One of the great things about visiting Classic Air Force at Newquay Airport is that it gives you a real rare chance to see close up whats happening airside at the base. Now anyone (of a certain age) wont remember this as being Newquay Airport but as RAF St.Mawgan.The base closed as a major airbase a number of years ago but being there last Thursday 23rd May 2013 it would appear to be far from closed to military visitors and RAF Aircraft in fact it seems the RAF have forgotten they don't use it anymore! I am of course writing this tongue in cheek but on a serious note all the old RAF signs remain as does the magnificent green control tower it maybe missing Nimrods overflying it now but it still stands proud.
So here is a run through of what i captured flying in and out and around on that very busy day.
Where better to start than a few pics of that control tower!
Ok so to the flying and first up was Merlin ZR350 a brand new build Merlin which is to end up with the Algerian Airforce
Flying in just primer she was attending the AgustaWestland Operational Flying Training Centre which is based here.She is seen here leaving to head back Yeovilton.
Staying with this part of the base there were also two Merlins from the Indian Airforce ZR339 and ZR342 these though are in full markings and were looking stunning.
Then ZR342 started up and left to go back to Yeovilton.This machine must have taxied past me very close and i don't know how i managed to stand up with the power of this beast but I did and got these great shots!
Next the RAF put in an appearance with C130 J ZH833 bashing the circuit numerous times.
Next up it was the turn of the Royal Navy and one of only two Aerospatiale Dauphin 2 on strength with the Navy ZJ165 so a rare beast indeed!
Finally Cobham and just one of their Dassault Falcon 20DC G-FRAK seen here departing from the airfield.
This final shot takes us full circle from starting out looking at the old Control Tower this shot contains the new one
Hope you have enjoyed this look at what is still a very busy airfield. If you have anytime over the summer get yourself down there and support the guys at Classic Air Force its well worth a visit
Thanks for looking
Cheers
Lee
