figure for the number of cancellations and/or retimings that each of the 30 or so airlines that serve EDI will have to accommodate ?

Sounds a bit extreme to me, not to say unlikely.

[G-ARZG]

Just a wild guess, but I suggest one of the 2 x C-17's now at EDI will be tasked with HM''s final flight.

[ORAC]

I would suggest both - a spare just in case. It’s not a situation where going U/S would be acceptable.

[NutLoose]

Agreed, all the Royals I did had a spare.

[treadigraph]

An air and a spare?

[Diff Tail Shim]

Do you have a figure for the number of cancellations and/or retimings that each of the 30 or so airlines that serve EDI will have to accommodate ?

Sounds a bit extreme to me, not to say unlikely.

Well watch the schedules change for tomorrow as they will to avoid affecting the passage of HM from EDI.

[Mister Geezer]

C17 ZZ176 positioned up from BZZ earlier today and is night-stopping at EDI.

[DaveReidUK]

I would expect more RAF activity at EDI between now and the planned departure time of 1800L tomorrow.

[DaveReidUK]

Well watch the schedules change for tomorrow as they will to avoid affecting the passage of HM from EDI.


Well yes - I agree that some airlines may have some schedules (particularly in the early evening) disrupted.

That's a long way from your original assertion:

a massive change in the flying schedules of every operator into and out of EDI tomorrow

[Diff Tail Shim]

Well yes - I agree that some airlines may have some schedules (particularly in the early evening) disrupted.

That's a long way from your original assertion:

EDI will be closed to all traffic bar the RAF at 1800 and before.. Was more a metaphorical statement than literal one.

[langleybaston]

Presumably Queen's Colour Squadron detachment needed at each end? And a new title perhaps, or will the precedent set by the late Queen regarding King's Troop RHA be followed? She decided to retain its title in honour of her father.

[Dan Gerous]

I'm hoping the weather will be similar to tonight and we'll get a chance to see it fly overhead us. Assuming it fly's the normal route for civvy Edinburgh to London flights

[Diff Tail Shim]

Presumably Queen's Colour Squadron detachment needed at each end? And a new title perhaps, or will the precedent set by the late Queen regarding King's Troop RHA be followed? She decided to retain its title in honour of her father.
I wonder if the King will allow the QCS name to remain? He has already with the privy council accession vows confirmed that the changes will happen at a correct and appropriate timescale. It isn't the Kings Colour until renewed? The QCS is on Windsor Castle duty reading their FB page and took over the duty on the 8th of September. I suspect they are not available but would be happy to be wrong.

[NutLoose]

Do they still do purple airways?

[Diff Tail Shim]

Do they still do purple airways?
Joint Air Publication is still that colour?

[UV]

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/edinburgh-airport-cancels-flights-allow-27964304

[PAXboy]

This question will have been decided a long time ago. From Northolt to Buck House: long slow cortege in the early evening or a quick hop by whirlybird?

[Stormonttrooper]

On the BBC now it will be the C17

[GeeRam]

This question will have been decided a long time ago. From Northolt to Buck House: long slow cortege in the early evening or a quick hop by whirlybird?

I would guess, cortege from Northolt, straight down A40 and off the westway down Westborne Terrace to Buck House, all controlled by SEG outriders.

Going to be nearly dark though by then though.

[Janet Spongthrush]

Route published (https://www.royal.uk/her-majesty-queens-coffin-will-return-london)

[Flyhighfirst]

EDI will be closed to all traffic bar the RAF at 1800 and before.. Was more a metaphorical statement than literal one.

Is there not a RAF base anywhere near Edinburgh that would have been more appropriate? Why should so many hundreds or thousands of passengers be disrupted?

[Fortissimo]

Is there not a RAF base anywhere near Edinburgh that would have been more appropriate? Why should so many hundreds or thousands of passengers be disrupted?

Because the honouring of Her Late Majesty is Government and MOD main effort until the State Funeral is complete.

if you visit central London you will find thousands are being disrupted by the many thousands more trying to pay their respects. Green Park is now a sea of flowers and people are still coming. Only a select few are complaining.

[brakedwell]

Is there not a RAF base anywhere near Edinburgh that would have been more appropriate? Why should so many hundreds or thousands of passengers be disrupted?

No there isn't.

[DaveReidUK]

Is there not a RAF base anywhere near Edinburgh that would have been more appropriate? Why should so many hundreds or thousands of passengers be disrupted?

I don't think the disruption will be as extensive as has been suggested.

From the EDI website:

The airspace around Edinburgh Airport will close temporarily on Tuesday afternoon however the airport remains open and operational. We would remind passengers they should check with their airline for any updates to flights.

[Dan Gerous]

Reading on the enthusiast forums that the C17 will be escorted by 2 Typhoons on its journey South.

[Mister Geezer]

Kittyhawk 01 Romeo leaving at 17:45 local.

[WB627]

Reading on the enthusiast forums that the C17 will be escorted by 2 Typhoons on its journey South.

