for me to see any noteworthy military visitors landing at RAF Northolt nowadays.
However last week I was at home on Thursday and Friday afternoons and saw aircraft that were of interest both days.
On Thursday I saw, and heard, a very distinctive Piaggio P180 Avanti which proved to be an Italian Air Force one, which have been rather scarce visitors compared to previous years. This is one of my favourite modern aircraft, which is totally unlike any other flying machine both for its looks and engine sound.
Friday I heard the far less familiar sound of what turned out to be a Polish Air Force Antonov An-26. This may prove to be the last one to visit here as the handful that are still in operational use are due to be retired by the end of the year. They have been replaced by a dozen CASA C-295M which have made occasional visits in recent years.
A few weeks ago I finally got a good view of this very smart looking Czech Air Force Airbus A319CJ which has made a few visits during the year. This is a rare type for here with only one other, an Italian Air Force machine, having visited a good few years ago.
The next couple of months tend to see fewer visitors, not helped by the airport closing over Christmas/New Year and often adverse weather, so seeing these cheered me up somewhat
, especially in view of what happened on Plot 124 the previous week.
Thanks Flighty I enjoyed looking at your chosen pics. You know I know diddly squat about planes but I like to look and learn. Glad you have put the happenings of last week behind you. Super entry! Thanks very much.
Love the Czech Airbus!
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Daffy you’re welcome. It made a pleasant change to see a couple of less common aircraft.
I’m glad you liked it, and yes the Czech Airbus does have the ‘Wow!’ factor doesn’t it.
I got my roses today and will be planting them later on this week, if it stops raining!
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Beautiful lines, each of them, Flighty.
Which roses have you gotten and what colours are they? I recall a couple that aren’t well-known over here.
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Nikki I’ll excuse you as you were thinking about other things when I mentioned them here https://flightplot.wordpress.com/2007/11/05/a-smile-award-raspberries-and-roses/
Iceberg is going to be near the log, whilst the other two will be by the pallet patio/shed.
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Hi Flighty. So glad you were cheered up by seeing and hearing some unusual planes overhead, if I ever hear anything different from inside I always fly outside to take a look, but anything with any sort of power has of course disappeared into the horizon before my eyes get into focus. Like Daffy I know diddly squat about planes, but anything with a sonic boom will do for me! x
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Louise hello! It’s always nice to see something different. Don’t get to see the sort that have a sonic boom here, apart from a few Tornadoes for the Families Day and the occasional visiting Hawk. xx
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Aha! You couldn’t keep away from the aircraft forever eh?
I see once again the Italians pull off style without effort – I want my own Italian AF 1!
Must say, the Czech Airbus is looking mighty smooth too….silver matte, discreet markings. Nice.
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Arty as if ! You’re so right about Italian flare and style.
I reckon that the Czech Airbus scheme is one of the best I’ve seen. Nice indeed. xx
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Ah, yes, I recall them now. These will make a very pretty collection. For some reason, I keep thinking how lovely a polyantha will do for you – maybe Marie Pavie or Clotilde Soupert.
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Nikki being relatively damp and mild has helped get them off to a good start. I’ll look these polyanthas up and let you know what I think!
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