St Athan - the second home?

[Laurieg]

Normally, here at St. Athan we only see the VC 10 on flight tests or deliveries. These are normally limited to the straight in approach and take-off, for obvious reasons. We have noticed that, although it is only the odd occasion, we appear to be seeing the multiple overshoot occurring. This was normally an isolated incident. We know that Javelin has been signed and we will be seeing the kite here for quite a few years to come so are the RAF training crews up on the approach procedures and so we will be seeing more of this training? (It makes a good diversion from being a hanger rat and the Conway sounds a damn sight better than a RB 199 or Adour)

[Tonkenna]

Not been there myself with a 10 for many years. Not sure if the chaps are going for a bit of training as the runway is much shorter than we would usually use, but I was supposed to be bringing one over the other week and had intended to do a couple of approaches. Got canx in the end Oh well.

Tonks

[Speedbird1]

We see plenty of VC10's making approaches to Cardiff. Many of times I hae been on the ramp only to hear the wonderfull sound of a real jet engine passing 10ft over the runway and then taking a left turn to St Athen.

[Laurieg]

I know what you mean. We have TWO here now 808 should be leaving soon and 807 got here today so watch out.

[Jelle Hieminga]

This 'bare VC10' was spotted in Bristol last week, could it be 807 perhaps?

Photo by Tom Everitt

[Laurieg]

Could be, the a/c still has the pods fitted, as well as the engines. 807 did arrive in a primer finish, though.

Strange seeing the aircraft in the nude . I took 103 down to Heathrow, BA, to be stripped and sprayed some years back. They took it right down to the bare metal and you could see the original milling marks from the fuselage and wing planks. After the spray you could just feel the rivets etc under a smooth paint job, all filler removed. It was quite a sight when it came out. The BA ground crews were all over it. (Probably did their basic training on it)!!!!!