Not the Reds?

[RAF_Techie101]

Not the Reds?

They're probably about as welcome as Prince Andrew at the moment...

[cynicalint]

Is there not a RAF base anywhere near Edinburgh that would have been more appropriate? Why should so many hundreds or thousands of passengers be disrupted?
They could always use RAF Turnhouse's old runway. Its still there and useable! :E

[CHINOOKER]

KRF01R is due to depart EDI at 18.35 local and arrive at NHT 19.40 local……times on FR24 are UTC, not local times.

My assumption is that The Queen will travel back on KRF70R as this is due into NHT around 19.50-55 local which ties in with the schedules broadcast on TV etc,etc. Also I believe the callsign of KRF70Ris significant as it seems to signify 70 years reign!

[ACW342]

No there isn't.


I think you'll find that Edinburgh airport is also RAF Turnhouse, As Belfast International Airport was until recently, also known as RAF Aldergrove. I think Government and Royal exigencies trump a flight to Shagalouf

A342

[pr00ne]

I think you'll find that Edinburgh airport is also RAF Turnhouse, As Belfast International Airport was until recently, also known as RAF Aldergrove. I think Government and Royal exigencies trump a flight to Shagalouf

A342

Was, not is. RAF Turnhouse closed years ago. The hangar on the airfield site was demolished and the camp on the opposite side of the road is either derelict or cleared.

[ACW342]

I stand corrected. I stand though by my second sentence as would, I suspect those passengers on said, and other affected, flights

A342

[wub]

The C-17 carrying the Queen is now due to depart Edinburgh at 18:00 local, with the second, also going to Northolt departing at 19:15. It has been reported that 96 gunners of the Queen's Colour Squadron will form a Royal guard of honour at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh: Runway limitation

RUNWAY 06/24 NOT AVAILABLE FOR ARRIVALS FROM 1600 TO 1720. RUNWAY
06/24 NOT AVAILABLE FOR DEPARTURES FROM 1615 TO 1720. NO APRON OR
TAXIWAY MOVEMENTS DURING THIS TIME.
FROM: 13 Sep 2022 16:00 GMT (17:00 BST)
TO: 13 Sep 2022 17:20 GMT (18:20 BST)

[DaveReidUK]

Was, not is. RAF Turnhouse closed years ago. The hangar on the airfield site was demolished and the camp on the opposite side of the road is either derelict or cleared.

Closed 25 years ago, in fact, though the hangar survived for quite a bit longer. Used to have a lovely (real, not plastic) Spitfire gate guardian, now in the RAFM Hendon collection.

[mr ripley]

KFR01R is due to depart EDI at 18.35 local and arrive at NHT 19.40 local……times on FR24 are UTC, not local times.

My assumption is that The Queen will travel back on KFR70R as this is due into NHT around 19.50-55 local which ties in with the schedules broadcast on TV etc,etc. Also I believe the callsign of KFR70R is significant as it seems to signify 70 years reign!

Surely KRF ?

[brakedwell]

I think you'll find that Edinburgh airport is also RAF Turnhouse, As Belfast International Airport was until recently, also known as RAF Aldergrove. I think Government and Royal exigencies trump a flight to Shagalouf

A342
I don’t know where Shagalouf is, but I did operate into Turnhouse and Aldergrove many times when flying Coastal Command Ansons out of Bovingdon in 1961/2.

[CHINOOKER]

Surely KRF ?


Yes, quite correct…..post amended….thanks!

[Diff Tail Shim]

On the cargo ramps 201 - 207. Seeing the office in the terminal I worked at opposite stand 20 until February.

[GeeRam]

Surely KRF ?

KRF01R it would appear to be.

[crHedBngr]

KRF01R just took off from EDI.

https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=43c6b8

[SWBKCB]

Presuambly why my FR24 has crashed...

[RAF_Techie101]

Presuambly why my FR24 has crashed...

500,000 watching it within minutes of them starting the engines.

Curiously, also 140,000 people following the Turkish Airlines A321 waiting to fly from Edinburgh to Istanbul that was sat on the pan...

[muggins]

Visible from Glasgow as it turned south

[ETOPS]

Just flown over Manchester - clearly visible at FL230 against a high cloud cover.


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/38e0dd2a_7388_4a83_a91a_40c39ce08643_c379b9a7cc845510547aa2b bda75dfdf8f37361c.jpeg

[LessThanSte]

And similarly over Birmingham shortly after TOD. Nice left turn over Warwick, too;

https://i.ibb.co/Zf6qHW3/IMG-0153.jpg

[The_Banking_Scot]

Hi,

I was on the 1734 train from Haymarket to Falkirk High ( a few minutes late leaving as there was another train in front) and just as we were passing paralell to Edinburgh airport i got a glimpse of the aircraft just above the tree line having just lifted off ( managed a small photo with my mobile phone) , As the train curved north I could see it against the sun as it climbed out. It was a moving sighr

RIP

Regards

TBS

[str12]

Just flew over Kenilworth. RIP Mam, thanks for your service.

