Mach Loop in December
 

Please don't flame me, I'm an aviation numpty.

But, my airhead (but non-pilot) and crash-hot photographer partner has a Big Birthday in mid-December. I'm wondering about taking him to Wales, to hang out on the Mach Loop, so he could get some pics of his own, instead of just drooling at other peoples'..

So: Does much happen there at that time of year?

I know there are no timetables and no guarantees. But if there's nothing likely to be flying in midwinter other than frozen tumbleweed....

Thanks.

Hi, Whilst December is not a month i would choose to head up to the loop it could possibly be a rewarding one IF you are are lucky with the weather! Maybe contact one of the regulars via flickr or fighter control.
Flying still happens in December though how much can again be a matter of luck i'm afraid. If you plan a couple of days on the hills and have a good hip flask then that will help increase the chances of some action i'm sure.
Either way, spending some time in Wales with a loved one is a stunning month as are the preceding 11.

Good luck!

Would the RAF have a PR section to contact?

MoD publishes the low flying schedule https://www.gov.uk/government/public...ning-timetable

Unfortunately not - that is just the Operational Low Flying (below 250ft) in 3 specific areas, and they are just the booked times which bear little resemblance to what actually occurs. It has no relation to day-to-day low flying.

As for low flying in December - flying training continues, depending on the phase of the course(s) and the current training requirements of the front line, you may see as much as at any other time. Days get shorter though and low flying is limited to daylight hours and good weather (as is photography!), light will be less although low sun and the scenery can be stunning in winter. Not sure if there is likely to be snow before Christmas - that always looks good although probably difficult for the exposure settings.

Excellent website for info.

Mach Loop

Not true. Night low flying takes place during the working week.