Fast Jets using LFA19??
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Fast Jets using LFA19??
Hi all,
Hopefully I'm not compromising OPSEC but I've heard Tonkas asking for the Belfast WX on Lon Mil and I've had a call off a mate saying he's spotted pairs of "fast Jets" (he's not into aviation so no types) around Antrim.
Just wondering is LFA19 regurlary used now that Op Banner has ceased??
When Im not flying Marpats I like to photograph aircraft in the Mach Loop but if their flying here in the Glens of Antrim would love to catch them there!
Cheers,
BW
Hopefully I'm not compromising OPSEC but I've heard Tonkas asking for the Belfast WX on Lon Mil and I've had a call off a mate saying he's spotted pairs of "fast Jets" (he's not into aviation so no types) around Antrim.
Just wondering is LFA19 regurlary used now that Op Banner has ceased??
When Im not flying Marpats I like to photograph aircraft in the Mach Loop but if their flying here in the Glens of Antrim would love to catch them there!
Cheers,
BW
Last edited by Bubblewindow; 4th Jun 2011 at 10:37.
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LFA 19
During the mid 80`s, my occupation included the booking cell for LFA 19. One day I received a call from a trainee Harrier driver who honestly wanted to book numerous slots for his last pairs ride.
After picking my jaw up from the floor I explained the reason for denying his request...blah blah.. busiest helo place in Europe, no safe divs etc and how did he found out.
One of the instructors, wily old foxes, had suggested in all (dis)honesty, that LFA19 was a legitimate low level route!
I`m sure South Armagh would have boiled over after the first sortie!
After picking my jaw up from the floor I explained the reason for denying his request...blah blah.. busiest helo place in Europe, no safe divs etc and how did he found out.
One of the instructors, wily old foxes, had suggested in all (dis)honesty, that LFA19 was a legitimate low level route!
I`m sure South Armagh would have boiled over after the first sortie!
During the 94-96 break in hostilities, JATOC were asked to consider opening LFA19 to FJ. Frankly, I would have been happy to see a few Harriers flogging about south Armagh. Might have raised a few more complaints for Op SADDLE, though.
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RAF Tornados cause a whirl over Northern Ireland skies - Northern Ireland, Local & National - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Can't find the other link at the minute, but there were complaints from bandit country about the use of "Ireland" for war training. No doubt claims for dead cattle will be on the way to the MoD....
Can't find the other link at the minute, but there were complaints from bandit country about the use of "Ireland" for war training. No doubt claims for dead cattle will be on the way to the MoD....
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Thanks for the replies.
It's been 12 years since military jets have been heard in Ireland as a whole (other than airshows or the odd nav-ex). No matter what spin the papers put on it Ireland is a nation of aircraft lovers, sure a fair few aviation milestones have been achieved here, so I'm sure the appearance of FJ's at low level would be more then welcome by the average Joe.
But as was said , I'm sure there would also be a fair few farmers jumping on the bandwagon looking for compo for dead cows and the like (???)
Look at this poor cow that dropped dead due to this hawk....
Cheers,
BW
It's been 12 years since military jets have been heard in Ireland as a whole (other than airshows or the odd nav-ex). No matter what spin the papers put on it Ireland is a nation of aircraft lovers, sure a fair few aviation milestones have been achieved here, so I'm sure the appearance of FJ's at low level would be more then welcome by the average Joe.
But as was said , I'm sure there would also be a fair few farmers jumping on the bandwagon looking for compo for dead cows and the like (???)
Look at this poor cow that dropped dead due to this hawk....
Cheers,
BW
Last edited by Bubblewindow; 5th Jun 2011 at 10:46. Reason: resized image to 800pix wide
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@holyflyer: thanks for that link. It confirms it wasn't a one off. I heard 'Fang 1 and 2' (9 Sqn, Marham) goin in also while I was in Wales for the ill fated 'Saxon Warrior'
Cheers,
BW
Cheers,
BW
Last edited by Bubblewindow; 5th Jun 2011 at 19:31.
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It is indeed nice to see fast pointy things rattling around the Province. Just be aware that the average Irish GA pilot has become used to operating without the inconvenience of mixing it with 420kt warriors. There are a lot of microlights and a high number of grass strips. Furthermore, Rule 5 appears to be rather liberally interpreted. 
I wonder if it is worth the MOD publicising their increased utilisation of LFA19 across the GA community?
I wonder if it is worth the MOD publicising their increased utilisation of LFA19 across the GA community?
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What was so 'ill-fated' about SAXON WARRIOR? It looked pretty successful from where I was floating....
Cheers,
BW
Took a Hawk low level round Kent & Sussex in the '80s. It is just possible but the longest leg was under a minute and a half! Tick, t-shirt, never again. The map has measles.
