Indeed, Headline: BRYLCREAM BOYS CAUGHT NAPPING!

Yesterday the RAF failed to respond to a potential attack on the country, Fighter Jets failed to scramble etc etc etc!

FB

A great story. Wasn’t there an old saying about the Russkies should invade on a Friday afternoon or a bank holiday as no one would be at work? I’d always assumed it was a joke. In this case, would it had made a difference if it had been a Russian registered aircraft or had red stars painted on it? Or would detaining the pilot in that case be defined as “racist” in 21st century Britain?

That guy was just taking the p1$$ surely.

That sort of aeroplane is not operated by your average PPL type person. And it can't just operate out of your average small airfield.

He knew exactly what he was doing, he'd decided to fly to Valley and land there for a walk on the beach.

He knew that likely the airfield would be shut and probably unmanned on a bank holiday.

He also knew he could bluff his way out of trouble with your average Ops Officer and fire cover person.

I'd like to know who he was and his background..........................

If it's true of course.

Arc

But of course by the time we intercept them, they have already been trailed by our NATO allies, so they are hardly "unidentified" , and as far as gaining an understanding of the air picture, I would suggest we have this before the QRA aircraft are launched. Generating Daily Mail headlines and snapshots for the family album would in fact appear to be about the only tangible benefits from the majority of launches. By all means keep our skills sharp, but in this day and age, there is no substantive reason to go chasing every Bear, IMHO.

Which bit of the story are you questioning being true?

As its quite clear that an aircraft with that reg, did indeed fly from Fairoaks to Valley, and later returned from Valley to Fairoaks on that day.

Please tell me this was an “ N “ registered pilot with little knowledge of UK procedure ?

reminds me of when Tom cruise took off in his baron from Denham , and said he was turning left direct to MID... arrgghhhh

I'm not sure why people are getting so hot under the collar about QRA. It would be unusual for a track of interest requiring a Q launch to originate from just south-west of London, its ID will have been known from the time it left Fairoaks, and it will have been in the system because it was squawking (hence the FR24 trace). Of more interest, at least to the CAA, will be why this individual set off for Valley without establishing that it was open, and without the PPR tick. Come to think of it, as he was operating an N-reg aircraft he presumably has an FAA licence, so they may be interested too.

Correct call from A/OC Ops not to block the departure, which would only have led to more trouble, and the landing fees will no doubt be collected at some stage.

As for why this man decided to land at Valley, perhaps he didn't see the "This is a prohibited place..." signs from the air. Having allegedly had the virus, perhaps he just flew there to test his vision? That would explain everything, and would make it a very reasonable and legal action too.

This airframe used to be G-ILMD before moving to the US register as N412MD. It would not surprise me if this was a convenience change of state of registration, and the aircraft is still being used by the same person. See https://siteapps.caa.co.uk/g-info/ for the details. Just a guess of course.

You know too much - it must be YOU!

And it can't just operate out of your average small airfield: I assume you wrote that to throw us off the scent? I've seen PC-12 operate routinely out of average GA fields; their short landing performance has to be seen to be believed. But you knew that already... ;) Just fess up!

And then , of course, google can tell you a whole lot more. ;)

As can the FR24 playback of its previous most recent flight...

Can it ever!!!

Nah, he's just a member of the Durham Air Force. Nothing to see here, move on now............................. Said the PM defending his wingman on a legal and acceptable mission.

Well, if any man and his Pilatus can just lob in with impunity we might as well pull down the perimeter fence, dispense with any guard function and turn the MGR into a coffee shop ..... :confused:

Green Flash,

Oh come on! You are sounding like a Daily Mail headline! I would imagine that this exact same scenario could have played out at any second line RAF Training unit in any year from the fifties to today. The airfield was closed, shut, and we are in the middle of a lock down. Add the fact that the unit is largely contractorised and I simply do not think there is an issue here.

A/OC Ops Sqn informed the pilot that he did not have the authority to leave the airfield until it opened at 0800L on 26 May 20. The Pilot stated that he was leaving anyway. A/OC Ops Sqn and the Crew Manager elected to not block the aircraft and let it depart. At 1415L the aircraft departed to Fairoaks.

Said he was leaving anyway.
😂😂😂
Love it, great story!!

Looking at G-INFO is this the owner? (removed)

Anyway, he will have broken the UK ANO Legislation in several instances. So he can expect prosecution by the UK CAA and possibly US FAA too.

So did the guy break the law at any point?

At risk of dragging the thread back to the OP (Mr Warren Peace ) Would you really do away with the QRA assets that you rely on (even if you can't acknowledge as such) to keep UK airspace safe 24/7? Do you not think that posting on such a forum would potentially feel like you are doing a disservice to the men and women that undertake this task on a daily basis? There was no need to intercept this aircraft, it took off from the UK, flew a flightplan (of sorts) and was only guilty of being an idiot, not a threat. You, on the other hand, by using this event to throw into question the requirement or commitment of our QRA assets/personnel, should hang your head in shame and the less you are seen on this forum the better, frankly.

RAF Valley: Unauthorised landing and take-off
 

It seems that last Monday, 25 May, a PC-12 was flown from Fairoaks to RAF Valley, which was closed, and landed. Pilot wanted to go on beach. Purpose of flight was in breach of Welsh COVID-19 regulations. Despite being advised that he was not to depart until the airfield opened the next day, pilot departed and flew back to Fairoaks..

https://www.pprune.org/military-avia...ra-anyway.html