Macc's trip south - Coningsby, Waddington & RIAT. [Complete]

Macc · Post by **Macc** » 11 Jul 2012, 18:20

I'll start at the start, with RAF Coningsby. After a journey which saw us break down due to an overheating engine less than 24 hours after leaving, however, this was fixed soon after and with a 5 hour delay we arrived late at RAF Coningsby after a stressful morning which felt like a whole day. We arrived just after 1200 on the 28th June.

1. As we had arrived two 17sqn aircraft performed their last circuits with a very gloomy backdrop and little light coming from anywhere else!

The evaluators by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

2. Minutes later a pair of 3sqn aircraft performed reheat departures.

A force greater than gravity by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

3. Returning under a very strange sky, with storms approaching fast.

Turning finals by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

4. Then bizzarely, the sun made an appearance coinciding with this 11sqn aircraft.

Recovery by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

5. 29(R)sqn then sent out 7 aircraft after the Lancaster returned.

Two eras of flight by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Then things to a turn for the worse, for about an hour we watched as showers and thunderstorms passed over Waddington area and verged on us but managed to leave us unscathed. Our luck ran out soon after and we were hit with the thunder overhead and a durable load of rain falling like golf balls of water from the sky.

6. One of dozens of lightning strikes, no exaggeration.

Storms over Coningsby by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

7. XI then sent out a pair of aircraft in just before the rain really got bad and the wind completely changed. Soon after a new aircraft from Warton arrived and about three of the seven 29sqn aircraft made sketchy recoveries whilst the others must have diverted. A couple of 3sqn jets taxied out, but had to taxi back because of the conditions.

Braving the conditions by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

8. The storms passed and the sun came out, four 3(F)sqn jets also decided to come out aswell as a Spitfire and two Chipmunks.

Ready to roll by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

9. They returned under dramatic Summer skyscapes.

In the overhead by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

10. One of the diverts then returned, unfortunately so did the cloud for this one.

Joining the line by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Chris

Snipes · Post by **Snipes** » 11 Jul 2012, 19:09

Nice set, looking forward to the rest!

Macc · Post by **Macc** » 11 Jul 2012, 20:47

Here are some more:

11. Lancaster arriving back after the flypast over the new Bomber Command memorial.

Lancaster bomber by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

12.

Three eras of aviation by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

13.

Soaked Typhoon by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

14.

XI twin stick by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

15.

Turning onto the runway by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

16.

Elder fighter by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

17.

Coningsby circuit by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

18.

Overshooting by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

19.

Evening approach by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

20.

Back on the ground by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Chris

Macc · Post by **Macc** » 12 Jul 2012, 21:17

After Coningsby on the Thursday it was off to Waddington on the Friday. The weather was much more settled and although colder and windier it was much more settled with a couple of minor showers in the morning fading away and the sun coming out amongst the clouds. I was looking forward to the show as there were lots of highlights - Swiss F/A-18, Cougar, Black Eagles in the flying. Phantom and the Wedgetail in the static. And those were only some!

Before the photos, I'd also like to thank all those I saw over the long weekend for the company. You know who you were.

I'll start off with Friday:

1. I caught my first glimpse of the ROKAF Black Eagles in the morning, they only managed half a rehearsal so I didn't catch the impact of their display at all and wasn't really expecting them to be anything outstanding (oh, how wrong I was to be).

Shine on by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

2. The breaks in the sky created some dramatic photo opportunities.

Dramatic Eagles by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

3. The next was one of the best parts of the whole trip, seeing the Phantom come onto approach with the gear down expecting it to land. I noticed the arrestor gear, however, was down and then realised he was playing with the crowd as he held the aircraft at slow speed half way down the runway before applying power.

Phantom hooker by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

4. He then thundered into the circuit and instead of slowing down, he sped up and turned in for a fast pass. I caught, well, half of the Phantom. The business end.

