Dragon Changeover

[StormsInAfrica]

Seems like it's been a while again?

I understood it to be a 5/6 week rotation?

[H.A.Bucken]

Usually start on Tuesdays, and I'll be away from my normal 'fishing basket' if it happens this week.
Roger

[Rory76]

I take it you only get to see these if you're around for takeoff or landing and they don't sit on the apron like the bomber deployments?

[Freeman Lowell]

Rory,
They are usually hangared overnight. Not always though, but that might be dependant on temperatures or dew point?
They are usually allowed to cool before being put away and are brought out of the hangar an hour or more before flight.
Luck applies.
Freeman

[Andrew45]

Notam up for today....

[WannabeMKII]

Notam up for today....

Where can I find the NOTAM? Sorry if it's a silly question

[WannabeMKII]

Ah ha, found the NOTAM. Is there any way to narrow down the arrival time with any sort of tracking? It's just I'd love to see one come in and it's only 15 minutes from me, but I don't have time to be there for the whole window of the NOTAM?

Any help welcome. Thanks.

[city42]

can some one post the NOTAM please

[tazmin88]

As requested

EGTT/QFAAH/IV/NBO/A/000/999/5141N00147W005
B) FROM: 16/10/19 06:30C TO: 16/10/19 15:30
E) AD AND RWY 09/27 OPEN. AVAILABLE FOR SCHEDULED MOVEMENTS ONLY.

NB add 1Hr for BST

[city42]

Thank you

[page_verify]

Do Dragons normally have a notam up saying the airfield is open for the whole day?

[tazmin88]

Not unusual for notam to be as it is

keeps us guessing

[H.A.Bucken]

No "Dragons" reported elsewhere so far; it's a long time slot so I guess it'll be the 'Embassy flt'- C-17.
So maybe next week now.
Roger

[rh226]

I didn't think the Embassy Flights were using Fairford any more. Also there is no RCH1815 showing over the pond and the only other C-17 in UK airspace is a McChord machine (RCH645), not a McGuire one. So no.

Normally, I would say that the length of the NOTAM is consistent with (probably) 2 x Eastbound U-2s followed later in the day by two Westbound.

However, as "glencoe" has posted in the "Heads Up" section there are 4 KC-135s "active" at Mildenhall on high priority mission callsigns, might it be possible that the NOTAM is to put the airfield on readiness for possible diversions (Global Power mission/s??)?

Only my thoughts.

[uk-heliman]

However, as "glencoe" has posted in the "Heads Up" section there are 4 KC-135s "active" at Mildenhall on high priority mission callsigns, might it be possible that the NOTAM is to put the airfield on readiness for possible diversions (Global Power mission/s??)?

I'd bet on that scenario rh226. - although i have only ever lost money betting!

[Al dunn]

The global power mission is why the SPUR tankers have come over,

[Rory76]

Would planned night stops be telegraphed in advance?

[tazmin88]

However, as "glencoe" has posted in the "Heads Up" section there are 4 KC-135s "active" at Mildenhall on high priority mission callsigns, might it be possible that the NOTAM is to put the airfield on readiness for possible diversions (Global Power mission/s??)?

I'd bet on that scenario rh226. - although i have only ever lost money betting!

QID440 Flt receiver is Mighty 51 according to ATC comms

[rh226]

The global power mission is why the SPUR tankers have come over,

It looks like they are doing the homeward refuelling of MYTEE51/52 - SPUR currently starting engines at Mildenhall. So, my guess above was right - for a change!!

[Rory76]

Loud deep rumble over Tewkesbury just now- dunno if Fairford linked?