Morning all,
Yesterday dawned dry bright and very clear. Visibility was such that aircraft trailing over Brest could be seen from Cornwall!
It was going to be a longish day so a leisurely start was made enjoying breakfast on the Hotel Terrace overlooking the Beach at Newquay.
A couple of early arrivals seen from the Car Park next to the Hotel into Newquay were:
10-0215 C17 USAF
2-RIDE TBM850
First call of the day was RNAS Culdrose. The viewing area here provides not only good views of the Hawks especially but also the airways which were very busy yesterday.
Noted between 0945 – 1215
G-FPLD Be200
ZZ500 Be350 Royal Navy*
ZZ501 Be350 Royal Navy
ZZ502 Be350 Royal Navy
ZZ503 Be350 Royal Navy
XV673 Sea King* (Gate Guard)
ZF641 Merlin (Instructional Air Frame in an open hanger along with a Harrier)
ZH840 Merlin Royal Navy
ZH850 Merlin Royal Navy*
ZH854 Merlin Royal Navy
XX200 Hawk Royal Navy
XX256 Hawk Royal Navy
XX280 Hawk Royal Navy
XX281 Hawk Royal Navy
OTT
N408DX A339 DAL
HB-JSC Da8X
N350KM CL350
9H-VFJ CL605 VJT
From here I headed East through Truro and St. Austell up to Liskeard and Castle Air’s facility at Trebrown. This is signposted off the A38 and houses a Garage full of Vintage cars as well as the Helicopter Facility. Everything present could be read off from the perimeter which is only surrounded by a low ballistrade fence.
Noted 1350 – 1400
2-GAFO A109*
2-HELO A109
G-DMPI A109
G-DVIP A109
G-EMHE A109
G-GPOT A109
G-IVIP A109
G-MDPI A109
G-XXIV B206
XS936 Lightning is here on a pole as you enter the Car Park.
Then it was back on the road to Exeter. Be warned if you are using the A38 there are a lot of roadworks on the Tamar Bridge. It was no problem yesterday.
Exeter 1505 – 1520 (Different to those logged on Sunday)
G-ISLK ATR72 BCI
VH-VPI ATR72
VH-VPJ ATR72
M-TSRI Be90
G-ENCE P68
G-CPAS EC135*
G-DAAS EC145
Both VH- ATRs were visible through an open hanger door from the Northside of the airfield. I couldnt find a way you could see them if the hanger was closed.
From here I headed to Dunkeswell and a meeting with Paul Wiggins who had kindly arranged for a trip over to the far side and all the hangers. A very pleasant hour was spent wandering around seeking out some interesting airframes. In all I would think around 80 – 100 present. Below I have listed those of interest to me and the overseas items noted:
1645 – 1800
G-SVAN C208
G-EMOL H269
G-HFLA H269 (wreck)
51-15629/N7238X Pa18*
55771/N68427 Stearman*
BF+070/G-CHYN AT6*
TW501/G-ALBJ Auster 5*
G-CIGE DHC1*
2-TECH RC114
I-IJMW Mooney (wreck)
N248LT Pa34
N257SA Pa32
N1320S C182
N8220M Be36TP
N21381 Pa34 (wreck)
TC-NLB AA5 (wreck)
Then it was back on the road to Yeovilton. The following noted 1910 – 1930 being put away All Royal Navy
ZZ392 Wildcat
ZZ393 Wildcat
ZZ397 Wildcat
ZZ407 Wildcat
ZZ409 Wildcat*
ZZ511 Wildcat
ZZ528 Wildcat*
ZZ532 Wildcat*
ZZ533 Wildcat*
Final stop of the day was Netheravon after a nemesis Caravan. Noted at 2020 outside the hangers:
G-BZAH C208*
G-CPSS C208
I hope the logs have been of use. I know perhaps not up to my usual standards of aircraft seen but I am very pleased with 37 frames during my trip.
Until next time….
Mark Paulin
Photo credit: