Cobra Warrior 25-1

[cat1]

Luckily down south we don't have many exercise groups or heads up groups so you can quietly slip off to Yeovilton and Culdrose.

Didn't realise how bad it was till yesterday.

Dread to thing what CW25-2 will be like if 25-1 becomes an issue....

[Philwinward]

Harkins, I couldn’t agree more.

The situation at Waddington is becoming out of control. It’s become a circus and highly embarrassing. What must the RAF and the visiting aircrews think of it all? One day someone is either going to get seriously hurt or worse.

The problem here is you have a FB group with over 11K in membership, with info published every day on what’s happening. Do people really think this would not cause a problem at the base attracting hundreds of visitors every day during CW? The worse thing that ever happened was a public FB group allowing everyone to join. Now we have a tourist attraction which has caused mayhem.

As a local who has been visiting the base for over 30+ years, it is very disappointing to see how things have turned out. Back in the days of the ACMI we never had a problem. Access was fine at both ends, never got shouted at by farmers, never got a problem with parking.

Now it has all been ruined by social media. Yes it’s a different world now, but the FB groups are destroying the hobby at every base. People don’t respect land, all they are interested in is the internet shots for the instagram breed and FB groups etc.

It’s the same old story, if you put more info out there in the public domain you will attract more people with less common sense. That’s a fact.

Ah the days of the ACMI exercises, they were great and that was the last time I visited . Never remember the wave being that busy then but that was before the days of social media . They were great days,I used to visit with my late Uncle a couple of times a year.

Must admit that I also miss the ACMI days. It all seemed more relaxed, info was passed on by word of mouth, but you never really knew what was there until you arrived. Thinking about it, in those days digital cameras were very expensive, most people still using film and having to pay for developing/printing which was expensive, you chose what to photograph carefully to keep costs down. These days with “continuous “ settings you are bound to get a good shot sometimes, but you can then delete the rubbish shots.
Another point about crowds at the exercise, again going back over the years we had more exercises held at more active airfields so many people went to their nearest and not everybody to the same one.

[PR9]

Never known it so busy, except for air show arrival days. Got there at 7:40 yesterday and car park already had significant cars (not helped by some atrocious parking reducing capacity).
Then there is the "fight" for a spot as everyone seems to now do the German Holidaymaker stereotype of setting their steps up then returning to their cars at first light.

Its becoming more of a chore than a hobby like the olden days.

[Captain Haddock]

I was down the 02 end yesterday and it was quieter than I thought it was going to be, probably due to the walk. Everything was good , I just had to tell one lad to not walk on the plough field. But otherwise it was fine.
Probably more people there this week, due to the French only being there this week.

[stealth117]

I went with my brother yesterday afternoon and as soon as the flying finished for the day everyone rushed for their cars to head home. We stayed for a few minutes then took a slow walk back to our car. I have to say on our walk back I was appalled by just how much litter had been left down the fence line, mainly opposite the viewing area. I was actually surprised by how many coffee cups that have obviously been purchased from the van in the wave that had been left behind, how hard is it to bin it in the wave (assuming they have a bin available? )or even take it home as we do. It's things like this that will also unfortunately end our ability to go and enjoy these awesome aircraft. I'm sure people will say "but they aren't the real spotters" but I personally don't think all of the litter is from "the average joe".
I for one was disappointed it has been made more difficult to access the 02 end (I wouldn't have had time to finish work, get there and walk all the way round to the end in time unfortunately)as I much prefer to be away from alot of these entitled idiots that seem to turn up these days.

Sorry for the long post and rant but I do feel like we are going to lose our ability to go and do something we love doing and all for the small minority that spoil it.

[PR9]

I was down the 02 end yesterday and it was quieter than I thought it was going to be, probably due to the walk. Everything was good , I just had to tell one lad to not walk on the plough field. But otherwise it was fine.
Probably more people there this week, due to the French only being there this week.

It's worrying that people need to be told not to walk on a ploughed field.

[Petepilot]

Not managed to make it over this time due to a work project that isn’t affording any free time. But I have mixed feelings about missing out. I’ve read so much stuff on mainly Facebook and 99% of it has nothing to do with aircraft but with people moaning about steps (always referred to as ladders) and people trespassing on private land (twerps) and arguing between spotters and day trippers.

It used to be a nice hobby. I’ve never been as hardcore as many are, but I like to think my interest has been spread over decades. It seems to me that military air shows in the UK dropping from maybe thirty to just one and a bit (RIAT & Cosford) has turned the massively reduced number of exercises and Lakenheath on Fridays into air show substitutes.Add to that social media platforms have made everything easily known to everyone and I think we generally have a lot more mobility than we have in past, so whizzing three hours up the road to see jets is easily doable. Maybe increased expendable income, flexitime, working from ‘home’ etc has contributed. It even seems like everyone in the world has a pro camera and 500mm telephoto lens now as well. Were they given out in cereal boxes at some point? I missed out:(

There’s probably a few other reasons too, but bottom line is that looking at fast jets has become off the scales accessible and popular now. And it seems to be spoiling it for everyone from dedicated old school spotters to a mum and her kids passing by at half term.

And it does seem some of the aggravation at the 02 end is a result of it being made so difficult to get to it whilst still saying it is accessible. That is not in any way excusing any of the bad behaviour. And could you even imagine if the overspill parking next to the WAVE was denied next time around?

