Predicting Flights

[SteveS]

Not a stupid question Nathan, this is what the section is for.

It's very much hit and miss with mil photography, a lot of details are not published, for obvious reasons. You'll get the know some bases are busier than others, Cranwell, Coningsby, Mildenhall, Lakenheath, Brize Norton and Valley are usually pretty busy, depending on your taste and where you're located. You can probably consider yourself unlucky if you spend a day at one of these and see nothing. Unless it's Sunday...

You'll find viewing guides in some of the base sub-forums on here and some are easier for photography than others. Valley, Leuchars, Coningsby are all easy as pie, Lyneham, Marham and Wittering (ha!) can be hard to find decent spots.

If something nice is coming in from abroad and you're close enough to make a dash to a base, keeps your eyes on the Heads Up section on here, our members are often able to provide details of spotted incoming flights and possible locations.

Steve

[GOOSE]

Or is it a case of turning up and striking lucky ?

This is the thrill of Military Aviation viewing! Sometimes you just don't know.

Civilian aviation is usually timetabled and therefore partially sterile. Military is not and therefore a "live" beast.

A good understanding of scanning, Notams etc can make your stalk on the quarry more interesting and therefore fun / sporting..........

Ultimately Military spotting is difficult and therefore more rewarding.