FM F16's into Lakenheath 5-5-2019

[N1EL]

Hi all
At 05:30 on the 07/05/2019

I paid a visit hoping to get them before they started getting moved about etc.

11 of the 12 seen, 85-1438 was missing, I know it was the end one, however it is not there, the space to the north of the 482FW aircraft is empty and could see the area to the north of that position also.
All the other 11 read off and still in the order listed previously.

I assume it was the first to be put in some sort of maintenance cycle.

All 11 I saw can be read from the usual spot along the A1065 on the verge, I didn't venture into the field as previously mentioned, Sheep and Lamb about so best avoid.

Cheers Neil.

[Lytham TL]

I didn't realise that there was a 'usual spot along the A1065 on the verge' where a/c on the visitors ramp can be read from. I assume it must be somewhere between the little pull in that we use for going into the field and the main gate. Whereabouts is it exactly?

[raameagle]

There isn't. You have to park your car (in a safe place of course) and then walk along the verge of the A1065 to peer between the trees to see the jets. Do take care though because the road is busy and there isn't much room between car and pedestrian! Moreover, it is better to walk on the side opposite the base fence because you are higher up and able to look over the wooden fence.
One might have to park in the spotters area and walk from there. It's a long walk but certainly worthwhile if one needs a lot of jets and can only make it to Lakenheath outside of flying hours.
Regards
Mark

[donegalone]

Also. you may find some golf balls. from off the base

[viscount701]

8 up by 0931 heavy rain mb

[slogen51]

8 vipers back


Mako 21/22 : 1438 and 307
Shark 41/42 : 319 and 1487
Akula? 61/62 : 244 and 287
Cain 21/22 : "482FW" and "93FS"

Still raining at 11:30L

[Apache123]

have all of these flown sorties since arriving?

MTIA

APACHE123

[stealth117]

Hi, does anyone know if these will use RAF Donna nook or RAF holbeach bombing ranges whilst they are here at all? I'm off work this week and debating one of the ranges or do the longer drive down to lakenheath, any info or thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks
Martin

[stupot27]

Well
99.9%chance seeing them fly at lakenheath along with the locals

Not same chances at the ranges

[slogen51]

Assuming some don't disappear into Europe for a few days I would have thought there was a 50/50 chance at Holbeach just for a change from following Strike eagles around.

The two yesterday afternoon went up against a typhoon from Coningsby

[stealth117]

Thanks for the replies, think I may just head to lakenheath through the day and maybe holbeach on the way back home as it appears there's a notam that holbeach is open late until around midnight, so chance to see the f16s at lakenheath and maybe some bonus range action. It could well be that holbeach is staying open late for Apaches as it wasn't too long ago they have been using the range late nights.

Thanks again

[Apache123]

looking to come down Friday any chance all will be departing?

[Hawkwind26]

Regarding Fridays, Lakenheath generally tends to be quieter for based aircraft movements but with the F16s here there may be some movements.

[tazmin88]

Thanks for the replies, think I may just head to lakenheath through the day and maybe holbeach on the way back home as it appears there's a notam that holbeach is open late until around midnight, so chance to see the f16s at lakenheath and maybe some bonus range action. It could well be that holbeach is staying open late for Apaches as it wasn't too long ago they have been using the range late nights.

Thanks again

at least one Apache has been going to Holbeach on the last two evenings this week ( transiting over my location )

[stealth117]

Hi, thanks for the info, much appreciated

[AndyB]

Do we know whether the farm track is still available for parking or is that now also out of bounds? I don't fancy that long walk, especialy on that dodgy road.

[Blackcat1]

Are the F16s departing elsewhere Friday then?

[plmc135]

Do we know whether the farm track is still available for parking or is that now also out of bounds? I don't fancy that long walk, especialy on that dodgy road.

No problem parking there on Tuesday, only vehicle present.

[AndyB]

Thanks. It's a shame that visitors no longer park by the Warren. Much safer and nobody got upset by crowds of spotters.