twin-prop circling over london

[DopeyWhisky]

'Landmark' is the call sign of the the Survey aircraft I think you are talking about, it's been operating in the London TMA for the last couple of of days under the control of either Thames Radar or London (East) and just to muddy things the Northolt RAF BN2A has also been going about quiet business, confusing isn't it

[Malaysian28]

I've Seen several light aircaft around the West London Area, Near RAF Northolt and London's Heathrow. I once thought these were road traffic monitors as when their was congestion on major roads suchs A40 or the M4 they would circle around, but I havent seen any for a while.
I have heard that Heathrow gets a few light aircaft really early in the morning between 04:30 and 06:00.


I have seen the Grey RAF Islander doing circuits around Northolt which my friend has noted of PPRUNE before.

[trident3A]

Hi Guys

Im new to the forum and also a non pilot. Over the last two years a twin prop grey aircraft has been flying very orgnised patters over my home area..Having looked through my powerful binos and checked on net im pretty sure that its an islander. Stupid question but why would a plane fly for 5 hours at a time going over the same area in very tight flight paths..My freinds did not believe me but they have all seen it. Ive also seen it in with another plane..it flies at around 5000 feet sometimes days at a time...im guessing mapping or surveying...oh and it also flies at night!! .

I've been watching this aircraft all afternoon flying back and forth over London. They're certainly busy whatever they're doing!

[Seloco]

I've been watching this aircraft all afternoon flying back and forth over London. They're certainly busy whatever they're doing!

Well I guess we should be grateful that someone is prepared to do quite possibly the most boring flying job in the world just to keep us that little bit safer.....