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My year began with a couple of trips to Lossiemouth and Dyce before returning to Edinburgh for university, nothing of real interest amongst the visits so I skip to the end of March when a family holiday was adjusted to incorporate a couple of days at Langkawi for LIMA 2013.
1. The first highlight was the Russian Knights, a team often listed for airshows they don't appear I at which made me even more glad to see them on the ground when I arrived at the Malaysian island.
Russkiye Vityazi by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
2. The Smokey Bandits were another highlight in their MiG-29s, especially since they were due to be retired a couple of years earlier!
Fulcrum pair by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
After LIMA we visited Singapore including the Air Force Museum, I also saw F-5, F-15, F-16, C-130, CH-47, AS332, Fokker 50 and KC135s during my trip at random points however photography isn't encouraged. I caught a couple of quick snaps but nothing much.
As I returned back to the UK, exercise Joint Warrior was starting at the same time as a lot of coursework was due in. I managed to spread time for both and manage a couple of days at both Lossie - with the MPAs and HH-60 Pavehawks - and Leuchars - hosting the French Navy Carrier Air Wing with Rafales, Etendards and a Hawkeye.
3. Sandstorms made for interesting conditions and despite local flying being cancelled the USAF HH-60s and Brazilian P-3AM both flew sorties.
In the Moray dustbowl by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
4. My first Hawkeye since September 2007 when Kinloss has one deployed for Joint Warrior.
French Hummer by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
5. Multiple sorties of 4-6 Etendards made Leuchars a worthwhile visit, including this launch at sunset.
Evening Etendard by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
Home for the Summer between terms I managed a few times down RAF Lossiemouth trying to catch the two Dambusters' anniversary aircraft.
6. Was nice to catch some in bright sunlight. With 617sqn away on active duty then standing down these two jets are being loaned to XVsqn.
Artworked by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
In July I missed out on Fairford for the first time since 2006, instead I visited CQWI at Lossiemouth where it was warm and sunny most days. Deployed were 1(F)sqn and 29(R)sqn with 12 Typhoons, II(AC)sqn with six Tornados, V(AC)sqn with two Sentinel R1, LTW with a C-130K and C-130J, 100sqn with Hawk T1s and FRADU with Falcon 20s.
7. II(AC)sqn spent their time in the HAS site where 12sqn used to reside, which is also quite accessible for photography.
Behind the wire by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
8. The exercise was also the last time I would see a C-130K operated by the RAF, they were retired a couple of months ago.
Full disks by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
9. A trip to Dyce to see the new helicopters being used whilst the Super Pumas remain problematic.
Vince! by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
10. A Summery day before the flying display at East Fortune started, then it turned to cloud.
British classics by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
11. Always good to see the Huey!
In 'Nam! by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
Last on the list was Leuchars;
12. The Austrian QRA demo was incredible.
Attack and Protect by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
13. Finally, the Viggen I had been hoping to see for a while. Sadly the sun disappeared for most of its display.
Thunder! by Chris Milne Photography, on Flickr
Not my most varied year but my photography has been concentrated elsewhere recently.
Chris
