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UK Flying - Winter 2004 - 2005 |
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Despite the weather's best efforts two trips were successfully undertaken in December. In the early part of the month from Sywell, to Crowfield and then between Christmas and New Year from Sibson to Saltby. The weather also held out in January for a trip to Tibenham in Norfolk.
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.1 Passing to the north of Cambridge Airport with the morning sun doing its best to get through. December 2004
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.2 Arriving over Crowfield from the west with misty skies over Suffolk towards the coast. December 2004
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.3 In over the hedge for short finals to Crowfield 31 with 700 metres of well-mown grass ahead. December 2004
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.4 Heading back at 2000 feet to Sywell abeam the former WWII airfield at Great Ashfield in Suffolk. Originally opened in 1943 for use by RAF Bomber Command as a Heavy Conversion Unit base, it became a USAAF B17 station for 385th BG. A solitary looking Cessna stands alone on the tarmac today ting operating from a limited section of the old SW - NE runway. December 2004
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.5 Shortly after taking off from Sibson for Saltby the remnants of King's Cliffe become visible. This was home to various RAF fighter squadrons which were equipped with Spitfires. From the end of 1942 it was used by the USAAF 20th, 56th and 350th Fighter Groups with P38's and P39's, before eventually being re-equipped with P51's, 'Cadillac of the Skies'. December 2004
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.6 Heading north through the Cottesmore and Wittering MATZ whilst they enjoy their Christmas shut down. Just south of Rutland Water RAF North Luffenham can be easily identified. This was once home to Hampdens and Wellingtons. The main runway looks in good condition although it appears to be partly obstructed. December 2004
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.7 Saltby's resident tug, Victor Alpha, on the apron being prepared for its day's work ahead. This view shows off the barn door sized flaps and ailerons well. With these it's easy to understand why the the Rallye has such good STOL ability. Oscar Fox is tucked out of the wind with the woods providing shelter. December 2004
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.8 Oscar Fox is just airborne from Saltby's wartime runway 25. Amongst other uses, it was once home to squadrons of C47 ' Dakotas' used in the Normandy landings of 1944. December 2004
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.9 En-route Tibenham in bleached wintry sun and low lying fog conditions. A14 below and Grafham Water ahead providing good navigational features. January 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.10 USAF base Molesworth with some serious looking bunkers in foreground. It is still occasionally used by helicopters landing on large paved area just left of centre. January 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.11 This former air base at Snetterton Heath was home to B17's of the 96th BG. It is now a motor racing circuit. The main road to the north is the A11 to Norwich. January 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 9.12 Turning onto the main runway looking back towards the 21 threshold. Still today the main runway has a mile of useable tarmac. No need to back track with still over half behind us. January 2005
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