RAF Northolt Families Day Arrivals – 05Jun09

Even the drizzle, didn’t quite turn into rain, didn’t dampen spirits for another unique photo opportunity at RAF Northolt for aircraft arriving for the Families day. We were on a grassy knoll between the rear of the engine run up pan and the wind sock and that gave us a clear view of everything that was going on. As I would have had to leave at 22.00, to make connections for my train, I didn’t stay for the night shoot bit which I believe was going to start about 22.30.

As the weather was naff I decided to give RAW a try as I keep reading that you have better control in processing images in these conditions.

Many thanks to Phil for arranging the aircraft and Lee for keeping us corralled and informed as to what was happening and also the Station Commander and Air Traffic for letting us out on the airfield and especially The British Forces Post Office for the use of their ‘Rest Room’ facilities.

32 (TR) Sqn were operating a shuttle service for the D-day commemorations and A.109E/ZR232 was fitted with flotation gear for cross channel work.

PBN 2T Islander AL1/ZG846

100Sqn Hawk/XX222 with non standard fuselage roundel!

As this doesn’t exist, then I haven’t photographed it……

….but ZJ781/8 Sqn AAC does, as it has a serial number. Many thanks to the pilot who took off directly in front of us.

E38 314-LH Alpha Jet E FAF

Embraer Xingu/091-YK FAF

Agusta Westland AW139/279 Irish Air Corps

Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer/L-03 RNLAF

Grumman Gulfstream IV/V-11 RNLAF arrived at 19.00 in the fading light.

More from the arrivals photo call HERE

Brian