Another day in paradise (Kirkwall Airport)

Visit to Fair Isle

I tried to get to Fair Isle once before but could not land because of the fog so when I got the chance to travel up a few weeks ago, I jumped at the chance.  I have always wanted to go, not just because of the history, geography and wildlife but there is the remains of a crashed Heinkel 111 from WWII.

Rather than write about it again, here is a link to the main website in Fair Isle.

http://www.fairisle.org.uk/History/fair_isle_incident.htm

It's amazing how much of it is left and what was amazing about the crash site is the fact that the pilot would have landed safely by landing 100m to his right.

Anyway here are the photos starting with the approach to Runway 24

And a greeting from the Fire Service with first view of the terminal

10 minutes walk from the airfield the twin Junkers Jumo V12 engines were still where they landed in 1941 with what looks like the armour plating in the foreground.

Just short of the crash site is a notice board with therelevant information

The serial number from the port engine

A short distance away were the remains of the tail section

This look like the exhaust

This is the distance between the 2 parts of the wreckage

After a final look at the terminal, it was back to our plane and back to Kirkwall

A photo of John Corson who made the trip possible

And the approach to 27

Thanks for reading, till next time

Neil

Flying Adventures

Lat year we had a microlight in which I could find no details for anywhere on the web, then all of a sudden, umpteen of them arrive this year and they are probably the most common type of aircraft so far.

On the 24 June, we had a visit from Deepak Majahan and a group of Spanish pilots in their microlights arriving from Edinburgh and heading for Oban the next day.

I promised to post up the photographs to Deepak and crew, hope you like them.

Find Deepak at http://www.londonairsports.com

Many thanks for the cap guys, hope to see you back

That's it for now. till next time

Neil

Back to normality

It has been a while since I posted anything here and with my other project, this has been on the backburner, but back to normal now.

A few things have happened since my last post.  We have had a fly in by the German Eagles and a group organised by a local pilot, Torquil Clyde.

In addition we had a charter in from Rotterdam and the now complete Spitfire event which I will cover in a separate post.

The photos start with the very last flight of a Nimrod MRA2 over Orkney which happened on 29th March at 1411.  The second shot is distant but the last picture of a Nimrod of that type I am likely to see.

And that was it, thanks for the memories.  This next aircraft was an air ambulance from Guernsey repatriating a local man. M-USHY.

On the 18th May, our German guests started arriving over the afternoon:

And a group photo

Here is a better picture of the last one

And an Eastern Saab 2000 from Rotterdam

And at the same time one of our German guests left earlier than planned

At the end of May we had our second fly in from as far away as Belize

That brings my photo count up, next event was the Spitfire event 2nd and 3rd June.  Hope to post up at the weekend.

All the best and welcome back

Neil

Welcome back

Hello all

Sorry for being away, nothing I could do about it but back and will update shortly.  Have been working on another project which will finish next thursday 3/6.

Go to orkneyairpower.blogspot.com and you will see what I have been up to.

Take care

Neil

Farewell Highland Airways

When I arrived at work this morning my heart sank when I discovered that Highland Airways had announced that they had gone into administration on Wednesday night.  This is particularly sad as I know many of them and they are a good bunch.

I sincerely hope the administrator manages to find a buyer to keep this historic airline on the map.  We are all genuinely sad at the news and hope a solution is found sooner rather than later.

Just a couple of pictures today starting with XV231 which came in for a low pass earlier this week.  What is concerning is our esteemed government has cut the funding for Nimrods and are delaying commissioning of the MRA4.

One of the passengers in the terminal commented "Enjoy it while you can as you may not see one of these for a long time"

As there is likely to be a change of government in the UK, I hope whoever the victors are, our forces, and I include the Army and the Navy, are properly funded.

WE had an unexpected visist from one of the two RAF King Airs with civvy registration, in this case G-RAFO on a sortie from RAF Cranwell.

We had an unusual visitor from the Isle of Man this week.  D-CMNX is a Dornier 228 in Manx 2 colours, here on a private charter.  Many thanks to the crew for their hospitality.

And the inside

That's it for just now.  I can't believe its time to book my trip to Leuchars again, can't wait.  Also I won't be posting again until mid April as it is almost time for my annual pilgrimage to Aviemore.

Take care

Neil

More adverts

How do these numpties get to air their drivel on this site, I hope admin has a way of banning their ip addresses.

Anyway, here is another post to move these idiots down a position.  We have had a lot of military traffic around lately and thanks to the marshallers we managed to get 3 Tucanos up to the terminal last week.  It was welcomed by staff and public as many people came out a run just to see them.  In order, ZF348, ZF140 and ZF 135.

We had a couple of private aircraft in around the same time starting with G-IFLP Seneca 3

And G-BPTG, a pretty Commander 112

Just before I finished work, I got news a RN Merlin was going to do a low pass on 27.  I am sorry but I don't have the tail number but here it is

And finally the return of the big guy, nice to see XV255 do a low pass, been a while!

That's it, thanks for reading.  Come on other members get posting, I am sure there are things happening in other place that people want to see.

Cheers for now

Neil

RAF Grimsetter

There has been less unusual traffic at Kirkwall than normal.  We have engured one of the coldest longest spell for years but all back to normal for the time of year.

When I logged on to have look today I saw all that rubbish from these idiots that post their inane drivel so thought I would do something about it by demoting them.

This first picture is G-SYGA, a King Air deputising for the Air Ambulance service.  Incidentally a few of my friends have changed careers lately.  All pilots or Radar Ops with the SFPA.  Will Noble has retired and gone motorhoming, lucky man.  Bjorn Sandison has gone to Gama, so we hope to see him at Kirkwall soon.  Michael Czapp has gon back to charter work and Simon Eardley has gone to Farnborough, I believe.  No doubt I will be corrected if I am talking rubbish.  Good luck to you all in your new careers,

The final visit of PH-RID happened before christmas.  Cartier sadly will be coming to Orkney less in 2010 and beyond but I hope to keep in touch with them.

