the best/most amazing flyby (official or otherwise)?
Rainbow Chaser
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the best/most amazing flyby (official or otherwise)?
A few years ago I hung out at a well-known grass strip in the middle of Kent not far from Maidstone and at that time the owner of the airfield would happily give permission for RAF to practise nav sorties via the 'field. One beautiful May day, mid-week (of course) the siren went (no not an air raid, the standard signal for "interesting aircraft approaching") and all of us at the airfield that day ran outside...I will NEVER forget the sensations (sound, wind, heart-soaring) of two harriers at +/- 300' immediately overhead!! IT WAS THE MOST ALL EMPOWERING SCREAMING MIND-BLOWING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE!
I always wanted to say thank you to someone but instead those of us at the receiving end of this thrill just stood around with giant silly grins on our faces, and someone went back into the clubhouse to put the kettle on for tea so we could talk about it for the rest of the day!!
Anyone else?
I always wanted to say thank you to someone but instead those of us at the receiving end of this thrill just stood around with giant silly grins on our faces, and someone went back into the clubhouse to put the kettle on for tea so we could talk about it for the rest of the day!!
Anyone else?
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Hi All,
About two years ago, flying back to Conington from Old Buckenham (From east to west) in a C152. About 15 nm east of home I tuned back to Conington only to catch a discussion between them and... Red Arrow Leader!!!
Gosh.
Most interested and happy for 30 seconds or so until I hear that they're flying south to north and about to pass 12nm east of Conington at 3,000 feet.
Aarrgghhh!!!
I quickly chipped in that I was now, er, about 12nm east of Conington and, er, at 3,000 feet and, er, ascending as fast as a wee C152 can go. There followed the best flyby of my life as the Red Arrows shoved their smoke on. Very prettily, and very quickly they crossed my track about 1 nm (ahem) ahead and 500 feet below me. I had a brief but pleasant chat with Red Arrow Leader and then they sort of disappeared over the horizon.
(sigh)
Thanks lads.
TW
About two years ago, flying back to Conington from Old Buckenham (From east to west) in a C152. About 15 nm east of home I tuned back to Conington only to catch a discussion between them and... Red Arrow Leader!!!
Gosh.
Most interested and happy for 30 seconds or so until I hear that they're flying south to north and about to pass 12nm east of Conington at 3,000 feet.
Aarrgghhh!!!
I quickly chipped in that I was now, er, about 12nm east of Conington and, er, at 3,000 feet and, er, ascending as fast as a wee C152 can go. There followed the best flyby of my life as the Red Arrows shoved their smoke on. Very prettily, and very quickly they crossed my track about 1 nm (ahem) ahead and 500 feet below me. I had a brief but pleasant chat with Red Arrow Leader and then they sort of disappeared over the horizon.
(sigh)
Thanks lads.
TW
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You know a good thing when you see it!
My Grandparents had a house just outside Llanfachreth nr Dolgellau, North Wales, which sat on its own in between a few mountains. One can only assume it was a rather convenient (unofficial) marker. Offered some great flybys whilst sitting out in the garden but the best had to be back in the late 80's/early 90's when I ran to the window amidst rattling ornaments on the shelves in time to see a Buccaneer overhead hurtling off into the distance at what must have been 200-300ft... Quality!
My Grandparents had a house just outside Llanfachreth nr Dolgellau, North Wales, which sat on its own in between a few mountains. One can only assume it was a rather convenient (unofficial) marker. Offered some great flybys whilst sitting out in the garden but the best had to be back in the late 80's/early 90's when I ran to the window amidst rattling ornaments on the shelves in time to see a Buccaneer overhead hurtling off into the distance at what must have been 200-300ft... Quality!
Back in the 70's the FAA won the race from the top of the Post Office Tower to the top of the Empire State Building using F4's. The company I worked for supplied some rather essential equipment and, to thank us, we were treated to a fly past by Sea Vixens and Phantoms. As it was after working hours I decided to watch from a slight hill, no more than 100', on my way home. Following a sedate fly past by about four Vixens and four Phantoms, was just getting back in the car when they returned one at a time and I swear that I looked down on some of them. I never heard if the local farmer complained after his cows were rushing around his field in complete panic.
This episode was all the sweeter because, some months earlier, the RAF gave us a flypast using Victors and Lightnings. They missed the factory by about 4 miles, even though one of our own aircraft was circling overhead with the company photographer aboard!!