And the RAF have now issued a code of conduct which is fine, but whilst it is not directly their fault, their own efforts to in effect advertise the exercise across various social media platforms surely has played its part in it being so popular with spectators. Maybe they should make a bit less of it or even put their airshow back on to give the public a better opportunity to see military aircraft doing their thing in a more controlled situation?

Just felt like getting that off my chest after reading some of the Waddington Facebook groups this week. And I hope those that have been or are due to have or will enjoy it.

Well put, and Scalp, Dannyboyo, and Blackcat. I couldn't bring myself to make the relatively short trip to Waddington from York to join the circus - not for me. I'm going to spend three days on the Loop next week for some solitude, scenery, and hopefully some jets! I hope there isn't a ticket system in place for access now, or the lay-bys filled with coaches and day-trippers....

No ticket system yet theres some great beer garden locations if you dont fancy walking up mountains

Now you've got my attention! Cross Foxes, Corris Craft Centre?? Tell me more (please)

[B58Hustler]

I can only echo everyone else's comments.
I mainly go to 'The Loop' these days and even then I make sure the kids are at school.
That said, I arrived at Bwlch car park at 03:30 on Thursday and got the last spot before they started double parking and hemming us in (something you have to accept at Bwlch). And that's in February!
I then try and pick a spot where I'm not in a crowd.
I shudder to think what it's like at Waddo!
One of the issues today in addition to what has already been mentioned re social media/day trippers/Instagrammers/Tiktokkers etc. is how few locations there are to share amongst a smallish Island housing 70 million people.
In the mid Eighties when we had circa 55 million people, in addition To Lakenheath, Mildenhall,Marham,Coiningsby and Lossie, you could visit;

Coltishall: Jaguar
Honington: Tornado Buccaneer Hunter
Wattisham: Phantom
Bentwaters: A-10 F-16
Woodbridge: A-10 H-53 C-130
Alconbury: RF-4C F-5 TR-1
Binbrook: Lightning
Cottesmore: Tornado
Wittering: Harrier
Upper Heyford: F-111 EF-111
Bedford,Boscombe,Farnborough: Various Raspberry ripples
Brawdy: Hawk Hunter Meteor
Chivenor: Hawk
Linton and Church Fenton for Trainers
Lyneham: Hercs
Leuchars: Pnantom
Kinloss: Nimrod
St.Mawgan: Nimrod

That's just off the top of my head. Anyhow, now off to have a little cry.............

[Blackcat1]

0330? In February! When the RAF & USAFE are all still cwtched up in bed! Crazy!!

[C24]

The comments posted above confirmed my decision last week to not visit on two days and a third trip to be converted to an afternoon at Holbeach.
No aircraft came through but i had two and a half hours of watching barn owls hunting the along the dykes. It was bone crunchingly cold but the reward of seeing 4 owls at one time was a lifetime record.

That said, camouflage gear on for a trip to Waddo tomorrow or maybe the day after. Or next week after the crowds

[cat1]

Just a heads up
I know everyone knows already but please

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyddqqgnwqo.amp

[Black Mike]

Just to put things in perspective, spent today at 02 end. Used Black Cat Travel. Excellent service, dropped off at the layby and collected within 10mins of calling for the return trip and money going to a good cause.

No litter, no grief, no one tramping across the fields. A very relaxing day had with friends at the fence.

Mike

[Tonka 617]

Just to put things in perspective, spent today at 02 end. Used Black Cat Travel. Excellent service, dropped off at the layby and collected within 10mins of calling for the return trip and money going to a good cause.

No litter, no grief, no one tramping across the fields. A very relaxing day had with friends at the fence.

Mike

I second this regarding Black Cats Travel, great service they are offering for only £15 a day. Quick and prompt drop off or pick up at the lay by, and peace of mind your car is parked safely in their compound

[plmc135]

When will some people learn. New article on BBC Lincs stating that anti-social warning letters are being sent to some "spotters" for failing to comply with rules and even arguing with police.

[FlyingFairy]

When will some people learn. New article on BBC Lincs stating that anti-social warning letters are being sent to some "spotters" for failing to comply with rules and even arguing with police.

Link to the article here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c204991n4wgo

[tornado17]

When will some people learn. New article on BBC Lincs stating that anti-social warning letters are being sent to some "spotters" for failing to comply with rules and even arguing with police.

There was one individual this afternoon who decided it was ok for him to walk past everyone at the lights at the 20 end and get nearer the red and white fence. Fortunately a police officer on the other side of the road shouted at him to go back. When he decided to argue, the officer asked him 'Are you taking the pee?' Love it!! I don't think he was a true enthusiast though as he only had a phone. Unfortunately, it's tw*ts like him who ruin it for everyone else.

[Yunglee]

Are the police stopping folks walking past the red and white fence to stand near the far (western) traffic lights? As opposed to stopping people who are lingering near the red and white fence

[tornado17]

Are the police stopping folks walking past the red and white fence to stand near the far (western) traffic lights? As opposed to stopping people who are lingering near the red and white fence

I don’t know about that but if you wanted to do that, I’d speak to the copper if present.

[Yunglee]

Are the police stopping folks walking past the red and white fence to stand near the far (western) traffic lights? As opposed to stopping people who are lingering near the red and white fence

I don’t know about that but if you wanted to do that, I’d speak to the copper if present.

[LTFT5]

Are the police stopping folks walking past the red and white fence to stand near the far (western) traffic lights? As opposed to stopping people who are lingering near the red and white fence

Hi
Advice I got from the Police was it is OK to go to the other end as long as you walk on the opposite verge to the red and white fence.
Andy