Commentary: RAF Flying Clubs’ Association land on Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Sqn. Ldr. Jerry Neild
  • RAF commander Lakenheath
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Some would say it was ambitious. Some may even think organizing an event dependent on good weather in England is foolish. However, the Royal Air Force Honington Flying Club, a part of the RAF Flying Clubs' Association, and the 48th Fighter Wing of RAF Lakenheath, simply viewed it as a challenge to take on and overcome, and thus came about a ground-breaking Fly-In and Flight Safety Seminar held at RAF Lakenheath on Aug. 26.

With more than 5,000 of the original 9,000 feet of runway still available, the RAF Honington Flying Club is keen to help all ranks and ages develop a passion and understanding of flight while offering an economic way to learn how to fly. As a member of the RAFFCA, this year's members have attended fly-ins at both RAF Waddington and RAF Cosford. The members were able to develop and extend links between the RAF and civilian general aviation community. Nestling on the edge of the exceptionally busy RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall military air traffic zone, a joint endeavour was made between the flying club and the 48th FW to generate a wider understanding of local flight safety issues.

Although the day had dawned misty and, for a little while, interfered with some arrivals, the sun soon shone and sky was dotted with fluffy "fine weather" cumulus clouds. With the option to attend an event at RAF Lakenheath as well as land their civilian aircraft on a runway normally reserved for the F-15 Eagles of the U.S. Air Force, 18 aircraft flown by members of the RAFFCA, landed on the runway. The civilian planes came from locations as far away as RAF Cosford, out past Birmingham.

The visiting aircraft ranged from basic trainers, and cross-country and touring machines to a colorful YAK-52, Piper Cub with D-Day markings and an elderly Auster 6. They made for odd bed-fellows parked on a ramp, nose to nose with F-15 Strike Eagles of the 494th Fighter Squadron. The event was also attended by nearly 30 members of the civilian general aviation community with members of the Fenlands, Winglands, Seething and Cambridge Aero Clubs joining in the full-day program and adding further extensive aeronautical expertise.

The 48th FW laid out a stunning static display giving attendees remarkable access to examples of the F-15C, F-15E and the HH-60 Pave-Hawk helicopter, happily showing the visitors around some serious military muscle.

With "Show and Tell" over, the rest of the morning was spent getting acquainted with the capability and local operations of these aircraft and those of the 352nd Special Operations Group based at RAF Mildenhall. The military and civilian aviation interaction continued over lunch before a busy afternoon of visits to the air traffic control tower and Radar Approach Control facility, and a birds of prey demonstration, courtesy of an 8-week-old kestrel working with the base bird control unit.

Unbelievably, the day continued to go from strength to strength with illuminating and, at times, thought-provoking presentations. Keith Thomas, General Aviation Safety Council, spoke on the limitations of and need for "Look-Out", and David Cockburn, the chief flying instructor of the RAF Waddington Flying Club, examined the details of an ill-fated flight. By examining the flight details, the audience worked to identify the series of factors that may have been contributed to the mishap, highlighting where they could plan out some risks and be aware of others.

Following a spirited and constructive open forum, Col. Kyle Robinson, 48th FW commander, drew the day to a close, expressing his pleasure in being able to help host the event as well as his appreciation for those attending on a public holiday. He also commended all present for their contribution to help enhance both military and general aviation flight safety within the East Anglian airspace. Thanks were given in response by Cockburn for the hospitality and opportunities afforded them by the 48th FW and the RAF Honington Flying Club. He also gave special mention to Capt. Annie Driscoll and me for the set up of this landmark event. With that, as the civilian contingent headed for home in their cars, the RAFFCA members returned to their aircraft and, under the watchful eyes of the Eagles parked opposite them, started their engines to begin their flights home.