Training flights help win new plane spotting fans

Tuesday 19 May 2020

Mutual training exercises for the RAF and local air traffic controllers have seen a number of more unusual aircraft in our skies recently including the A400M Atlas and C-130 Hercules.

A number of people have noticed the RAF in the skies above us over the last week or so, with many questioning what was happening and why.

The RAF itself has said the flights are for training purposes and are nothing to do with the military support for the national fight against the covid-19 pandemic.

Today our C-130 Hercules aircraft will be operating in the vicinity of Jersey, Guernsey and Exeter, whilst engaged in essential training

These are necessary, routine, flights and not connected with RAF support to the UKs fight against Coronavirus#c130 #c130j #hercules pic.twitter.com/Gy8uk5hyjF

— RAF Brize Norton (@RAFBrizeNorton) May 18, 2020

The training flights have been going on since at least last month and have included fly pasts at other British airports on the UK mainland.

This morning, our C-130J aircraft will be operating in the vicinity of Manchester, Prestwick and Guernsey, whilst engaged in essential training.

These are necessary, routine, flights and not connected with RAF support to the UK's fight against Coronavirus#c130 #c130j pic.twitter.com/7W9gaUnGUr

— RAF Brize Norton (@RAFBrizeNorton) May 14, 2020

A number of plane spotters in the Channel Islands have been thrilled by the sights though with many gathering at car parks near Guernsey Airport to see the military planes on their approaches.

We hosted more crew training from the @RoyalAirForce a #c17 @Boeing globemaster from @RAFBrizeNorton #planespotting pic.twitter.com/1uQbA7ABqn

— Guernsey Airport ✈ (@GuernseyAirport) May 18, 2020

Guernsey Airport said it was pleased to host the training flights for the RAF, along with a number of other airports across the British Isles.