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/u...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)

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[BANANASBANANAS]

Originally Posted by NutLoose

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]

Originally Posted by 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].

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]

Originally Posted by Compass Call

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]

Originally Posted by 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

RAF and USAF C-17s have been into Northolt.

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by ATSA1

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

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

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

[Diff Tail Shim]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.