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Prestwick and the C17

by | Jul 11, 2022 | Airport News, Aviation News, Database, Online Logging, Spotting, Spotting Locations

Prestwick, long used as the jumping off point or arrival point for transports crossing the Pond. The main recognition started during the second world war, when it’s excellent fog free record was pointed out by Captain Duncan Macintosh. During the war years, there were huge numbers of Lend Lease aircraft transiting through Prestwick.

Still used as a stopover location for trans-atlantic traffic, now experiencing a revival for military traffic especially given the situation in Ukraine. It is unlikely to see the kinds of volumes of visitors it attracted in the 1960’s and 70’s, but there has been more traffic about that is obvious.

Conveniently placed, Prestwick has over the years seen it’s fair share of traffic – both East and West bound. The table below is the C17 traffic for the past few years and is an extract from my Prestwick historical log going back to 2016, there have been a lot through over that time. As to searching the table, by default any search string will be automatically search any field, however there is a drop down at the right side of the search box – this can be used to filter searches.

 

The C-17 at Prestwick

Prestwick – 2021 Log

by | Jun 28, 2022 | Airport News, Aviation News, Book Reviews, Online Logging, Spotting

So the testing of the tables and the search facility continues, this data set now comprises a full year of visitors to Prestwick. The based aircraft are not incorporated in the log, mainly due to the fact that each one would add 365 rows to the table – and a search would likely return 365 rows of data.

In order that the table is displayed properly it is at the bottom of the post, where it should be out the way of the rest of the post. The next test will be to break the year down into individual months, I’m going to experiment with various layouts and content to see what works best.

Some additional search and filtering tips, there is now a dropdown at the right hand side if the search bar. This allows the fields searched to be toggled on or off, this will allow more controlled searching and should make life a little easier.

It is possible to order the data by any of the column headings, simply click on the heading to order by alphanumeric ascending or decending – this will work on search results if required.

The data comes from a number of public sources, I have automated some of the data collection and hope to improve it over time.

Additionally I have started on the automation of the building of the logs but there is still some manual intervention required, it is still a manual proces to put it in the database – but eventually I may be able to automate some of the steps.

Visitor Log Prestwick (EGPK) 2021

Outsourcing Aggressor Training!

by | Jun 28, 2022 | Aviation News, Spotting, Spotting News

So after 100 years, 100 Squadron has gone West – maybe not forever. But it has gone West and it’s function will now be outsourced to Draken, probably with their L-159’s or if we are lucky maybe some of their A-4’s now and again. If there is a Joint Warrior exercise later in 2022, the spotters at Prestwick might be in for a treat – although most of the aircraft have probably already been Prestwick visitors.

I for one will look forward to Joint Warrior later this year, that is if it does happen with the resourcing requirements for the new NATO commitments that have followed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

 Draken Europe has been awarded a six-year contract by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide Agressor aircraft for training the Royal Air Force (RAF).

In replacing the 100 squadron Hawk T1A’s Draken will provide a squadron of L-159E Honey Badger aircraft these will be the “Bad Guys” as part of the Interim Red Air Aggressor Training Service (IRAATS) program. Fullfilling the role previously carried out by 100 squadron and it’s BAe Hawk T1A’s.

The aircraft will operate out of Teesside International Airport (MME/EGNV) from July 2022. It is probably with increased urgency that the RAF will increase the intensity of the training, given the current state of play in Eastern Europe and the bellicose noises eminating from Moscow.

Electric Flight is it practical?

by | Aug 8, 2021 | Aviation News, Spotting

Right now, electric flight is a niche corner of the aviation world. But given the way that the world is going, there are significant changes in the pipeline. The Seatle based Magnix has already modifies Harbour air’s float equiped DHC-2 and a Cessna C208 Caravan, with further types under active consideration.

Magnix have signed agreements with a number of companys and have put forward a proposal to electrify a Dash-8, reducing the passenger compliment from 50 down to 40 – with the 10 passenger seats replaced by a H2 fuel cell.

So right now with the flight times being in the tens of minutes region, it is not a practical option – but with Hydrogen fuel cell technology likely to increase that by orders of magnitude it will be practical.

Although I personally don’t see an electric aircraft with performance approaching that of say a Boeing 777 any time soon, smaller aircraft like the ATR’s and the Dashes will be in the frame in the next five to ten years in my opinion.

Totterdown Hill

by | Mar 12, 2021 | Aviation News, Spotting Locations

Viewing the Fairford Air Show from Totterdown Hill is a first class experience, you are effectively in the center of the flying display area. There are excellent photographic options, no mater the direction of the Sun.

The facilities provided by the site are very good when all things are considered, there are hot drinks and hot food available all reasonable priced. The cost of entry into Totterdown Hill is very reasonable, but is based on the car and its ocupants.

It is possible to camp on the site, there are ample toilet facilities and there are a number of shower facilities.