RAF Typhoon at Northolt

[VulcanDriver]

A Typhoon did a test deployment at RAF Northolt today to test the facilities. Four will be based there during the London Olympics.

[CelticWarrior]

It's a cover up. It was a dyslexic pilot and was meant to go to Nordholz.

[Firebird]

I heard that he was trying to go to Wattisham.

[VulcanDriver]

A few years ago I watched a GR.4 do some touch and goes at EGHH except on the second one he just retracted the gear and climbed out. We reckon he was told how much the landing fees are at EGHH! Extortionate!

[CelticWarrior]

Smaller airfields often waive the landing fees for military aircraft so as to attract them, and thereby the punters, to the field.

We often get discounted food at their cafes so the punters get to rub shoulders with 'real' pilots.

[Firebird]

In my day we were warned about using civvie fields unless pre-authorised as they would sting you for everything they have, whether you used it or not. For example, if they had a PAR they would charge you for it, and an ILS approach even if you were doing VFR circuits.
I know that at Coningsby the only one we were allowed to use was Norwich and even then only VFR circuits. Maybe times have changed.

[CelticWarrior]

Steve, that was the advice I was given too. I well remember being stung just the way you describe and having to explain the bill to my boss (as if the Army could afford to fit the aircraft with ILS ffs! lol).

Most small aeroclub fields are more than happy to accept us for free these days.