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Post by rh226 on Jun 23, 2017 20:35:43 GMT
Here we go again, this time for a 17 night stay before coming back for RIAT.
Friday 23/06/2017 Quite a reasonable trip up to John's Field. It took 5 hours including stops, but there was quite a bit more traffic today.
Number 1 pain on setup - the water pump decided it was not going to work!! Going to have to get a new one tomorrow.
Mildenhall Visitors present upon my arrival 57-1479 KC-135R 756ARS/AFRC 57-1483 KC-135R 92ARW.......................no fin band 58-0009 KC-135R 126ARS/Wisconsin ANG 62-3518 KC-135R 434ARW/AFRC...............blue "Grissom" fin band 62-3528 KC-135R 77ARS/AFRC.................the TDY "NACHO" 62-3578 KC-135R 141ARS/New Jersey ANG 62-3582 WC-135C 55 WG........................"Constant Phoenix" 64-14828 KC-135R 191ARS/Utah ANG 84-0187 KC-10A 60AMW............................................departed 17.29BST as "RCH143" 86-0026 C-5M 60AMW 10-5771 C-130J 19AW.............TDY at Ramstein..........departed 17.46BST as "LION493"
Very surprised to make 4 '135s today (and missed a fifth which departed before I left home), but very pleased to catch up with the "Constant Phoenix" at last. Last time it was over, it departed about an hour before I arrived.
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Post by zz on Jun 24, 2017 9:37:48 GMT
Good start!
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Post by rh226 on Jun 24, 2017 21:06:39 GMT
Saturday 24th June 2017
Was talking to the people in the camper van next door this morning before they set off home, when the question was asked "Are you on Aviation for All?" Turns out it was our very own Dunsfold correspondent "Chalkyboy" who had been up here for a couple of days.
It was good meeting you and your wife and having a chat.  Hope your Stansted visit was productive and that you had a safe journey back,
Accordingly, I will leave the record of based stuff for him to make a trip report.
Arrivals 11.24BST "RCH560" 79-0433 KC-10A 305ARW 16.32BST "HKY30" 08-8602/RS C-130J 37AS..............................."86 OG" 17.17BST "RCH213" 58-0079 KC-135R 153ARS/Mississippi ANG 17.30BST "RCH526" 63-8004 KC-135R 117ARS/Kansas ANG 17.17BST "RCH221" 58-0120 KC-135R 153ARS/Mississippi ANG Departures 09.11BST "RCH660" 62-3518 10.24BST "RCH645" 58-0009 11.28BST "RCH740" 57-1483 13.38BST "RCH960" 86-0026 14.20BST "RCH560" 79-0433 16.22BST "RCH958" 64-14828 17.25BST "HKY30" 08-8602/RS
There should have been another Mississippi ANG KC-135 today, but it has been delayed until tomorrow.....and I need it!! |
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Post by Jeff on Jun 25, 2017 7:11:08 GMT
Hope the weather stays kind mate
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Post by rh226 on Jun 25, 2017 19:40:23 GMT
Sunday 25th June 2017
Not a lot going on today.
Arrivals 09.15BST "CLEAN51" 86-0028 KC-10A 305AMW........................to take back the F-35As from Paris 09.39BST "RCH349" 59-1448 KC-135R 153ARS/Mississippi ANG 14.43BST "RCH560" 79-0433 KC-10A 305AMW
Departures 10.49BST "RCH213" 58-0079 12.21BST "RCH526" 63-8004 12.33BST "RCH221" 58-0120 |
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Post by chalkyboy on Jun 25, 2017 19:55:43 GMT
Hi rh226. Was really good to put a face to a name.
Been busy working this morning and tidying garden this pm. and just come in doors for a rest.
At this stage i have not even looked at my pad.
All i can say is Johns field worked really well for us, we borrowed the in laws new camper van.
We took 2 bicycles and did a circuit of the Mildenhall field both days.
The fish and chip shop was very good in west row just 5 minutes cycle .
Keep those reports coming rh226
Chalkyboy and Chalkygirl..
