Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

General Aviation Discussion => Spotting Trips => Topic started by: Dave on November 04, 2009, 11:08:55 PM

Title: Brize Norton - Any good?
Post by: Dave on November 04, 2009, 11:08:55 PM

There seems to be a lot of military photgraphers on the site, I was wondering if anyone has been to Brize Norton at all and knew what the spotting opporotunities are like there.

I'm hoping to catch some RAF VC-10 and Tristars before they start getting replaced by the new A330 tankers and Brize Norton seems to be the best place for catching such aircraft.

Some cheap flights to Bristol courtesy of Ryanair and then a quick trip up to Brize for the day seems to be do able next summer.

Anyone any experiences there, good or bad?

Dave

Title: Re: Brize Norton - Any good?
Post by: casper on November 05, 2009, 03:59:17 PM

Never been Dave but there's a very comprehensive guide here

http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/spotting/brize_norton.html

Title: Re: Brize Norton - Any good?
Post by: George on November 05, 2009, 04:59:34 PM

Very busy military wise, was there last week, alot of foreign[german,french] aircraft. Also the usual c17s,tristars,vc10s. Also alot of other visiting aircraft seems tornado,seaking,merlins.

Dont know anything about the area or where to pitch up.

Title: Re: Brize Norton - Any good?
Post by: Angry Turnip on November 05, 2009, 08:27:20 PM

Thunder and Lightning site as Casper mentioned has good info,you could also try warplane or scramble sites.

Security is fairly tight there I am told,so might be a good idea to see if you can contact the base in advance and tell them who you are and what your intentions are.
That`s what I always do if I intend to visit a military base.

Just to keep yourself right :)

Title: Re: Brize Norton - Any good?
Post by: Dave on November 06, 2009, 02:17:40 PM

Thanks guys for the info. I think it's definately worth the risk of heading over there.  :)