Phantom phrust by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

5. Another Phantom shot.. :yahoo:

Iconic shape by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

6. The Swiss Hornet then went out for a practice under the dark skies.

Watercolour sky by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

7. The 360 degress high alpha turn was a stunning spectacle.

Keep your nose up by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

8. Forgot to change lenses so a close up of the C-130 it was then!

Eyes on the taxiway by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

9. Thankfully the Wedgetail was in a great place for photos.

The Wedgetail by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

10. The Swiss Cougar was also great to see.

Swiss Cougar by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

11. Then a few specials arrived, the jubilee Tucano, the Czech Gripen and 3sqn Typhoon.

Tiger spirit by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

12. Even got a little wave from the airbrake.

The third shall be first by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

13. The Frecce created their own backdrop.

Smoke on! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

14. The amazing 10 aircraft split.

Frecce split! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

15. The RNoAF Da20ECM had a bit of a wavy landing.

Windstruck by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

16. The Chinook HC2 banked right over the PnV.

Banking wokka by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

17. The Bell 212 was a nice rarity.

Camo '212 by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

18. As was the SAAB340 AEW with the Erieye radar, which came in the best light of the day.

The Swede's 'big brother' by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

19. I love photographing loadmasters, and this shot with the two loadmasters watching each other with the near one silhouetted I really liked.

Puma pair by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

20. The Dutch went up for a rehearsal but were miles away most of the time.

High alpha by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

21. The RNZAF Boeing B757 went up and landed in gorgeous light with a large cloud in the way for the whole display.

Kiwi face by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

22. Looked very nice with the anniversary markings though.

Happy 75th RNZAF! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Thanks,
Chris

Macc · Post by **Macc** » 13 Jul 2012, 21:23

Onto the Saturday, the weather was meant to be the worst of the weekend and when we first got up it seemed so with low cloud and the threat of rain. One heavy shower later and the sky was clearing up and remained pretty clear during the majority of the day.

It was a long walk from Coleby to a decent spot, but it was worth it!

23. Can't get enough of these guys!

Waiting on the pan by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

24. The rain forced a delay on us, and we got to a decent spot just as the Tornado GR4 role demo started their bit!

Cloud thief by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

25.

Topside Tornado! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

26. Was good to catch some sun on the Swiss Cougar.

Swiss bank.. by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

27. The Dutch F-16 display was fantastic from where I was, finally got a sunny topside!

Smoke and burners by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

28.

Vapour and smoke by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

29.

Stitch's steed by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

30. The Red Arrows were great as always.

Blue, white and red by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

31. Always great to see the white topped RC-135!

The future by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

32. I was gutted when this never pitched up during the Friday, to then be surprised it was doing a fly through on the Saturday was a lovely change.

Dutch heavy by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

32. Some lovely light on the BBMF!

BBMF pair by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

33.

Lancaster by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

34. Not quite as awesome as his low show, but still the most impressive of all the European fast jet displays I've seen this year.

Hornet! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

35.

Burners on by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

36. These guys just impressed me so much. Couldn't stop going on about them after.

Entrance manoeuvre by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

37.

Formation turn by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

38.

Pulling away by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

39.

Layers of aviation by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

40.

Korean diamond by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

41.

Black Eagle by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

42.

Through the smoke by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

43.

Black eagle by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

44. The Frecce looked good in the weather.

Split! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

45.

Freefallin' by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

46.

Falling by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

47.

Smoke is in the air by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

48. Great colour scheme, not so great display.

Saudi underside by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

49. Great display this year!

Tight turn by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

50.

Diving down by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

51. Thought Team Orlik were actually pretty good.

Polish precision by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

52.

Orlik topside by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

53.

Smokey Pole by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

54. Some lovely light on the NZ B757!

An affy large Kiwi by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Chris

maurits · Post by **maurits** » 13 Jul 2012, 22:34

very stunning shots!

attila.szabo · Post by **attila.szabo** » 13 Jul 2012, 22:57

Chris you're pictures are Nice as allways, diverent angles, good compositions, not one photo is like the other. Every time I see you're work I enjoy it, keep up you're good work...

Wim · Post by **Wim** » 14 Jul 2012, 11:39

indeed, awesome pictures

Macc · Post by **Macc** » 14 Jul 2012, 20:06

Progressing to Sunday now:

The weather began as it left off when flying finished on Saturday, blue skies all around with just the odd cloud. Sadly it didn't stay that way and digressed as the day continued. Because of the weather and the previously successful day combined with the fact that the Euro 2012 final was on that night me and my Dad headed back a bit early (just before Team Orlik). Having missed the ISTAR and E-3D display the previous day I was more than happy to catch it on the Sunday.

55.

Eyes in the sky! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

56.

Through the blue by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

57.

Sentry post by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

58.

AWACS above by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

59.

Heavy metal by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

60.

Upside down by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

61.

Catching the rays by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

62.

Lit cans by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

63.

Fly it like you stole it by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

64.