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Post by rh226 on Jun 26, 2017 20:25:19 GMT
Monday 26th June 2017
Surprise visitors today from the Paris Air Show. The California ANG C-130J diverted in with a technical problem, but didn't stay long before resuming its journey to Aldergrove. Then, the KC-10 "CLEAN51" was unserviceable, so the two F-35As diverted into Lakenheath until such time as it is mended. Sadly, both of these were on the deployment to Lakenheath in April. The F-35 support C-17 also arrived at Lakenheath.
Mildenhall Arrivals 07.53BST "RCH439" 59-1461 KC-135R 126ARS/Wisconsin ANG 08.43BST "RCH747" 57-1441 KC-135R 174ARS/Iowa ANG 09.31BST "RCH552" 59-1506 KC-135R 174ARS/Iowa ANG 09.45BST "RCH248" 01-1461 C-130J 115AS/California ANG 13.18BST "RCH345" 63-8885 KC-135R 92ARW..........................no fin band 19.49BST "RCH297" 06-6167 C-17A 436AW
Departures 10.09BST "RCH349" 59-1448 11.06BST "RCH560" 79-0433 11.53BST "RCH248" 01-1461
Lakenheath Arrivals 12.15BST "TABOR11FLT" 13-5072/HL F-35A 388FW 12.15BST "TABOR11FLT" 14-5091/HL F-35A 388FW 14.20BST "NAF41" T-264 KDC-10 RNLAF 20.42BST "RCH395" 06-6162 C-17A 60AMW
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Post by zz on Jun 27, 2017 17:02:57 GMT
Are you expecting F16s tomorrow Bob?
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Post by rh226 on Jun 27, 2017 20:07:52 GMT
'Fraid not, zz.
They will be coming, but not until July sometime.
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Post by rh226 on Jun 27, 2017 20:29:13 GMT
Tuesday 27th June 2017
Good evening from a very soggy Mildenhall. It has been raining since just after midday and will go through until about 10.00am tomorrow.
Best thing about today was that I got the new water pump and the supply to the caravan is now hunky-dory.
Arrivals 08.58BST "RCH176" 63-8041 KC-135R 434ARW 09.54BST "RCH306" 58-0072 KC-135T 147ARS/Pennsylvania ANG 11.43BST "RCH320" 58-0001 KC-135R 92ARW 13.21BST "RCH395" 07-7187 C-17A 437AW
Departures 07.??BST "RCH747" 57-1441 09.15BST "RCH532" 59-1506 09.47BST "RCH345" 63-8885 10.59BST "RCH159" 57-1479 19.05BST "RCH297" 06-6167 |
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Post by zz on Jun 28, 2017 6:49:41 GMT
'Fraid not, zz. They will be coming, but not until July sometime. Ok thanks. i might be tempted with a visit for them, or the rumoured A10s. |
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Post by rh226 on Jun 28, 2017 20:18:36 GMT
Wednesday 28th June 2017
A day of two halves.......rain and no rain (but a very chilly wind). My one chance of making something decided to hide itself in the clouds for its ILS runs. 
Surprise exotic visitor in the wee small hours, but I saw it last time I was up here. 
Arrivals 00.45BST "VVPR410" 161410 EP-3E VQ-1 10.00BST "RCH102" 62-3502 KC-135R 6AMW 10.35BST "RCH942" 58-0119 KC-135R 151ARS/Tennessee ANG........did overshoot at 10.21BST 13.06BST "OLIVE78" 64-14841 RC-135V 55WG 14.49BST "SNPSHT01" ZJ694 Sentinel R.1 5 Sqdn.............................did 3 ILS runs above the cloudbase (around 500ft)
Departures 05.01BST "VVPR410" 161410 11.17BST "RCH320" 58-0001 11.31BST "RCH306" 58-0072 12.11BST "RCH176" 63-8041 14.44BST "RCH398" 07-7187
All being well (i.e. their KC-10), the F-35s at Lakenheath should be going back to Hill AFB tomorrow. Departure probably around 09.00BST. |
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Post by rh226 on Jun 29, 2017 18:44:48 GMT
Thursday 29th June 2017
Lakenheath The F-35s successfully departed as "TABOR01/02" at 09.08BST and some F-15s were flying early morning and early afternoon.
Morning F-15C/Ds 84-0001, 84-0044, 86-0163, 86-0172 and 86-0176 F-15Es 91-0309 and 96-0201..................................................bit jammy this!!
