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RAF Northolt Photocall 2009
Words and photographs Mike Freer, additional photographs Stuart Freer
The weather Gods shone on the assembled gathering of aviation photographers at this year’s annual RAF Northolt Photocall. The torrential rain that had soaked Southern England on the previous day and night, eventually moved northwards to give pleasant clear and sunny conditions. The rain clouds gathered once again as the last photographers left for home. For once, lady luck was on our side.
The aim of the photocall was to help raise money for the charities supported by RAF Northolt and the restoration of the Sector Ops room. This was partly done through the sale of tickets for the event plus the auction of a very limited number of places for the Friday arrivals day and night time photo shoot. Unfortunately, those that attended the night time event got thoroughly soaked in torrential rain, but this did not dampen spirits and some diehards were still clicking away well towards midnight.
Sadly, there were a number of cancellations due to operational commitments and due to the global recession and tightning defence budgets. However, there were plenty of interesting aircraft on view to satisfy the discerning aviation photographer. Patience was the order of the day and at times it was a little frustrating either waiting for the sun to peep from behind some stubborn cloud or hoping that the person photographing details of the aircraft would move away to give a clear view.
The resident 32(TR) Sqn provided a line of three Agusta A-109s along with a Bae125. Other RAF aircraft were a pair of Tornados, a Kingair, Hawk, Tucano and Merlin while the AAC provided an Islander and the FAA showed off their Jetstream resplendent in Fly Navy 100 markings. The HH-60G of the 56th RQS was a very welcome sight. The Irish Air Corps provided a rarely seen AW139 helicopter and the RNLAF was present with a Gulfstream V along with a pair of PC-7s. Another welcome trainer was a FAF Alpha Jet. Surprise addition to the line-up was the late arrival of a Turkish Air Force Citation. One of Martin Baker’s Meteor T7s used for ejector seat trials was a welcome sight along with a privately owned OV-10A Bronco. Also present was a privately owned Bell 47 Sioux helicopter.
Much credit is due to Phil Dawe and his team for organising this event. Thanks also to the Station Commander RAF Northolt, OC 32(TR) Sqn and to the Senior Air Traffic Control Officer, the Project Officer for the weekend for making this event possible.
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