VC-10 Farewell Brize Norton 20.9.13

[Squawk1177]

47 years and 2 months after the first airplane was delivered to the Royal Air Force, the last ever VC-10 operational flights from RAF Brize Norton took place today 20 Sept 2013

ZA147 airborne as "Tartan 52"





closely followed by ZA150 as "Tartan 51"





Sadly, a sight never to be seen again







Then after nearly four hours on the final sortie and flypasts at several other airfields, back in the pattern



And an immaculate flypast over the home of 101 Squadron







Then the break to land



ZA150 "Tartan 51" lands at Brize Norton for the final time





and just behind is ZA147 "Tartan 52", and is the last ever VC-10 to land at Brize Norton







And the final taxi back to the ramp - I can't help but wonder what the crews were feeling at this point





Jolly Good Show by the boys and girls at 101 Squadron =D> =D> =D>

Very glad I was there.

Sincere thanks to Brize Norton ATC for their generous hospitality

Squawk1177

[Jelle Hieminga]

Jolly Good Show by the boys and girls at 101 Squadron =D> =D> =D>

Seconded! And great photos too, apart from the smell and the noise I was there too now

[Richard Moss]

Absolutely splendid photos of what must be the most beautiful airliner EVER built. Thank you.

Is it OK for me to copy those and share them with friends and family?

[VC10BAC]

Excellent photos.

Link to a BBC clip, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-ox ... e-24183117

[Thumper]

Superb photographs!! What a stunning sight =D>

[Flour Power]

Oooh yes. Fabulous stuff.

[Rover75]

Superb photographs, for me the VC10, especially the Super, is the most beautiful aircraft ever built, think I will have a tear in my eye at Brunty on Wednesday.

Cheers

Mike

[Jazz707]

Superb access! Couldn't go wrong from there!

I wonder who in ATC was behind the request for the C-17 run and break?!

Seriously, great that someone got access to get those shots. The more variety the better to record the event, in addition to the usual taxy and landing shots from the 26 end. Good to see the many VC-10 fans there who had made the effort to catch the historic event.

Thankfully the weather 'played ball' in the end, with perfect conditions for the return, as that big lump of cloud cleared in time!

For me, the tight formation with run and break are the highlight of all my VC-10 shots now. How many chances have there been for such shots? Being up on the hill for their return, it was a 'jaw-dropping' moment to shoot them banking onto the approach in tight formation. Even though they had informed ATC they were 'not 500ft compliant', it was still a shock to see them so close!

Among those enthusiasts present, was Henry Tenby from Canada (also staying in the guest house in the village!), who produces the AirlineHobby aircraft DVD's. Look out for another VC-10 special then!

[Jazz707]

Anyone notice the markings on the right nose of ZA147? Are these new, or maybe just look new after the wash?

As well as the five blue ribbons, there is 'DSG St Athan, proudly supporting the 'Queen of the Skies'. Nice touch.

[petet16]

Yes, we added the DSG bit when it departed St Athan on its last maintenance visit.

[jonf45]

Fantastic shots mate, certainly helps to get airside

Thanks again for the updates through the day

jon

[Squawk1177]

Thanks for all the kind words - glad the shots were appreciated

I wonder who in ATC was behind the request for the C-17 run and break?!

I was asked whilst talking with the guys in the tower "had I seen a C-17 do a run and break" and I said "no, not yet"...

The C-17 was then asked by the tower "are you requesting a run and break ?", the subtle inference being "will you do one ?"...

Seems they duly obliged - top chaps

S1177