RAF Northolt - Nightshoot II Having been particularly disappointed to have missed "Northolt Nightshoot I", I was very keen to be present for the second installment, particularly so as it was billed as being focussed on our rotary friends.
Phil Dawe's the man who organises this series of events at this London RAF Station and his enthusiasm seems to know no bounds, impeccably supported by Station Commander, Gp Cpt Guy van den Berg, and OC32 (The Royal) Squadron, Wg Cdr Steve Pitcher.
Unfortunately operational commitments, as well as technical issues curtailed the participation of many of the invited guests. Thus it was left to a Sea King HAR3A of 22 Sqn's B Flight from Wattisham, a Puma HC1 from 33 Sqn RAF Benson, and the residents of 32(TR) Sqn to keep the 83 assembled souls happy, something which they successfully pulled off.
After the required security and safety briefs were given by OC32, the visitors were invited to wander up and down the line of aircraft provided, all perfectly lit by the pure white sodium lights that line one side of the ramp.
It was then that things started to happen, with the Sea King being spun into life.
As they taxied out the photographer's focus moved on to the Puma. The Sea King can be seen departing as a light trail in the wider shot below.
The Puma is relatively scarce on the airshow circuit, so to catch one under such photographer friendly conditions was just superb.
With the Puma carrying out its checks and then taxying for departure, attentions were once again drawn toward the next aircraft that was sitting there strobing, and then running on the ramp.
OC32 himself had talked of 'flashing up' one of the 109s but I don't think anyone was prepared for what happened next! Evidently this aircraft was in need of a hover check, and that's precisely what it got!
He taxied it around and then took to the skies, holding position in various poses! The lighting on the ramp is so good and with the aircraft being predominantly white, it was actually possible to shoot it in the air! How many opportunities do you get to shoot an airborne helicopter at night?
The wheels touching down signalled the end to the evening's flying activities, but there was another BAe125 resting further along the ramp which we were told we could shoot.
OK, so there were cancellations, but as anyone who's dealt with the military will know, nothing is ever certain until the wheels are on the deck, despite them I don't think anyone present could have any complaints whatsoever about what they were treated to.
The evening concluded with the opportunity to buy some 32(TR) Sqn merchandise and to savour one of Denise's excellent bacon rolls in the terminal building!
Full marks go to Phil for his continual efforts to offer something a bit different to the discerning aviation photographer. Naturally he couldn't do it without the backing of the Station Commander and OC32. And with the proceeds from the evening going once again to the planned Station Museum, it really is a win-win situation for everyone concerned.
My sincere thanks go out to everyone who made the evening possible.
Roll on the next one!