Brize Norton
The RW at Brize will, it sems, need resurfacing. So that probably gives 2 options:
1. Do what they did last time and what they do at proper civil aerodromes, close the RW overnight to let the workers resurface it in sections.
2. Close the place and 'bolthole' the a/c elsewhere. Fairford is the hot rumour.
It shouldn't be beyond the wit of the contract writers to tell the contractors that whichever way they do it, the quality must be the same.
As far as noise sensitivity goes, I imagine that the Fairford complainers will be chuffed to bits if the 'bolthole' option is chosen and they are treated to the gentle sound of the TriShaw and particularly the mighty Vickers WhisperJet 24/7! Particularly if the decision is cost-based and an alternative, less environmentally-disturbing option is available!
No doubt something to talk to the prospective parliamentary candidates about in an election year?
But "Calm down dear, it's only a rumour!"
1. Do what they did last time and what they do at proper civil aerodromes, close the RW overnight to let the workers resurface it in sections.
2. Close the place and 'bolthole' the a/c elsewhere. Fairford is the hot rumour.
It shouldn't be beyond the wit of the contract writers to tell the contractors that whichever way they do it, the quality must be the same.
As far as noise sensitivity goes, I imagine that the Fairford complainers will be chuffed to bits if the 'bolthole' option is chosen and they are treated to the gentle sound of the TriShaw and particularly the mighty Vickers WhisperJet 24/7! Particularly if the decision is cost-based and an alternative, less environmentally-disturbing option is available!
No doubt something to talk to the prospective parliamentary candidates about in an election year?
But "Calm down dear, it's only a rumour!"
Thread Starter
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the other rumour we heard on the big white bus Sqn was that no private cars would be allowed at Fairford and everyone would have to get the bus from Brize... no good if you live in Swindon etc.
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Hope they do a better job of the contract than was doen for Lossie many moons ago. Cheapest tender selected, required 3 frost free days for tarmac to go off, work starts November. Outstanding plan.
Lossie again, cleaning off old manoeuvring area paint markings using blasting method with small steel shot. Steel shot not cleaned away, not realised until 6 engine changes later.
Lossie again, cleaning off old manoeuvring area paint markings using blasting method with small steel shot. Steel shot not cleaned away, not realised until 6 engine changes later.
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If they chose the night option my sympathy goes to the DCF's, assuming such an animal still exists, wandering up and down the runway at 5.30 in the morning, picking up bits of god knows what dropped by the contractors. If MOD takes the cheapest bidder they in turn use the sweeper company with the tattiest brushes and clapped out trucks.
TheVillagePhotographer.co.uk
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Oddly enough, having lived in Fairford for a while, it wasn't the B 52s that were the noisy ones - hardly knew that they were there - but the Brize Traffic cleaned up on all counts!
I now live in Lechlade once again and will, if rumour holds true, now cop it from all sides - Aaah.... Lovely noise though....
kind regs to all,
Conan
I now live in Lechlade once again and will, if rumour holds true, now cop it from all sides - Aaah.... Lovely noise though....
kind regs to all,
Conan
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No, Brize is not closing, just receiving some sorely required new concrete, as alluded to by Beags, cos it's a bit worn and bumpy at the mo! That tends to happen when you've got lots of big fat jets hammering into land (and that's just the captains' landings!).
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Slightly off topic ...
but are the RAF aware of the new topsoil dispersal on the road which passes the traffic lights on 26 at Brize? One low flying Tristar and three engine changes later ...
Seriously, it has pants-ed the spotters and supporters of RAF Brize Norton. The only places to park now are in front of the crash gate or in the field right under the landing lights ...
Anyone know who actioned the 'filling in' procedure?
Ian.
(elderforest).
but are the RAF aware of the new topsoil dispersal on the road which passes the traffic lights on 26 at Brize? One low flying Tristar and three engine changes later ...
Seriously, it has pants-ed the spotters and supporters of RAF Brize Norton. The only places to park now are in front of the crash gate or in the field right under the landing lights ...
Anyone know who actioned the 'filling in' procedure?
Ian.
(elderforest).
No idea - and it's a bit of a shame as 'spotters' are on our side and mostly pursue their innocent pastime without affecting anyone. Plus if they saw a suspicious looking person in possession of possible Manpad, that'd probably be the first warning Plod would get!
No doubt there are a fair few gardeners who are delighted to know where there's some new, loose topsoil......
No doubt there are a fair few gardeners who are delighted to know where there's some new, loose topsoil......
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Beagle,
Indeed, the Plod in the UK and USA are now actively asking all 'spotters' to log any suspicious looking vehicles, people and such around military airfields and civil airports and pass the details on to the Police as quickly as possible.
Indeed, the Plod in the UK and USA are now actively asking all 'spotters' to log any suspicious looking vehicles, people and such around military airfields and civil airports and pass the details on to the Police as quickly as possible.
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...Ohhhh yeyyysss I spotted a man with a SAM 7 'Bravo' the other day - I knew it was a Bravo by the slightly canted steering fins and extra cooling inlet to the seeker head - I took the number of it down in my notebook - AET47739 - not a series you nomally see round these parts. I was going to enquire of its origins but the rather strange looking man just told me to 'Fug Off' - whatever that means....
etc etc etc. (Sorry couldnt resist)
etc etc etc. (Sorry couldnt resist)
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Razor61"
"the Plod in the UK and USA are now actively asking all 'spotters' to log any suspicious looking vehicles"
With my spotters head on, Manchester Airport (aka Ringway to the older chaps) now known as the best spotters venue in the UK (they actually positively encourage people to visit) have recently had a police poster put up so locals can help. Shame the rest of the country doesn,t have the same approach.
This is the link
http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/spottinguide.htm
"the Plod in the UK and USA are now actively asking all 'spotters' to log any suspicious looking vehicles"
With my spotters head on, Manchester Airport (aka Ringway to the older chaps) now known as the best spotters venue in the UK (they actually positively encourage people to visit) have recently had a police poster put up so locals can help. Shame the rest of the country doesn,t have the same approach.
This is the link
http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/spottinguide.htm
Pilot Officer PPRuNe
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Don't suppose LHR does close... but they have 2 runways.
I guess its better to move for 3 months and get the job done than be bu**ered about for 6 months by having to divert if you are a few mins late from the towline and the runway is shut.
As for going straight to Fairford or via Brize... well I suppose that one of the disadvantages of living miles away from your place of work. Better to get bused over in my opinion...
Tonks
I guess its better to move for 3 months and get the job done than be bu**ered about for 6 months by having to divert if you are a few mins late from the towline and the runway is shut.
As for going straight to Fairford or via Brize... well I suppose that one of the disadvantages of living miles away from your place of work. Better to get bused over in my opinion...
Tonks
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It's a bit better than being bussed from Mildenhall to Fairford and vice versa every day. Unless the USAFE flew a few here and there to Lakenheath and home when Mildenhall was shut for a few months.
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Several years ago, they relayed the centre section of the runway at Bzn. They did the 'close at night for work' option, and by all accounts it worked ok, but i believe the whole runway is being done, and given the nature of 24 hr ops, it wouldn't be feasible to do it like that. However, they are probably still going to do it that way even if we go for the prefferred option, so jets can get in for maintainance and for repatriations.