Afternoon F-15C/Ds 84-0010, 84-0046, 86-0156, 86-0164 and 86-0171 F-15E 97-0222
Departure 12.28BST "RCH395" 06-6162
Mildenhall Rather nice US Navy Gulfstream this morning, but didn't need it. Circuit-bashing this afternoon by a couple of Cranwell Beech 200s and a based KC-135.
Arrivals 10.52BST "CATBRD1" 165151 C-20G CinC USNavForEur 12.24BST "RCH546" 58-0103 KC-135R 92ARW 15.00BST "CWL79" ZK452/L Beech 200 45Sqdn..................ILS approach followed by 3 circuits 15.43BST "JL21" ZD848/109 Tornado Marham Wing.........ILS approach 15.53BST "CWL72" ZK458/D Beech 200 45Sqdn..................ILS approach followed by 3 circuits 15.00BST "CWL82" ZK452/L Beech 200 45Sqdn..................ILS approach followed by 9 circuits 18.49BST "DUKE25" 97-00105 UC-35A E/1-214AVN 21.55BST "OMEN2" ZH883 Hercules LTW......................ILS approach x2
Departures 09.04BST "WRIST41" 12-5760 09.11BST "CLEAN51" 86-0028.........taking the F-35s home 09.55BST "RCH578" 62-3578 10.48BST "RCH102" 62-3502 11.01BST "RCH942" 58-0119 12.06BST "CATBRD1" 165151 21.33BST "DUKE25" 97-00105
Still, 4 made so definitely not grumbling after two blank days. |
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Post by rh226 on Jun 30, 2017 19:17:35 GMT
Friday 30th June 2017
As you can see, not a lot going on. My last Cranwell King Air (ZK459) actually flew over - above the clouds (could hear it).
The special scheme NATO AWACS looks very smart.
Arrivals 09.53BST "CWL82" ZK451/K King Air 200 45 Sqdn............................did 8 approaches 10.14BST "DUKE37" 95-00123 UC-35A-1 E/1-214AVN 11.00BST "LION499" 07-8613/RS C-130J 37AS 11.34BST "VALOR42" 84-0085 C-21A 76AS...............................did 8 approaches 11.54BST "NATO41" LX-N90450 E-3A NATO,,,,,special scheme.....did 10 approaches
Departures 09.26BST "RCH546" 58-0103 11.39BST "OLIVE79" 64-14841 12.15BST "LION499" 07-8613/RS 12.29BST "DUKE37" 95-00123
Long US holiday weekend with Independence Day on Tuesday, so things will be very quiet. |
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Post by rh226 on Jul 1, 2017 10:12:06 GMT
Hi Bob,
ZK451 was definitely a cop.
My last King Air is ZK459 which was "doing" Marham, but flew over Mildenhall at 12,000ft. I was hopeful that it would also oblige, but it didn't. There'll be another day.
Take care,
Bob
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Post by rh226 on Jul 1, 2017 13:14:01 GMT
Now edited my post to make it obvious.
Saturday 1st July 2017
Just two movements today - the "NACHO" TDY KC-135 changeover.
Arrival 11.14BST "RCH199" 58-0058 KC-135R 465ARS/AFRC........."Tinker" mid-fin band
Departure 10.25BST "RCH625" 62-3528
Tower shut at 11.42BST. Nothing more today - unless something urgent High Priority comes up.
Nice bit of sunshine, so time to sit back and see if the airways will provide me with something.  |
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Post by rh226 on Jul 2, 2017 20:12:47 GMT
Sunday 2nd July 2017
Completely, and not surprisingly, dead here today.
Only 1 C-17 bothered to come over and I did not need that:-
"RCH285" C-17A 04-4130 [AE123B] at FL340 routing NAVPI > MAM (about 12.05) > South West........short trail. |
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Post by rh226 on Jul 3, 2017 20:19:26 GMT
Monday 3rd July 2017
Just the one round trip today. "QID712" departed around 03.00 (waking me up in the process) and returned about 12.00. It had been on a High Priority refuelling mission over the Med.
There has been quite a procession of 437AW C-17s this afternoon going to Hamburg in connection with the upcoming G20 summit. Because of the cloud to the South of Mildenhall, none were visible to me - not that I needed any of them.
