RNAS Yeovilton - 13th December 2005

With word having reached me that four Sea Harriers would be going tanking this morning, Geoff Hibbert and myself headed down to Yeovilton for what would be my last opportunity to shoot the type prior to their retirement.

A crisp, slightly misty morning greeted us upon our arrival in Somerset and it wasn't long before the Heron Flight Jetstreams and then the FRADU Hawks started to spool into life.

The next departure did so by road, a Sea Harrier FA2 off to Shawbury for storage.

The first 'self propelled' Harrier movement was provided by this striking T8 who kept the circuit busy for a good chunk of the morning.

Finally there was life around the SHARs and before we knew it, the anticipated four-ship were taxying towards us.

Skyblue Aviation's Hunter T7, G-VETA also joined the circuit for a few approaches that came as a very welcome surprise.

The Harrier T8 continued to perform various approaches

...and even made use of the ski ramp!

The Jetstream movements continued off and on.

The Hawks returned.

Finally the SHARs arrived, performing a run and break as they joined the visual.

That capped a really good morning at a very nice airfield, and somewhere that I miss visiting.