Monday, September 24, 2012

RAF Leuchars 'Defending the skies - Past, Present and Future

To be up in the ocean of air above my head, to slice through puffs of clouds that cloak the sun from the surface and provide countless hours of shape watching, to break the sound barrier and feel the force of gravity fight against you. 
To dream of being able to fly. 

Recently my sister and her boyfriend suggested that we go to an air show happening near Aberdeen, and as I had never been to one before I agreed that it was a great idea. Tickets were bought and the outing forgotten about until the weekend that it was taking place. Driving towards RAF Leuchars, near St Andrews in Scotland, I started to get excited and wonder what exactly the RAF Leuchars Air Show would include. 

My imagination did not do the show justice. It was simply superb, especially the Red Arrows, the Typhoons and the just plain fantastical Chinook was mind-blowing! I would definitely go to an air show again and if I won the lottery tomorrow flying lessons would be in order. 

Seeing as I couldn't bring all of you to the air  show I took a couple of photos in the hope of bring a bit of the air show to you instead. I hope you like them and if ever there is an air show near you that you go check it out. 


The E3-D Sentry. 


The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team known as The Red Arrows are one of the world's premier aerobatic teams and they are the public face of the Royal Air Force. 


F-16 Royal Norwegian Air Force. The F-16 is a compact multi role fighter jet. 







Pilots answer questions about their aircraft's as the sheer size of some of the planes leaves others speechless.  


Other pilots help some of the crowds try out sitting in the cockpit- making the dreams of many a child and adult come true. 


And for those who remember or long for the days of years past there was always a photo opportunity with the re-enactors. 



The Red Arrows manoeuvre themselves around to get ready a for take off. 

We have lift off...

Up and up and up and UP they go. 







The detonator was one of the best manoeuvres that the Red Arrows performed. 



Thinking about a career in the air force perhaps?