This episode was all the sweeter because, some months earlier, the RAF gave us a flypast using Victors and Lightnings. They missed the factory by about 4 miles, even though one of our own aircraft was circling overhead with the company photographer aboard!!
Rainbow Chaser
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Gainesy
I say 300' ... because I didn't want anyone near to said airfield to think they could complain (however far back in history said fly by took place) but if I say that the clubhouse had a chimney max 15' and one aircraft was barely a coupla feet above it ..... I believe if I jumped and stretched I coulda touched the aircraft I think you will realise that this flyby was not wussy at all!!! hehehheeh ::eg:: In fact? the kid in Empire of the Sun was NOT closer OK?
[edited to complete phrase]
[ 08 January 2002: Message edited by: brockenspectre ]</p>
I say 300' ... because I didn't want anyone near to said airfield to think they could complain (however far back in history said fly by took place) but if I say that the clubhouse had a chimney max 15' and one aircraft was barely a coupla feet above it ..... I believe if I jumped and stretched I coulda touched the aircraft I think you will realise that this flyby was not wussy at all!!! hehehheeh ::eg:: In fact? the kid in Empire of the Sun was NOT closer OK?
[edited to complete phrase]
[ 08 January 2002: Message edited by: brockenspectre ]</p>
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Nice thread!
At White Waltham in May 1977, at the Silver Jubilee display, a VC10 of BOAC opened (I think opened) the show.
His approach from the Woodley end got lower and lower until at about 1/2 mile distant he was down to around 15-20 feet (the tail was a bit lower!) and flew across the airfield showing what was in "ground effect". The aircraft was G-AVRM and flown by a Captain (Smith?) who was to retire from BOAC the next week. His "swan song" I guess. There is a picture of 'RM's' flyby in the bar at White Waltham to this day.
That, without doubt, was ALMOST the best I ever saw. However, the SKYBLAZERS in their F-100's at Biggin in the early 70's came across on a low run that took my breath away. No 4 in the box was just a few feet above the runway and, as usual, they were only a foot or two away from each other. Two great moments that will live with me forever.
Perhaps the VC10 was the biscuit after all.
Maybe it's at Brize - eh BEagle?
At White Waltham in May 1977, at the Silver Jubilee display, a VC10 of BOAC opened (I think opened) the show.
His approach from the Woodley end got lower and lower until at about 1/2 mile distant he was down to around 15-20 feet (the tail was a bit lower!) and flew across the airfield showing what was in "ground effect". The aircraft was G-AVRM and flown by a Captain (Smith?) who was to retire from BOAC the next week. His "swan song" I guess. There is a picture of 'RM's' flyby in the bar at White Waltham to this day.
That, without doubt, was ALMOST the best I ever saw. However, the SKYBLAZERS in their F-100's at Biggin in the early 70's came across on a low run that took my breath away. No 4 in the box was just a few feet above the runway and, as usual, they were only a foot or two away from each other. Two great moments that will live with me forever.
Perhaps the VC10 was the biscuit after all.
Maybe it's at Brize - eh BEagle?
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I was refuelling my helicopter at Linton when 2 Buccs beat up the tower on their last ever flight. No warning whatsoever as they passed either side of the tower (Yes I know there is a hangar there!!) I F*****g S*at myself and fuel got spilt in sufficient quantity to summon the fire brigade for a pan wash down. The noise was out of this world, and every stain on the underneath was *clearly* visible.
T-M <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
T-M <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
Back in the sixties when Lockheed were trying to sell their 104 a USAF demo was sent to Ottawa to impress the military and governmental big wigs.
They persuaded the pilot to do a bit of a flying demonstration. Unfortunately, the cold temps and his exuberance saw him go over the field a wee bit above Mach one. The effect on the new civilian terminal under construction was dramatic. It took out almost all the glass and there was fear of structural damage. The costs in '60s $Cdn (it was worth something then) was estimated to be about $100,000.
They persuaded the pilot to do a bit of a flying demonstration. Unfortunately, the cold temps and his exuberance saw him go over the field a wee bit above Mach one. The effect on the new civilian terminal under construction was dramatic. It took out almost all the glass and there was fear of structural damage. The costs in '60s $Cdn (it was worth something then) was estimated to be about $100,000.
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Recently -- *very* recently compared to most -- the pilot of a Tornado (didn't catch/don't remember whether GR1/4 or F3) decided to pop in on a little assembly of frozen spacey's (Air Cadets to those not in the know), and promptly overflew the gathered coaches at not much more than 100' -- our coach was left visibly rocking...certainly had the desired effect!