Going to Cambridge tomorrow to see if there is anything interesting outside. |
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Post by rh226 on Jul 4, 2017 20:17:51 GMT
Tuesday 4th July 2017
Independence Day...and all quiet.
Cambridge was not helpful for me today. Apart from the usual 5 stored Hercs, all I could see through Marshalls hangar door was a RAF Herc and a Swedish one (assumed to be 84007 - which I don't need).
Still, things should be back to normal tomorrow, so fingers crossed.
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Post by rh226 on Jul 5, 2017 20:24:00 GMT
Wednesday 5th July 2017
Not a single visitor!!!! Just a bit of based stuff doing missions.
Lakenheath saw 9 F-15s up this morning and a further 9 this afternoon - serials unknown.
Up above, only one thing came near me and I could not see it - the UAE AF GLEX 1326 on a test flight out of Cambridge.
All in all, a day to forget. |
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Post by bizfreeq on Jul 5, 2017 21:10:43 GMT
Patience Bob, it'll be at RIAT 👍
Cheers
Mark
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Post by rh226 on Jul 6, 2017 7:18:51 GMT
More a case of just wanting to make something, Mark!!
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Post by bizfreeq on Jul 6, 2017 11:58:15 GMT
Yeah I can get to that mate, its dead down here on the south coast too!
Cheers
Mark
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Post by rh226 on Jul 6, 2017 19:51:25 GMT
Thursday 6th July 2017
Mildenhall Arrivals 10.43BST "RCH635" 92-3292 C-17A 437AW 11.29BST "RCH113" 62-3541 KC-135A 92ARW.......no fin band
Departure 13.13BST "RCH635" 92-3292............to Yeovilton for the weekend's airshow
Lakenheath Arrivals 11.02BST "HKY681" 88-4403 C-130H 154TS/189AW/Arkansas ANG 11.15BST "HKY680" 88-4402 C-130H 154TS/189AW/Arkansas ANG
Departure 12..35BST "HKY681" 88-4403
Rather nice C-130s, I thought. They came from and returned to Spangdahlem (where they only arrived yesterday). |
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Post by rh226 on Jul 7, 2017 21:26:39 GMT
Friday 7th July 2017
Lakenheath The two Arkansas C-130Hs were back in again twice today, bringing in stuff for the Spangdahlem F-16s (due Monday).
A number of F-15s flew in the morning only (usual on a Friday).
Mildenhall Arrivals 06.38BST "RCH518" 10-0223 C-17A 437aW 18.??BST "BLUE61" 58-0049 KC-135T 171ARS/Michigan ANG.........brought the 1st wave of Thunderbirds 20.05BST "BLUE71" 64-14837 KC-135R 6AMW............................brought the 2nd wave of Thunderbirds
Departures 08.11BST "RCH518" 10-0223 12.43BST "RCH439" 59-1461
The day was not a total waste as a certain GLEX departed Cambridge on a flight up the East coast. "MCE08" 1326 of the UAE AF was duly made at 11.38BST as it climbed out towards MAM. |
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Post by rh226 on Jul 8, 2017 21:57:01 GMT
Saturday 8th July 2017
Arrivals 11.43BST "RCH719" 83-0082 KC-10A 305ARW 14.37BST "RCH110" 97-0041 C-17A 437AW 16.23BST "CMB310" N378AX B763 Omni Air
Departures 10.46BST "BLUE61" 58-0049 19.12BST "CMB310" N378AX
"QID656/657" 57-1493/58-0100 did a mission to refuel "MYTEE96" (B52) going home to Minot AFB, SD from out East "QID702/703" 58-0069/60-0324 did a mission to refuel "GRIMM98" (E-4B 73-1676) going Stateside from Aviano AB, Italy (connected with POTUS visit to Poland & G20) |
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Post by rh226 on Jul 9, 2017 19:59:11 GMT
Sunday 9th July 2017
Arrivals 08.53BST "RCH273" 00-0178 C-17A 89AS/AFRC 19.05BST "GOLD73" 60-0313 KC-135R 22ARW...........returning home after helping to drag 6 F-22s along the Med and out East.
