RAF Coningsby - 21st June 2007

With the first (and indeed penultimate) flight of the two 6 Sqn retirement 'specials' planned, I was invited along to the Squadron to record the afternoon's events.

Having sat in on the brief, we walked with the crews to the aircraft. Flying today would be Wg Cdr John Sullivan in the spotty jet, Sqn Ldr Dave Stephen in the desert jet, and Flt Lt Matt Peterson in the T4.

With the crews strapped in and the jets preparing for start, a pair of Ala 11 EF2000s from the Spanish AF taxied out with some 3 Sqn counterparts who were hosting them.

Charlie Rathbone goes through the control surface checks with 'Stumper'.

Finally, after all the anticipation, the spotty jet makes a welcome appearance outside, looking absolutely amazing.

JS and the boys agreed to hold outside the HAS for two minutes, giving us just enough time to run across to the mound to catch them taxying out.

An air-to-air photographic element had been worked into the sortie, and Jamie Hunter departed in the Hawk to cover that aspect of it.

With the aircraft all airborne and not expected back for an hour or so, we headed back to the Ops building. It seems like a big cat had been on the prowl!!

Mission complete the aircraft land one by one, and with the taxiway between the 05 end and the 3 Sqn HAS site shut, we get considerably more than just Jags!

Back on the ramp, post flight checks being carried out, then nothing to do but put the jets 'to bed'.

As ever, thanks to JS for the inviation, and to D-Reg and Al for 'hosting us'.