WB-57 at Mildenhall

[Hagar]

In fact I dont think they allow it at civil airports in this country like Heathrow & Gatwick.

I'd have to disagree with you on that one Doug. The last time I went to Heathrow I had no problems at all, I was at the western end of 09L (I was even illegally parked on the grass verge

[beaky]

Generally, US military bases have a "no photos inside the fence" policy; if they want a buffer zone to prevent scrutiny from outside, they will have warnings posted. Tere are some exceptions, but if it's not a "forward" base, they can be negotiated... for example, at MacDill I asked about photographing the planes on display outside the flag entrance- I was told to just let the guards at the gate know what I was doing, especially if I needed to point the camera at the gate (which they might say "no" to).
 Never did get around to doing that, but my impression was that they were willing to be reasonable, within the bounds of common sense. My flimsy contractor credentials did not put me at any advantage, believe me.
I'd say they're a little more paranoid at civilian airports these days.

[C]

I haven't been to Heathrow since I was knee-high to a gnat so I'm not sure of my facts there. The last time I was at Gatwick they had erected a 12 foot high fence all round the airport. The runway at the western end was patrolled by armed police & no cars were allowed to stop within about a mile of it. They definitely don't like spotters at Gatwick.

Manchester has 3 very nice 12 foot high viewing points behind the 12 foot high fence!

[Hagar]

I haven't been to Heathrow since I was knee-high to a gnat so I'm not sure of my facts there. The last time I was at Gatwick they had erected a 12 foot high fence all round the airport. The runway at the western end was patrolled by armed police & no cars were allowed to stop within about a mile of it. They definitely don't like spotters at Gatwick.

Manchester has 3 very nice 12 foot high viewing points behind the 12 foot high fence!

I know. It looks brilliant.

[C]

I know. It looks brilliant.

...and a multitude of different people standing watching! Not sure about the radio-telescopes though...

[Vapour01]

You should try Newcastle International Airport (EGNT). It's just your average regional airport but they think there something special and are extremely unfriendly.

[expat]

Well we were shooting (pardon the blatent pun) from a bigger piece of England.

Besides, its flight to Mildenhall was no secret, so there wasn't anything to cover up. If they don't want it photographed, they should send it at night (not that that deters some people!).

That wouldn't stop you from being arrested at gunpoint if they wished to do so. Those US guards don't mess around. What I'm trying to say is that I'm surprised you were allowed so close to the runway of an operational USAF base. Never mind Libya, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't allow it in America. In fact I dont think they allow it at civil airports in this country like Heathrow & Gatwick.

Yes it would. The only person that can authorise the carrying of weapons outside the perimeter fence of a military establishment is the Chief Constable of the county concerned unless it is to cover the transport of nuclear weapons. To date, no chief constable has ever given such permission, not even to British armed forces when we where being attacked by the IRA. The only exception has been Northan Ireland. If they for one second stepped outside the perimeter fence with a weapon, loaded or unloaded the personal would be subject to British criminal law. Presently a minimum sentence of 5 years in clink for what would then be unlawful possession of a firearm.

Back to topic, great catch, as rare a rocking horse poo to see this side of the pond.

Matt

[Willit Run]

Great catch and nice shot!!

[Rifleman]

Nice shot on the approach........looks like a blind flight training hood in there too........ 8-)

[expat]

Nice shot on the approach........looks like a blind flight training hood in there too........ 8-)

Either that or some sort of hood to enable the reading of instruments......who knows with NASA.

Matt

[john_uk]

if you think thats a rare sight,

when i was at RAF akrotiri i saw a U2 spy plane leave every other morning at 5am, when most the base is sleeping.... apart form me, i never did get a decent shot, my accomodation was to far away from the strip

nice shot tweek, how many bullet shots did you take??

john

[expat]

if you think thats a rare sight,

when i was at RAF akrotiri i saw a U2 spy plane leave every other morning at 5am, when most the base is sleeping.... apart form me, i never did get a decent shot, my accomodation was to far away from the strip

nice shot tweek, how many bullet shots did you take??

john

As a boy I lived in Alconbury Weston, direct on the flight path of RAF Alconbury. It became a case of............how many was that today. I used to sit on the A1 flyover and watch them land. Got a visit from two gents in nicely cut suits one day. Explained that I was spotting and they left happy.

Matt

Matt

[Anark]

Matt

Matt

:-?

[ATI_7500]

Great catch!

[expat]

Matt

Matt

:-?

My evil twin tried to get in on the act.

Matt