UK police helicopter captures photo of rare full circle rainbow
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UK police helicopter captures photo of rare full circle rainbow
The St Athan-based National Police Air Service (NPAS) South West & Wales Region unit managed to capture the rare phenomenon over the Vale of Glamorgan, a county borough in the southeast of Wales.
Full article here:
https://www.news.com.au/travel/trave...25b1b743a24d9b
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I'm curious to know - how often do pilots see the full circle version from the air? First time I've ever seen it.
Full article here:
https://www.news.com.au/travel/trave...25b1b743a24d9b
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I'm curious to know - how often do pilots see the full circle version from the air? First time I've ever seen it.
Not uncommon. Flying above cloud you can see what is referred to as a "Pilots Glory", the shadow of the aircraft encircled by a rainbow.
In the video you'll see a good double rainbow.
In the video you'll see a good double rainbow.
Last edited by megan; 8th Nov 2023 at 04:36. Reason: Add Video
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I'm curious to know - how often do pilots see the full circle version from the air? First time I've ever seen it.
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Gentleman Aviator
Not heard the term "Pilot's Glory" before, but I've certainly seen one or two when "Victor Mike on top". The aircraft shadow in the middle of the circle is amazing to see.
Avoid imitations
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Yes, seen many of them. Depending on the viewer’s position, all rainbows are fully round. If you’re on the ground, the earth gets in the way of the lower part.
Never any rainbows at St Athan during my BE days (44th Airframe) but on a lighter note flying tours over Maui in the 70's nothing like flying into the rain and sun, getting a full circle rainbow while playing "Over the Rainbow" many a tear was shed and tips improved.
Jack
When I took my mom for her last helicopter ride before her death I flew he through one. She was thrilled. Then she pointed and said “Do you know that when I was pregnant with you George Pauli flew me under that bridge over there in a Norseman!” It all went pear-shaped after that.
EDIT 11-11-25 Today I attended Remembrance Ceremonies at the “National Field of Honour” in Pointe-Claire Quebec. Brought some flowers and visited George Pauli and his wife Audrey who rest there.
They were great friends of my parents.
George flew Halifax bombers with the RCAF in WW2 and became a well known bush pilot in Canada thereafter.
One of his sons Bob also became a pilot and was lost in a tragic DC-3 accident in the late 70s. One of his daughters, Mary Ellen, became a helicopter pilot and worked in the business for years.
EDIT 11-11-25 Today I attended Remembrance Ceremonies at the “National Field of Honour” in Pointe-Claire Quebec. Brought some flowers and visited George Pauli and his wife Audrey who rest there.
They were great friends of my parents.
George flew Halifax bombers with the RCAF in WW2 and became a well known bush pilot in Canada thereafter.
One of his sons Bob also became a pilot and was lost in a tragic DC-3 accident in the late 70s. One of his daughters, Mary Ellen, became a helicopter pilot and worked in the business for years.
Last edited by albatross; 12th Nov 2023 at 00:09.
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What’s even more rare is that there was actually an aircraft available to fly that wasn’t on restricted hours, AND there was a pilot, AND a crew all in the same place! The stars align!
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