Spotting in Silent Valley

[Merlin]

Hi all,

Does anyone know anything about the Army Air Corps conducting training flights around Silent Valley/Spelga Dam in Country Down. Apparently helicopters have been seen flying through there on several occasions. Has anyone here ever seen them or know anything about how regularly they exercise?

I've been through the area and it looks a great spot for photos.

Any info would be appreciated.

[Blackbird]

I doubt it's on a regular enough basis that you could plan a visit around it.

Probably a case of sitting around with your fingers crossed hoping something turns up.

[casper]

A friend of mine does a lot of walking around the Mournes and he says that it would be the first time he has seen jets flying through the Mournes.

[Merlin]

A friend of mine does a lot of walking around the Mournes and he says that it would be the first time he has seen jets flying through the Mournes.

Sorry, should clarify that I'm only referring to helicopters here.

[casper]

Sorry and I should also clarify what I said.
He said that it wouldn't be the first time he has seen jets flying through the Mournes

[merv]

I know the Irish Coastguard chopper covers the Mournes

[ni_gaz]

I used to drive the Silent Valley shuttle bus between Silent valley dam and Ben Crom dam.Was up at the top dam one day and an AAC Lynx flew up the valley from the lower dam but i dont know if he misjudged it or was "showing off" to the small crowd but he had to pull up severely to get over the top of Ben Crom and only cleared it by a few feet.
Recently weve had a few Tornado sorties in this area aswell with one Tonka flying between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh on a "bombing run" of Ballykinlar camp and I can remember as a kid[too many years ago to count!] looking down ! on a Vulcan flying between Donard and Commedagh.

[casper]

looking down ! on a Vulcan flying between Donard and Commedagh.

Now that would be a once in a lifetime experience.