Here is Marco Pierotti on his last visit, this one is for the ladies who have requested a pic.  Seriously, the Cartier staff are amongst the nicest bizjet crews out there and will be missed.

We had a number of low approaches from "Judgement one", C130 recently.  Its always difficult to get a shot at a distance and I cannot make out the letters.  The tail number is 889 so I guess it is ZH889 from 30 Squadron.  I have to admit to a bit of help from Paul warrener on that one.

At the taile end of last week, we had a visiting Tucano.  ZF 140 operating out of Kinloss.  The firemen/marshallers kindly agreed to park it in front of the terminal rather than the small apron so we had a number of visitors to come and have a look.  Thanks guys.

Finally as I was leaving last night, I just missed a chipmunk landing on 33.  This one is part owned by Derek Mowat.  An Orcadian now living and working in Edinburgh. 

The aircraft 's original number is WP860 now re-registered as G-BXDA.

And a close up of the original Gipsy Major inverted 4 cylinder motor

And finally, the inside

One good bit of news is thesaving of XH558 for this year.  She was about to be grounded due to lack of funds and an anonymous benefactor came in at the last minute and saved the day.  Everyone is owe them a thank you for saving this important bit of history.

Also Derek Mowat has asked if anyone is willing to sponsor getting a Spitfir to Kirkwall in June.  It will be 65 years since a merlin engine was heard over Orkney so if you can help, get in touch.

Thanks for reading, take care.

Neil

The kick in the backside I needed

I was standing in Tesco's today and Gwenda, mentioned in previous posts told me she had recently had a look at the blog and loved it.  It's nice to be appreciated so I thought it was time for the final part of Leuchars.

Starting with this F50 which I think is one of the most graceful turboprops.

And and F4 Phantom in Leuchars livery

This aircraft was beautiful, a Sea Hawk from the Royal Navy Historic flight

This Gnat arrived and passed in front of us but did not demo

The Blades in their Extras did an unbelieveable display and then I understood why when I discovered the pilots are ex Red Arrows.

This Merlin arrived but took part in the static display

Team Guinot arrived

A better view of the Boeing Stearman.  Incidentally Team Guinot is the worlds only formation wing walking display team.

XX185 in the static display

Enter the mighty meteor

ZD704 arrived with the VIP's

A picture of the Blades lined up ready to perform

And the Red Arrows ready for their slot

Then there was no mistake with the approaching sound of the RAF Battle of Britain Flight

And then they were on the ground, they need no introduction and one of the highlights of the day was the Lancaster parking right in front of me and revving up all four engines, Music to my ears.

And then it was time for the Red Arrows, they could not do their performance last year but not so this year.  26 degrees and clear skies.  Do you spot the odd man out, the one in the middle is obviously a Eurofighter, I love this pic.  Sadly at this size it does not do them justice.

I felt like ducking

And I thought I would end this blog note with an aircraft that I surprised the RAF did not consider but every aircraft from every AirForce put on a fantastic display.  The F16 is awesome. but the Typhoon is a beast

It would be wrong of me not to thank the Royal Air Force for an absolutely fantastic couple of days and for the hospitality they gave.  Everything from start to finish was polished and professional and I loved every minute of it.

Finally I would like to thank my long suffering wife, Shona, my kids and my parents who clubbed in to give me this day for my birthday.  I couldn't think of anything better.

Not forgetting anyone who takes the time to read this

Take care and Happy New Year

Neil

Back to Kirkwall

I realised my last entries are based on other airports so I thought before I did any more I would give a few more pics from Kirkwall.

So I will start with a question-  What does John Wayne, Orange County Choppers and Kirkwall Airport have in common.  This next two pictures will show you.  WE had a visit from G-MRAJ, a Hughes 500, in the summer.  This particular one came from the Orange County Sheriffs department and the motif on the side is outstanding.

This Cessna 340 came to visit us recently G-CCXJ

And the inside

This Islander came in from Hebridean who normally come in with their bright yellow aircraft

A couple of weeks ago, we had one of our busiest days, 4 Saab 340's, a Saab 2000, 3 helos, 2 Islanders and a terminal full of peoples

I was trying out a new camera and caught this  X'air taking off on

We are in the middle of a military exercise and I have taken a few pics, long distance but recognisable

First a pair of hawks

And the a first for me, not just for Kirkwall, anywhere.  ZA148 VC10.  I went up to the main road at the end of the 27 threshold and was well chuffed as I arrived 30 seconds before it flew over my head.

And over the 27 threshold

Finally, a couple of Citations to finish off this entry first G-WAIN

and finally D-IETZ which flew in from Mannheim on friday

That's all folks

Neil

Part 2

Well, I have found another half an hour to write some more news.  This next aircraft, A Douglas Skyraider was the aircraft that would have won the best sounding aircraft of the weekend.  2500hp of pistons.  Unbelievable is the only word I can think of.  It was also much larger than the likes of a Spitfire or a Hurricane.

Then came the Yaks

Then the unmistakeable sound of a Spitfire, this particular aircraft being fitted with a second seat

I am not sure it was part of the show but the next aircraft was a PA46

A Harrier landed around the same time but no VTOL sadly

The artwork on this F16 was fantastic

I then had a wander across to the statics starting with this Casa

And a Royal Navy Jetstream

The Czech Antonov was back

A previous display winner

Then the big guy

And a couple of close ups

The artwork on a number of these aircraft was exceptional, This German Tornado is no exception

Run out of time again, part 3 soon, thanks for your patience

More to come....................................