Made the subsequent Lancaster flypast a little bit of a non-event tho.
-7000
Made the subsequent Lancaster flypast a little bit of a non-event tho.
-7000
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camel Pilot
I was at WW when the VC-10 few through. The old boy standing next to me dropped his pipe and was just about to run.
Funny though, the thing I most remember about the day was the FAA HF Firefly flying between the tents (Well I was only 9, it seemed like they were that low anyway)
I was at WW when the VC-10 few through. The old boy standing next to me dropped his pipe and was just about to run.
Funny though, the thing I most remember about the day was the FAA HF Firefly flying between the tents (Well I was only 9, it seemed like they were that low anyway)
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Most pleasing flyby I experienced was by the Marlboro Pitts on a reciprocal heading. The nearer one rolled inverted to pass by. I was merely able to give a gentle wing wag. What gents they were. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">
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There've been several, the first I mentioned on another thread. Two WW1 fighters fighting it out on the deck one evening after a days filming.
A recce F4 flypast at an airshow so low that the the commentators felt the heat of his burners.
A flypast of four F15's followed by a vertical climb which clearly demonstrated their better than 1 to 1 thrust weight ratio, reaching a contrailing MEA airliner overhead so fast that the Captain reported he was being attacked.
More prosaic but not less low than a Bandeiante so low it was fortunate that he had his gear up. I have a photo of this one. Even now I can't believe it.
A recce F4 flypast at an airshow so low that the the commentators felt the heat of his burners.
A flypast of four F15's followed by a vertical climb which clearly demonstrated their better than 1 to 1 thrust weight ratio, reaching a contrailing MEA airliner overhead so fast that the Captain reported he was being attacked.
More prosaic but not less low than a Bandeiante so low it was fortunate that he had his gear up. I have a photo of this one. Even now I can't believe it.
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pulse1
Nice story, and I am sure that the FAA chaps did a fine flyby.
However, I have to give you a small historical correction: The fastest London New York time in the Daily Mail Transatlantic Air Race in May 1969was returned by Sqn Ldr Tom Leckey-Thomson flying a Harrier GR1 of No 1(F) Squadron. The RN F4s did put up quite a good show though, but still only came second!
Nice story, and I am sure that the FAA chaps did a fine flyby.
However, I have to give you a small historical correction: The fastest London New York time in the Daily Mail Transatlantic Air Race in May 1969was returned by Sqn Ldr Tom Leckey-Thomson flying a Harrier GR1 of No 1(F) Squadron. The RN F4s did put up quite a good show though, but still only came second!
Dir. PPRuNe Line Service
Two flybys come to mind :
About 10 years ago I was in the control tower at RAF Lyneham one sunny Sunday during a families open day chatting with the ATC folks. We heard "N-something or other, P51 routing from such-and-such a display to such-and-such a display request transit through your zone". ATC cleared the Mustang directly over Lyneham low level and told me to climb up to the top of the tower. The Mustang approached Lyneham below the top of the tower at very high speed and performed a victory roll as he passed by the tower.
On another occasion at a display RAF Fairford a couple of Luftwaffe Starfighters dove down the runway line with afterburners lit. I said to Pat "Jeez, they're moving" just before a very very loud bang set car alarms off, had children crying, <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
[ 08 January 2002: Message edited by: PPRuNe Dispatcher ]</p>
About 10 years ago I was in the control tower at RAF Lyneham one sunny Sunday during a families open day chatting with the ATC folks. We heard "N-something or other, P51 routing from such-and-such a display to such-and-such a display request transit through your zone". ATC cleared the Mustang directly over Lyneham low level and told me to climb up to the top of the tower. The Mustang approached Lyneham below the top of the tower at very high speed and performed a victory roll as he passed by the tower.
On another occasion at a display RAF Fairford a couple of Luftwaffe Starfighters dove down the runway line with afterburners lit. I said to Pat "Jeez, they're moving" just before a very very loud bang set car alarms off, had children crying, <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
[ 08 January 2002: Message edited by: PPRuNe Dispatcher ]</p>
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As basic jet students at RAF Linton it was the norm to ring around the squadrons to organise our own flying displays to celebrate graduations.
As it was "in house" there was usually an excellent response....
The graduation before ours got a Buccaneer amongst many others. He came from behind the domestic site (and the expectant crowd) and went between 2 hangars and ATC with about 90 degrees of bank to do it. We all thought ATC was done for, as did the ATC'ers on duty!
