Looking out of the office window in rural Northamptonshire the rain hadn't stopped falling all day, and, with the cancellation of The Red Arrows' Hawk's planned attendance, I had actually told event organiser Phil Dawe not to expect to see me…
Sitting here though, as the clock ticked round to 1430, there was something nagging away at me. I'd got nothing else planned, the 32(TR) Sqn BAe146 was a 'cert' - the first time that either of the Squadron's two examples have been available for any of the Northolt Photocalls - and, serviceability allowing, there was the potential to shoot one of the seldom seen 84 Sqn Griffin HAR.2s that are normally found plying their trade on Search and Rescue duties at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. What's more, we'd be photographing them in the dark.
Unable to resist the urge any longer I rang Phil to tell him about my change of heart. "Not a problem", I was assured - a response typical of the man. He even went on to tell me that he was stood looking out over the most beautiful sunset and that conditions overhead were largely clear; a far cry from what I was currently seeing! If any doubts about my own attendance had lingered they'd been firmly put to bed by the end of the phone call…
It did take a while but on the drive south the rain eventually stopped and the clouds started to part a little, a welcome sign and consistent with what Phil had reported earlier.
On arrival at RAF Northolt's White House Gate I joined the queue of fellow late-comers, was signed in, issued with my pass and given the latest update by volunteer, Lee Barton.
"The Griffin's in, the 146 is on the ramp, the Hawk suffered hot brakes on landing and is currently sitting on the taxiway waiting for them to cool off and the King Air's still due at 1830. Oh and there are a few 'civvy' bits and bobs that we're hoping to get clearance for you to shoot."
Excellent. Everything I'd hoped for upon leaving the house was still 'on', and it sounded like we might get a few bonus items too.
Wandering down the line of photographers it was noticeable just how many 'regulars' were present; even those not familiar by name were almost all recognisable by face. As evidenced earlier by my own u-turn, there's something about these events that keeps drawing you back; despite the late withdrawals that have blighted some of Phil's plans this year.
Indeed, 'Nightshoot V' suffered its own disappointments beyond the Reds' cancellation. The powers that be at USAFE scuppered the plans to involve the A-10s of the 81st FS, 52nd FW from Spangdahlem, Germany, while the weather put paid to the appearance of a Securite Civile CL415 water bomber from its base at Marseille. The latter aircraft was booked in with Ops but its lack of de-icing equipment, combined with the weather forecast, understandably led them to abort. Phil's been assured, however, that they will try again later next year when icing shouldn't be such a concern.
Not only was the '146 present, a set of air-stairs had been made available to offer some slightly elevated views of it, and, in spite of the wind it still provided a steady enough platform upon which to place your tripod. During my stint at the top the aircraft's auxiliary power unit (APU) was fired in to life, with the ensuing interior and exterior lighting adding further interest to the shots.
The last scheduled participant arrived bang on time when the King Air - one of the two 'GT' models delivered to 45®Sqn at RAF Cranwell - arrived and was marshalled to its parking spot, providing those present with the perfect opportunity to capture nicely lit 'full disc' props.
Earlier optimism concerning approval to shoot some of the other inhabitants of the ramp came to fruition too with the news that the recently arrived Falcon 900, the PH-registered Do328 and a VQ-registered Gulfstream V were all 'fair game'.
I'm really glad I made the effort to attend. Knowing what I know now I have no doubt that I'd have been kicking myself if I'd not have done so, and, let's not forget why this series of events is run. Aside from it providing us enthusiasts with great opportunities it also raises funds for the restoration of Building 27, the Battle of Britain Ops Room, with, in this instance, another £1500 being added to the coffers.
It's also worth noting that since Nightshoot IV, RAF Northolt has acquired a new Station Commander. The ever supportive Gp Cpt Guy van den Berg has left for pastures new, so it's hugely comforting to see the new incumbent, Gp Cpt Tom Barrett, giving these photocall events his full backing too.
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