Departures 11.53BST "RCH113" 62-3541 12.26BST "RCH719" 83-0082 12.38BST "BLUE71" 64-14837
All was not lost as a noise interrupted my doze at 15.28BST this afternoon and, leaping out of the caravan, was confronted by two (proper) Lynxes. Yes, they were the two Danish ones from Yeovilton S-134 and S-191 making their way to Norwich for a nightstop. Thank you very much indeed.
Off to Lakenheath first thing tomorrow for the SP F-16s, then back to Mildenhall for the Thunderbirds flypast and pack up to go home (temporarily). We are leaving the caravan up here (with John's permission, of course). |
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Post by rh226 on Jul 10, 2017 21:38:31 GMT
Monday 10th July 2017
Lakenheath
Off bright(?) and early to see the SP F-16s arrive. Not having seen one before, I was bound to make every one.
493FS was active launching 11 F-15C/Ds before 09.00 84-0010, 84-0019, 84-0044, 84-0046, 86-0156, 86-0159, 86-0163, 86-0164, 86-0171, 86-0172 and 86-0176
Then the F-16s started arriving with "WARHAWK" Flight 0930 96-0080 F-16C 480th FS "WARHAWK 01".........."480th FS"
0930 91-0338 F-16C 480th FS "WARHAWK 02"
0931 91-0342 F-16C 480th FS "WARHAWK 03"
0931 91-0343 F-16C 480th FS "WARHAWK 04"
0931 91-0344 F-16C 480th FS "WARHAWK 05"
0932 96-0083 F-16C 480th FS "WARHAWK 06"
followed by "WEASEL" Flight 1013 90-0813 F-16C 480th FS WEASEL 01"
1014 90-0827 F-16C 480th FS WEASEL 02"
1014 91-0412 F-16C 480th FS WEASEL 03"
1014 91-0416 F-16C 480th FS WEASEL 04"
1015 90-0828 F-16C 480th FS WEASEL 05"
1016 91-0472 F-16D 480th FS WEASEL 06"
and finally with "VIPER" Flight 1118 91-0403 F-16C 480th FS "VIPER 01"
1118 91-0358 F-16C 480th FS "VIPER 02"
1118 91-0340 F-16C 480th FS "VIPER 03"
1119 91-0351 F-16C 480th FS "VIPER 04"
1119 91-0361 F-16C 480th FS "VIPER 05"
1119 91-0418 F-16C 480th FS "VIPER 06"
Finally, at 12.35BST, "QUID14" KC-135R 57-2605 followed by the Thunderbirds - 6 x F-16Cs plus the camera ship F-16D - did a low pass down Rwy 24
Mildenhall Arrival 22.13BST "RCH163" 61-0311 KC-135R (22ARW).....too dark to see any markings!
Departure 10.15BST "RCH273" 00-0178
And, of course, the QUID/Thunderbirds combine did their low pass down Rwy29 at 12.44BST before setting off on a Round Britain tour.
Definitely not grumbling about making 18 today. Technically, I made another 7 (Thunderbirds), but we will probably never know the serials except the F-16D. This is because the team always fly with codes 1-6 and will swap the codes between aircraft to suit their needs of the time.
Staying up another night - at the wife's request - so, definitely going home tomorrow.
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Post by rh226 on Jul 11, 2017 20:51:13 GMT
Tuesday 11th July 2017
Mildenhall
Departures 10.26BST "JIGGY81" 08-0050 )............last seen on ADS-B heading SE over the Czech Repuublic. 10.34BST "JIGGY82" 08-0051 ) 11.13BST "QID21" 60-0324..............off to Rota for the TDY change-over?
Lakenheath
The SP F-16s were active this morning and afternoon.
Well, that is the end of the trip and 36 made for which I am not grumbling at all.
Forthcoming schedule is RIAT on Saturday and back up the 'Hall on Sunday for another two weeks. We have left the caravan up there with John's kind permission.
However, if the Moody A-10s are going to turn up on Thursday evening, I shall be up there for a one night stay. I won't know until I see the CONUS action on ADS-B. If they are delayed, I will just have to miss them - unless they turn up on Saturday.
Despite the weather (it started raining on the Newmarket by-pass), we had a very good run back. Did manage to catch the evening Swindon traffic though. |
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Hope your Stansted visit was productive and that you had a safe journey back,