The Chief Instructor had to blow the whistle after that. He later told us that he was sat in his office on the first floor, overlooking the airfield at the time. All he saw was the plan view of two helmets in a cockpit filling the view for a split second....and the next thing he was wearing his own coffee, neatly thrown over his desk by his startled secretary who had just walked in carrying a tray!
Another Bucc night stopped at Linton after a birdstrike. On departure it came round for a flyby but went straight over dispersal at about 100 ft at very high speed instead of along the runway as everyone was expecting. The assembled throng all ducked, except for one unlucky JP QFI and his stude walking out for a sortie who never heard or saw it coming. They both hit the deck!
As it was "in house" there was usually an excellent response....
The graduation before ours got a Buccaneer amongst many others. He came from behind the domestic site (and the expectant crowd) and went between 2 hangars and ATC with about 90 degrees of bank to do it. We all thought ATC was done for, as did the ATC'ers on duty!
The Chief Instructor had to blow the whistle after that. He later told us that he was sat in his office on the first floor, overlooking the airfield at the time. All he saw was the plan view of two helmets in a cockpit filling the view for a split second....and the next thing he was wearing his own coffee, neatly thrown over his desk by his startled secretary who had just walked in carrying a tray!
Another Bucc night stopped at Linton after a birdstrike. On departure it came round for a flyby but went straight over dispersal at about 100 ft at very high speed instead of along the runway as everyone was expecting. The assembled throng all ducked, except for one unlucky JP QFI and his stude walking out for a sortie who never heard or saw it coming. They both hit the deck!
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Skycop:
Your story is so similar to my previous one that I wonder if it is the same day. What year would that have been? There was a static hoover jet there at the time, so I am wondering if a grad was the reason I was there, as a "Champagne" tent seems to ring bells.
T_M
Your story is so similar to my previous one that I wonder if it is the same day. What year would that have been? There was a static hoover jet there at the time, so I am wondering if a grad was the reason I was there, as a "Champagne" tent seems to ring bells.
T_M
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I had the unfortunate experience of being stranded 1300 miles from home on September 11th, and no way get back to my family in Florida except "the old fashioned" way - AKA by automobile.
As chance would have it, the mid-point of my journey way Pensacola Florida where I found acomodations for the night. I was stirred from my slumber early the next morning by to wonderful roar of several military jets. I quickly dressed and followed the sound. The road quickly led to the entrance of the NAS Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels. I found myself standing in the parking lot of the Museum of Naval Aviation, being treated to a personal airshow as they practiced their routines not 500 feet over my head. I was joined by a lone naval aviator, who had also stopped to watch to show that early September morning.
I felt the anger and frustration over the terrible acts committed against my countrymen be replaced by a renewed sense of commitment, and said a quiet prayer for the brave men in uniform who would doubtless be in harm's way in a few short days or weeks.
As chance would have it, the mid-point of my journey way Pensacola Florida where I found acomodations for the night. I was stirred from my slumber early the next morning by to wonderful roar of several military jets. I quickly dressed and followed the sound. The road quickly led to the entrance of the NAS Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels. I found myself standing in the parking lot of the Museum of Naval Aviation, being treated to a personal airshow as they practiced their routines not 500 feet over my head. I was joined by a lone naval aviator, who had also stopped to watch to show that early September morning.
I felt the anger and frustration over the terrible acts committed against my countrymen be replaced by a renewed sense of commitment, and said a quiet prayer for the brave men in uniform who would doubtless be in harm's way in a few short days or weeks.
November 10 2001 - Lee-on-Solent, Hampshire
PBY5A Catalina N423RS arriving from Duxford
4 fly-bys at 'low' level (comments from control tower included "we had better film the next one for the inquest and "hope he dont leave a groove in the runway"
After a safe landing and taxi to the ramp - everbody grinning like cheshire cats - great day and wtg Chuck,Mark and Clive
PBY5A Catalina N423RS arriving from Duxford
4 fly-bys at 'low' level (comments from control tower included "we had better film the next one for the inquest and "hope he dont leave a groove in the runway"
After a safe landing and taxi to the ramp - everbody grinning like cheshire cats - great day and wtg Chuck,Mark and Clive
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This one has been quoted before, complete with photo, some time back on another forum.
The opening of Wellington (NZ) airport display and an RNZAF Sunderland did leave a groove in the runway !
The opening of Wellington (NZ) airport display and an RNZAF Sunderland did leave a groove in the runway !