2010 Articles

Northolt Night Shoot VII The seventh Northolt Night Shoot was another welcome addition to the late summer aviation events calendar with the added benefit of its continuing support for the restoration of the base's Battle of Britain Operations Room, Building 27, in the Battle's 70th anniversary year. Huw Hopkins makes his GAR reporting debut.

Despite finding themselves facing a number of participant cancellations and deferrals, Phil Dawe and his colleagues once again hosted a superb night shoot at RAF Northolt in late September, one which, as ever, provided a further opportunity for photographers to practise shooting once the sun had gone down while enjoying a great social gathering to boot. Despite the no-shows (more of which later) there were some fascinating subjects lined up on Northolt's ramp, all of which were emminently photographable. The BAe 125 from the Northolt resident 32(TR) Squadron for example was that with the SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) markings on the fuselage celebrating 125 years of an organisation which supports Britain's armed forces with its pertinent motto - 'First in, Last out'.

Also appearing with anniversary markings was a pair of BAe Hawk T.1s from 19 Squadron at RAF Valley, this year celebrating its 95th Anniversary, carrying a special emblem on the fuselage. A pair of helicopters was also included in the line up in the shape of a Squirrel from the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury and the local Metropolitan Police Eurocopter EC-145, both very welcome.

Probably the single most significant participant was a Royal Navy Jetstream T.2 from 750 Squadron at RNAS Culdrose. The latter stages of 2010 will see the Jetstream fleet being retired from its training duties, ending nearly 40 years of Jetstream service in the Royal Navy. Its replacement will be the Beechcraft Super King Air like that currently in service with the RAF, and it will be sad to see the Jetstream's departure after such a long period of great service.

On the night there a set of air stairs was provided, giving photographers an elevated view of the Jetstream and, as 7:30pm approached, it was time for the aircraft to head for home. The pilot performed his walk round checks before climbing aboard, with the marshal taking up position with his fluorescent batons. Each turboprop engine was started in turn and, as the aircraft faded into the darkness, I wondered whether this would be my last sighting of a Jetstream. No doubt many others did too.

Another type also due for retirement was billed to make an appearance on the evening - the Dominie. Unfortunately this did not materialise due to serviceability issues and thus may have deprived those in attendace a last opportunity to capture some night shots of another classic military aircraft. The DHFS Agusta A109E was unable to join its Shawbury stablemate the Squirrel and alas the RAF King Air was also unable to reach Northolt for the event. The stars also failed to align to produce an appearance by the ever elusive Securite Civile S-2T from France, though this aircraft's participation was never in reality anything like 100% confirmed anyway. All blows to Phil and his team but that's the way these events go sometimes and it is to his and Northolt's great credit that they keep plugging away to host these events for the UK's aviation photographers.

Towards the end of the evening some of the hangar doors were opened which allowed us a view of some more 32(TR) Squadron aircraft inside, one of each type they operate. The BAe 146 gave good scale to another BAe 125 which was sat next to it being cleaned and, in the adjacent hangar we saw one of the Squadron's Agusta A109s, giving us a glimpse at some of the daily work that goes on around these aircraft.

Finally, with the temperature on the evening being within limits, the base's fire service was able to give us a very nice demonstration of its water cannon. The hefty Carmichael International MFV 2 crashtender was moved into position in front of the attendant photographers and the bumper and roof-mounted monitors sprung to life, showing the impressive 4000 litres a minute combined outflow.

The covering of water on the ramp caused an inch high wave to rush towards the photographers which was cause for a good few laughs among us. Some nice reflections were created in the dousing of the ramp including the fire truck itself with its lights flashing. The demonstration reminded me of when I had a go on the roof mounted monitor during a very enjoyable week's work experience spent at RAF Northolt back in 2007 - happy days!

As well as being an incredibly valid and popular aviation event, the social side of the Northolt night shoots is in many ways becoming just as important as the aircraft that are sat on the tarmac. These gatherings serve as a great place for friends to catch up with each other and it's always great to meet new people who share a common interest. Meeting up with some of my new GAR colleagues for the first time and photographing aircraft at night was a fine way to spend a Thursday evening, and long may these events continue serving the community and raising vital funds for the restoration of Building 27. GAR wants to interact with its readers so if you have a question for the author or a comment to make on this feature, please click on the button below. The best comments will appear right here on GAR.