WATCH THE SKIES! We were just buzzed by a C-130 transport aircraft. I wish I had known a minute earlier. It seems the RAF is taking advantage of quiet skies to get some low altitude practice in. I hope they warned the microlight fliers at East Fortune. It may be an idea to have a camera on the windowsill this week, at least if the weather clears.
Operational low flying training timetable 18 to 22 January 2021
Updated 15 January 2021
The table below sets out the timetable for use of the 3 Tactical Training Areas (TTA) used for operational low flying training by fast jets and Hercules transport aircraft. While it is likely some of the slots will not be used, no additional times will be added to those already booked.
| Central Wales | Scotland | The borders area of Southern Scotland and Northern England | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00am to Midday | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm | |
| Tuesday | 11:00am to Midday | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm | |
| Wednesday | 11:00am to Midday | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm | |
| Thursday | 11:00am to Midday | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm | |
| Friday | 11:00am to Midday | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm | 8:30am to 10:00am and 11:00am to Midday and 2:30pm to 4:00pm |
Operational low flying is an essential skill and is practised by fixed wing aircraft between 100 feet and 250 feet; a more representative altitude at which pilots would fly in a combat scenario. The final decision to use a TTA is taken on the day itself as this kind of training can only take place when weather conditions allow.
When a TTA is active, routine low flying by other military users can take place between 500 feet and 2000 feet. When the TTA is not in use standard low flying training is permitted down to 250 feet and helicopters down to ground level. Late spring and summer are the busiest times for low flying as squadrons make full use of good weather to carry out their training.
The 3 TTAs are:
- LFA 7(T): Central Wales
- LFA 14(T): Northern Scotland
- LFA 20(T): the borders area of southern Scotland and northern England
Richard Wells pulled off another win in this year's Fiona Govan Nature competition with his "Christmas Kingfisher".
January 26th is a multiple deadline- Images for the MONOCHROME and AUDIO VISUAL internal competitions and the 3-Way External competition must be sent to the competition secretary by that date.
A new experimental feature for 2021. A second hand gear sell or donate page can be found under the "General Info" tab. If you have gear you think may be of interest to club members , you might consider showing it here. It's not meant to be a money making enterprise, just a way to offer stuff you don't use to the club without it ending up cluttering the darkroom.