Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

Military Aviation => Modern Military Aircraft => Topic started by: casper on September 09, 2009, 12:13:20 PM

Title: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: casper on September 09, 2009, 12:13:20 PM
I see the Red Arrows are scheduled to do two private/closed military events on the 19th and 28th of this month. I wonder if one of them could be the handing over of Aldergrove?
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Merlin on September 09, 2009, 12:33:55 PM
I was actually going to ask if there was anything scheduled for the handover when I go out there next week.

If the Reds are coming would we be able to watch from the perimeter even if it is a closed event?
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Hammerhead on September 09, 2009, 12:39:03 PM
Keep a eye on the NOTAMS for EAGG here and someting might show up ....http://egaa.notams.com/Weather
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Nige on September 09, 2009, 02:38:57 PM
Guys, Four harriers are scheduled to do a flypast, plus the resident aircraft.
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: casper on September 09, 2009, 02:42:13 PM
So is there a day set?
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Merlin on September 09, 2009, 03:39:48 PM
So is there a day set?

Murphology's link to the Belfast Telegraph article on fast jets in NI states the official handover comes after the Battle of Britain commemoration on September 20.
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: 52POSTROC on September 09, 2009, 08:29:46 PM
Be near the base on Sunday 20th September anytime after 12.00pm and you should see something.

I don't have the full aircraft listing here infront of me but there is a nice selection dropping by.

Managed to get my place booked a few weeks ago.
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Chalkman on September 09, 2009, 09:13:23 PM
Sorry for been so stupid,but who are they handing it over too?
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Chalkman on September 09, 2009, 10:10:23 PM
Anyone?
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Merlin on September 09, 2009, 10:35:19 PM
The RAF are turning the base over to the Army Air Corps and the base is to be renamed Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station Aldergrove.

http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafaldergrove/ (http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafaldergrove/)
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Chalkman on September 09, 2009, 10:38:49 PM
Cheers  :)
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: iCardboardRobot on September 10, 2009, 11:18:37 AM
So what will be based there do we know ?
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Blackbird on September 10, 2009, 11:31:50 AM
The AAC with their Islanders,Defenders and Gazelles.

As it's being renamed as a Joint Helicopter Command station we may see other rotary aircraft from time to time,but not based permanently.

Personally i don't think this will be a long term thing and the Army will move back to the mainland in a few years (under the guise of 'cost cutting' or some other fancy phrase they dream up) :-X :-X
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: 52POSTROC on September 10, 2009, 01:04:23 PM
If I have heard right, in a year or so the Blackwatch will be using Aldegrove as a base.
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: casper on September 15, 2009, 10:35:03 AM
Any word on what'll show up?
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Angry Turnip on September 16, 2009, 01:48:49 PM
Harrier or two seems likely,Puma flypast  is almost a certainty.

It`s possible a Tucano (72Sqn) and maybe even some other fast jets.

Info seems thin on the ground at the moment but I would expect some visiting aircraft.

Just have to wait and see.
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Nige on September 16, 2009, 02:19:06 PM
Hello guys, as I posted earlier all that is scheduled to appear is a formation of 4 harriers plus a flypast of Islander, Gazelle, Lynx and Puma.
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Angry Turnip on September 19, 2009, 12:56:51 AM
Been checking the NOTAMS for 20th and Red Arrows are doing Great North Run and then display at South Sheilds,so doesn`t look like they will be at Aldergrove this weekend. :(

I am sure the Harriers Flypast will be good.
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Dave on September 19, 2009, 02:27:06 AM
I'll likely be heading to up Killead or there abouts myself on Sunday as the weathers not looking too bad (50% cloud cover) and winds favour RWY 25 according to online weather forecasts. Would also like to catch some normal commercial traffic when there.

Just a quick note of thanks to all whom have been keeping the rest of us up to date, the info has been much appreciated!

Dave
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: casper on September 19, 2009, 10:20:26 AM
Quote
Just a quick note of thanks to all whom have been keeping the rest of us up to date, the info has been much appreciated!
I second that - the NI Aviation community at its best :)
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: 52POSTROC on September 19, 2009, 10:32:53 AM
I will be on the base all day tomorrow so will get as many shots of the Harriers as I can. 

I think there is a meet-and-greet session with the pilots at some stage so I will attempt to get up close with the aircraft.
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: Angry Turnip on September 19, 2009, 01:52:08 PM
Just checked the NOTAMs again and no mention of displays at Aldergrove-just some stuff about metal plates on certain areas of bad ground around a few stands.
Also info about aircraft turning on runway 35/17

There was some speculation about the Red Arrows on 28th Sept-unfortunatly the display is RAF Shawbury :(

Forecast for tomorrow looks promising but wind due to increase SSW looks most likely so flypast I would expect would be down length of 25 (hopefully a couple of passes ;D
Title: Re: Aldergrove Handover
Post by: greglloyd on September 20, 2009, 02:26:55 PM
Saw the flight of three Harriers doing some passes over my house (Ballinderry). They seemed to be doing a curcuit flying north up to Aldergrove from my position (I presume along runway 01), and back south before doing a 180 turn right over my house.

Nice to see the three in formation  :)