[Coachcpt]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/505x286/1b12086b_6b03_46b6_8065_79fa0a6c4acd_92dee9554a30aec876584b0 2ad672ee42d7b2877.jpeg

& A sharpish graceful right turn just North of a rather grey Milton Keynes (notably where the Royal Train is stored and looked after at Wolverton works) at around 8000ft. Glad I was privileged to catch a view and take a moment.

Matt

[paco]

I must say I'm impressed with the RAF Regiment's dressing at Northolt.

[wub]

A couple of minutes out of Edinburgh
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1156/rx404464_edited_2_c4219b201f50788187613d2912a0dbaf635e0139.j pg

[Blink182]

At Northolt , parking on stand . Reversers not stowed....presumably to silence the Fan blade rattle ?

[edi_local]

I stand corrected. I stand though by my second sentence as would, I suspect those passengers on said, and other affected, flights

A342

You'd be surprised. While I no longer work there, when I did work at EDI many moons ago, I recall the airport ops stopping for around 45-60 minutes due to a memorial flight taking place over the Castle for whatever even was being marked (possibly armed forces day or a special armistice day ceremony, I forget exactly). The red arrows and various historical aircraft were using EDI to land and take off in whatever order they had to. Many flights delayed as a result and some extremely unsympathetic passengers who decided their flight should have priority over the event. I have no idea if some people would have acted the same today, but it's a bit optimistic to assume everyone will be happy about being deled, if they were.

[Diff Tail Shim]

Well done to 99 Sqn, 63 Sqn RAF Regiment and the Staff of RAF Northolt on their duties carried out today.

[DaveReidUK]

At Northolt , parking on stand . Reversers not stowed....presumably to silence the Fan blade rattle ?

Same before startup at EDI, which I wondered about, makes sense now.

[sitigeltfel]

On the BBC now it will be the C17


ZZ177


Turn that upside down.

[JDJ]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/5e4cc57d_0a2d_4592_8892_8e5554565fa5_6da1cd8b28a37c0a9775ed6 f910b076e31e03b97.jpeg

LL1ZZ

[Coachcpt]

ZZ177


Turn that upside down.

Fantastic! Together with ‘dem phat rims’ on the Royal Hearse - her late Majesty was a bit of a secret pimp my ride fan I reckon. Whilst I don’t expect the royal hearse to make a defensive driving J turn into Buck House it is worth noting that as a whole the Royal Family have a rather tasteful interest in vehicles specialist or otherwise!

The U.K. has, was, is, will be always be a lot of things for good or for bad but I tell you what, the ability to have that discerning existential, subtle attention to detail, decorum and class will always be second to none. It probably won’t be found on the delayed EXS flight to the louf mind you!

I also expect to see a wealth & lifetime
of pride, skill, service, training and dedication over the coming days and the culmination of that is to be observed and to be proud of.

Personally trying to get a line side view of the Royal Train trundling down south at 40mph would of been wonderful but a private plated C17 making an unconventional flight path, around weather & other air traffic to give as much of the nation a chance to pop a salute to the sky was incredibly
well executed, fitting and an outstanding performance by all involved. Timed
to a T. Dragging a red sky at night shepherds delight sunset behind. Wow.

Sadly Nidge Fa-ridge in a cheap
black suit has just popped up on my
youtube feed so that pride in the nation has probably
just gone back to slightly above where it was prior, I do have hope
though.

Matt

[Downwind.Maddl-Land]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1504/5e4cc57d_0a2d_4592_8892_8e5554565fa5_6da1cd8b28a37c0a9775ed6 f910b076e31e03b97.jpeg

LL1ZZ

If the choice of airframe was deliberate due to that coincidence - somebody deserves a starring role in the next Honours list......

[NineEighteen]

I’m pretty sure it’s the same airframe that OO7 ‘used’ in No Time to Die.

[Diff Tail Shim]

It may have been the same airframe I was taking the crew of to the met of 903EAW when Baz Barwood died. She has seen action with loads of repat flights. Her crew did their duty.

[Tay Cough]

Well done to all involved.

There is a film somewhere of HM driving herself around in a V8 Landie, so she was clearly a petrolhead. None of that diesel nonsense for her.

RIP ma’am.

[WHBM]

There is a film somewhere of HM driving herself around in a V8 Landie, so she was clearly a petrolhead. None of that diesel nonsense for her.
Balmoral is way up in The Highlands, where starting of diesels in sub-zero temperatures was a longstanding issue. I believe the fire engine in Braemar, the nearby village, was the last petrol-engined fire engine in the country, wholly to assure starting in winter weather.

[Davef68]

If the choice of airframe was deliberate due to that coincidence - somebody deserves a starring role in the next Honours list......

I'd be surprised - after all, all the C17s are *LIZZ when you turn the serial upside down. Maybe 2LIZZ would have been more appropriate!