Royal Flight to Edinburgh

[Biggles64]

Does anyone know why the King flew from Northolt to Edinburgh earlier today in the privately chartered Embraer, rather than the RAF Falcon parked behind?
Was the RAF all at lunch?
I ask the question as one who had the honour and privilege of having held a commission from HM Queen Elizabeth II; May she rest in peace.

[DaveReidUK]

Does anyone know why the King flew from Northolt to Edinburgh earlier today in the privately chartered Embraer, rather than the RAF Falcon parked behind?
Was the RAF all at lunch?
I ask the question as one who had the honour and privilege of having held a commission from HM Queen Elizabeth II; May she rest in peace.

Watch the replay on iPlayer, and count how many people got on and off the Embraer ...

[muppetofthenorth]

Watch the replay on iPlayer, and count how many people got on and off the Embraer ...
So, is the better question why doesn't the RAF have aircraft that can meet the tasking?

[DaveReidUK]

So, is the better question why doesn't the RAF have aircraft that can meet the tasking?

I couldn't possibly comment on whether that's a better question.

[NutLoose]

So, is the better question why doesn't the RAF have aircraft that can meet the tasking?


Well let’s face it, a Falcon 900 is no replacement for a BAe 146 no matter how many ways you cut it, with the new P-8 Poseidon, a couple of 737-800ERX. would have probably been a better fit with more space and commonality with the fleet, ideal for plodding around Europe with an extended range for the odd long range trips.
Second best is chartering as and when as is the present case, though it’s tragic that this Country has come to that.

[Kiltrash]

Shame BA did not still have the A318, or equivalent then they could all have flown in luxury from London City if Northolt runway would have a length limit.

[langleybaston]

I would be a lot happier if HM the King always flew in RAF aircraft, maintained by RAF on an RAF station.

[Diff Tail Shim]

I would be a lot happier if HM the King always flew in RAF aircraft, maintained by RAF on an RAF station.
Seen the new Prince of Wales fly on aircraft serviced by myself a couple of hours before. Wished I had known beforehand, the aircraft would have got an emergency wash. Alas, there is things like defence cuts and paying mates for supplying leased aeroplanes.

[chevvron]

Well let’s face it, a Falcon 900 is no replacement for a BAe 146 no matter how many ways you cut it, with the new P-8 Poseidon, a couple of 737-800ERX. would have probably been a better fit with more space and commonality with the fleet, ideal for plodding around Europe with an extended range for the odd long range trips.
Second best is chartering as and when as is the present case, though it’s tragic that this Country has come to that.
Northolt hasn't got a long enough runway for 737 types.

[G-ARZG]

Northolt hasn't got a long enough rinway for 737 types.

USAF C-40's (737's) have been occasional visitors to Northolt.
Maybe with limitations,but...

During one Families Day I attended a few years back, a C-40 with Gen. Petraeus aboard interrupted (or added to) the day's event with its sporty departure.

[G-AZUK]

Watch the replay on iPlayer, and count how many people got on and off the Embraer ...


that Legacy has 13 seats, the Falcon config isnt publicly available but a standard fit is 12-15 pax, so both have both got a similar seating config and capacity. So thats not the reason.

[pr00ne]

I would be a lot happier if HM the King always flew in RAF aircraft, maintained by RAF on an RAF station.


Why?

He is not exclusive to the military, let alone any one service.

[pr00ne]

that Legacy has 13 seats, the Falcon config isnt publicly available but a standard fit is 12-15 pax, so both have both got a similar seating config and capacity. So thats not the reason.


More likely to be the fact that the RAF only has two of them, that they are being flown by mixed civilian and military crews whilst they remain on the civil register ahead of military conversion in 2024. Doubt if they have many service crews qualified yet.

Also, there are an unprecedented amount of VIP related movements at the moment, so a mere two aircraft were never going to be anywhere near able to cope.

[NutLoose]

I did wonder if they could have roped in the Phenoms, but I have no idea as to the cabin fit.

[pr00ne]

I did wonder if they could have roped in the Phenoms, but I have no idea as to the cabin fit.

Owned by the MTFS contractor not the MOD. Doubt that the contract provides for transport use, and there are only 5 of them. Can you imagine the media outcry if it transpires that the RAF diverted aircraft from training use to support an inadequate front line? It would merely add to CAS current woes...

[ACW342]

THE Edinburgh Telly-Heli. G-INTV

[langleybaston]

Why?

He is not exclusive to the military, let alone any one service.

Safety.

[Confusious]

Safety.
Standards or security?

[pr00ne]

Safety.

Really? Are you seriously saying that the RAF is safer than civilian airlines?

You are aware that it is civilian companies that design and build the RAF’s aircraft?

[melmothtw]

Originally Posted by pr00ne View Post (https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/648859-royal-flight-edinburgh.html#post11295932)
Why?.

He is not exclusive to the military, let alone any one service.


Safety.

Just so long as you don't let him near the controls.

[Jhieminga]

THE Edinburgh Telly-Heli. G-INTV
They used G-TVHD for shots overhead London.

[chevvron]

They used G-TVHD for shots overhead London.
Whoever they are they're bloody awful, pixilating all the time so you can't see pictures.