I have one but rarely use it now.
When I grew up living near LHR I got my first one when I was about 8 or 9 and used to sit there listening for hours. I’m glad I did because I pretty much knew most of the RT when I started flight training.

I like FlyDubai’s livery!
Nice photos.

Ewan,
Good luck with the PPL. Who are you training with? What type are you training on? I fly out of an airfield not far south of you (Cranfield) 😉

Just before the change over I got a CD sent from the CAA, which I assume most PPL pilots got. Mind you this was quite some months ago now. Did you have the CD sent to you? From what I gather basic service is no real difference to the old FIS (Flight Information Service) that we used prior to the change over. However, so that I didnt misinform you as its been a while since I last looked at my CD I had a look on pprune and gathered this info..

Basic Service
Provides advice and information useful for the safe and efficient conduct
of flights. e.g. weather information, changes of serviceability of facilities,
conditions at aerodromes, general airspace activity information, and any
other information likely to affect safety.
Provision: ATC and FISO
Flight Rules & Met: VFR and IFR, VMC and IMC
Identification: Possibly, but does not imply radar service
Traffic & Deconfliction: Not specific
Terrain Clearance: Pilot responsible
Headings & Levels: Not required to notify, No specific control
Note: Allocation of a squawk does not imply a radar service

If you’re at the start of your PPL that maybe a little bit much to digest but if you have any questions please feel free to PM me, and I know there is also a few other pilots around here (from PPL’s to ATPL’s) who can also help answer your questions. Although, a word of advice – always ask your instructor about things you dont understand as hes in the most qualified position to give you the answers you’re looking for.

I’ll take another look at my CAA CD tonight and see if theres anymore additional info for you.

The Iranair B747 is abit hit and miss as most of the time their A300 comes in. Even saw one of their A310’s on Hcam a few weeks ago.

Nice.
Really like the Eastern shot.

Nice, Alex.
Just noticed N7SJ in one of your shots – she was at Cranfield for quite a while last year due to going tech. Taxied past her a few times.

I’m no expert, but having seen the video clip a few times it strikes me that this latest incident appears (And I stress ‘appears’) to be a maintenance issue rather than a part/s failure.

Yeah I thought the same but I tend not to say too much as I dont like throwing around guesses as it generally isnt respected in aviation but I must addmit I did think along a similar line to you on the possible cause.