B-52 General chat!

[Stroudy]

I only know basics about mission planning, aircraft maintenance and turn around (and little about the effect Covid is having on this deployment) but with 6 airframes here I imagined there would be more flying with more aircraft. I believe it was stated this would be a very active deployment compared to usual, that said i'm grateful for what we're able to watch, especially the great mix of morning, daytime, evening and night movements.

[TomTwin]

I only know basics about mission planning, aircraft maintenance and turn around (and little about the effect Covid is having on this deployment) but with 6 airframes here I imagined there would be more flying with more aircraft. I believe it was stated this would be a very active deployment compared to usual, that said i'm grateful for what we're able to watch, especially the great mix of morning, daytime, evening and night movements.

Must admit I am slightly disappointed. Think during the whole deployment myself and Jack have been to FFD about 5 or 6 times, and during those, only 2 days did anything take off and on those 2 days just 3 aircraft flew in total.

I understand one has had very significant engine issues, but it certainly seems to be “only fly what we really have to”.

Have to say the highlight was 4 B-52s landing in close succession.

[SamP]

You do realise a day at the fence of an operational air base isn’t like an airshow, right?

The pandemic has had an effect on this deployment, bringing up challenges never faced before by the crews. Given the current world situation it was never going to run as smoothly as previous deployments, I’m still surprised it happened at all. You should be grateful you managed a day with 4 aircraft flying, many others haven’t even managed that after multiple attempts.

[TomTwin]

You do realise a day at the fence of an operational air base isn’t like an airshow, right?

The pandemic has had an effect on this deployment, bringing up challenges never faced before by the crews. Given the current world situation it was never going to run as smoothly as previous deployments, I’m still surprised it happened at all. You should be grateful you managed a day with 4 aircraft flying, many others haven’t.

Wrong attitude to have from a moderator, really? Tone is completely wrong.

I am fully aware of the fact it is an operational deployment. I am saying this mainly on a photography level; plenty of shots I did not get last time I would have liked to have got this time. That would probably have happened with more flying, but alas, have to wait until next time.

You should be grateful you managed a day with 4 aircraft flying, many others haven’t.

If you read my post again you’ll see I’ve only really had 2 days of anything flying in 5 or 6 days. So yes, I am entitled to be disappointed somewhat, and yes I understand that others have not been lucky. You happen to be talking to a guy that watched for weeks when photos of B-1B Lancers flying from the base last occurred, only to turn up on the day the jets were grounded.

[tim_raper]

You do realise a day at the fence of an operational air base isn’t like an airshow, right?

The pandemic has had an effect on this deployment, bringing up challenges never faced before by the crews. Given the current world situation it was never going to run as smoothly as previous deployments, I’m still surprised it happened at all. You should be grateful you managed a day with 4 aircraft flying, many others haven’t.

Wrong attitude to have from a moderator, really? Tone is completely wrong.

I am fully aware of the fact it is an operational deployment. I am saying this mainly on a photography level; plenty of shots I did not get last time I would have liked to have got this time. That would probably have happened with more flying, but alas, have to wait until next time.

You should be grateful you managed a day with 4 aircraft flying, many others haven’t.

If you read my post again you’ll see I’ve only really had 2 days of anything flying in 5 or 6 days. So yes, I am entitled to be disappointed somewhat, and yes I understand that others have not been lucky. You happen to be talking to a guy that watched for weeks when photos of B-1B Lancers flying from the base last occurred, only to turn up on the day the jets were grounded.

For real? What does your post add?
What SamP said, the bombers aren't here for you

[TomTwin]

the bombers aren't here for you

Again, I know.

[adimale1981]

Can we move this to General Chat. It has no value in a Tracking section. Its getting tiresome thinking there's movement only to see this.

Thanks.

[johnwayne]

Come on 'TT' are you for real ? Just bear in mind these guys are doing a professional and sometimes risky job which helps keep us all keep safe and enjoy our freedom . We're extremely priveledged IMHO to have the viewing and photo opportunities that Fairford presents , and the understanding and tolerance of both the MoD Police & Gloucestershire Constabulary . The Buffs fly when they do for a reason - and its certainly not to entertain us and provide photo opportunities . You've just got to put in the effort and the time to get the reward - thats what being a spotter/enthusiast is all about .

[jigsaw]

Can we move this to General Chat. It has no value in a Tracking section. Its getting tiresome thinking there's movement only to see this.

Thanks.

Agreed.

[Binks92]

I was lead to believe it was only a 2 week deployment, this is into the 3rd week, and with no flying today one can only assume they will be homeward bound tomorrow.

[jigsaw]

I was lead to believe it was only a 2 week deployment, this is into the 3rd week, and with no flying today one can only assume they will be homeward bound tomorrow.

Assumptions are dangerous.

[Binks92]

[/quote]

Assumptions are dangerous.
[/quote]

So is standing under a flight line but we've all done it

[BOLLO]

Assumptions are the mutha of all f k ups.Chief bad guy Under Siege 2

[TomTwin]

You've just got to put in the effort and the time to get the reward - thats what being a spotter/enthusiast is all about .

Again, if you read the post again I’ve said I understand it’s a bomber deployment, I understand they fly when they have to and not to entertain us (should be obvious really), and I have put in the effort thank you very much, I’ve been to FFD 6 times in the last two weeks.

Last I will say on the matter then, back to the movements. If there are any.

[BOLLO]

Some chap recons they depart Saturday on one of the FB groups if some one could confirm or deny if possible ??

[rva65]

I was told they were here until the 19th!

[slogen51]

A topic header for some reported posts that about to be moved

Keep it clean

[jigsaw]

I was told they were here until the 19th!

Some chap recons they depart Saturday on one of the FB groups if some one could confirm or deny if possible ??

Both rumours. The 19th was someone assuming theyll leave as the ample strike ends. Same for saturday.
They leave when they leave and only they know the answer.

[thevulcan]

They will be taking part in Astral Knight untill at least the 25th September.

[mushbuster]

Assumed source for thevulcan's post here
https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Press-Rel ... -security/
https://theaviationist.com/2020/09/16/a ... rn-europe/

Although neither confirm Fairford as the launch base, it seems likely they will operate from Fairford