Dragging the weather by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

65.

Vapour monster by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

66.

Swish Swiss by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

67.

ROKAF maestros by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

68.

Golden Eagle by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

69.

Burner.. on a trainer? by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

70.

Treehugger by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

Stratofreighter · Post by **Stratofreighter** » 14 Jul 2012, 20:34

Stunning photos of Coningsby, Waddington, and you even still haven't touched RIAT yet!
This photo-thread is set to be one of the best of this airshow season at Scramble, not easily surpassed...

Macc · Post by **Macc** » 15 Jul 2012, 21:49

As you can see, each day the weather deteriorated further.

Monday, the last day, was no different! The intentions of Coningsby in the afternoon were written off by a NOTAM which I was thankfully informed about before we tried to go. Thanks Paul! So yeah, the weather wasn't great but was better than expected with a deluge crossing the country and only hitting us by about 12 o'clock when most of the action was done.

71. As expected the Swiss were up early and off the ground by about 9!

Back to the Alps by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

72. A lot of waves were exchanged between the crowd and the crew!

Waving goodbye! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

73.

Open canopy by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

74. Hawk close ups..

The T.2 racing ahead by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

75.

Mmm, ice cream by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

76.

Czech him out by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

77. Close up of the tiger markings.

Tiger spirit by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

78. Continuing to wish Tony all the best.

Bronco-saurus by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

79. It's nice to see Austrian SAAB J105OEs getting about at UK airshows!

Toy trainer by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

80. Even more so with this colour scheme!

Purring SAAB by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

81. Then what most people had been waiting for..

What's that coming over the hill? by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

82. I make no apology for the amount of F-4 photos.

Smoke on! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

83.

Face to face by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

84.

Burning away by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

85. Even a great flypast from the crew..

Phast and phurious! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

86.

Burning away by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

87. It was a tad wet when the Wedgetail surprised me by taxi-ing when I wasn't keeping an eye out!

Park and view enclosure by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

88.

Lumpy by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

89. It even blow dried the runway on departure, perfect.

Wedgetail in the wet by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

So that was Waddington, I'm trying some HDR and monochrome edits on some of the the photos which I might add later. But this concludes my four days of Waddington. I really enjoyed the show in the end, a great number of flying highlights - Swiss Hornet & Cougar, Korean Black Eagles, RNZAF Boeing 757, and a similar number of static highlights - German F-4, special Gripen, Australian Wedgetail. Superb show! RIAT next..

Chris

Slash_fan · Post by **Slash_fan** » 15 Jul 2012, 22:03

Really like your style! great atmosphere!
Some beautifull photo's, highlights are 14, 46, 64 and 83. Although it's quit hard too chose since I think its a bit overkill... i mean you got almost 80 photos of Waddington... good photos though, but a bit too much for my liking...
Still looking forward to your RIAT shot, expecting some great shots!

Greets Joren

Melchior Timmers · Post by **Melchior Timmers** » 16 Jul 2012, 21:11

As menioned by others, a stunning set!

Regards,

Macc · Post by **Macc** » 17 Jul 2012, 00:55

Thanks guys. I'm just going to add batches of the RIAT shots, I have loads. The batches will contain a few shots from each day.

1. The noise as this passed over the threshold was brilliant.

The Galley by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

2. The weather improved soon and breaks appeared.

Desert rain by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

3. The dark clouds provided an excellent backdrop.

Solid Mercury by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

4.

Black Eagles by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

5. We got a great few passes from this.

Pristine provost by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

6. Then the highlights of my RIAT arrived.

Run 'n' smoke by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

7.

The drummers' arrival by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

8. The evening walk had some lovely light again.

Golden era transport by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

9. The Black Eagles rehearsed too!

Smokey masterpiece by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

10.

Aquaplaning Koreans by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

11. The Typhoon decided to dry the runway a bit.

Military blowdry by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

12. A dedicated few of us decided to get ourselves soaking wet for the B-2, it just doesn't look right!

Spirit of the evening by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

13.

Fulcrum burning by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

14.

Fulcrum topside by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

15.

Formation vapour by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

16.

Powering through by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

17.

Low and fast! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

18.

Vapour inversion by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

19.

Super Etendard by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

20.

Noses by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

21.

Smokin'! by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

22.

Interest in the spirit by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

23.

Bronco brilliance by Maccphoto.co.uk, on Flickr

24. And finally, two farewells.