RAF Northolt "Night-Shoot X"
The tenth RAF Northolt "Night-Shoot" took place on 6th October 2011, so when Philip Dawe invited Jetwash Aviation Photo's along for the opportunity to photograph military aircraft in a more unusual setting, we decided to make our first trip to one of these events. In fact, it would be the first time that I had ever attempted to photograph aircraft at night, and so it was a new experience for me and a steep learning curve required to get the results I wanted. The proceeds raised during the event go towards the charitable funds in support of the restoration of the base's Battle of Britain Operations Room, Building No.27.
With plenty of welcome refreshments on hand mid-way through the event to warm everyone up on what turned out be a reather chiily and windy evening, together with a well organised and planned event, due mainly to Phil, it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening. Sadly some of the expected participants did not materialise, as seems to be par for the course at most events these days, but nevertheless, those that did attend were well positioned and there were no issues in finding a variety of spots amongst the not to large attendance. So no pushing and shoving to get the prime location.
The theme for "Night-Shoot X" was Search & Rescue (SAR). This RAF Sea King from 202 Sqn being the first aircraft on the flightline
Without doubt the star of the evening was this Conair S-2T Tracker from the French Securite Civile based at Marseille-Marignane
Tracker F-ZBEW/11 sits on the RAF Northolt ramp, having arrived around 11am on 6th October as "Tracker 11"
There was also the opportunity to photograph some of the based Royal Air Force 32(TR) Sqn aircraft such as this Bae 146
A.109 ZR322 and Bae 125 ZD620 in the squadron hangers at RAF Northolt
Although most definitely not following the SAR theme, French Air Force Alphajets have become a familiar sight at Northolt Night-Shoots
Midway through the evening it was time to fire up the engines for everyone to get the opportunity to shoot the aircraft with the engines/rotors running.
The S-2 Tracker looked great with the props turning
Another favourite amongst the attendees was this Army Air Corps Bell 212 from Middle Wallop
The first opportunity for many to have photographed one, and that included myself
The RAF Sea King from 202 Sqn sported the "RAF SAR 70 Years" anniversary logo on its fuselage
The Irish Air Corps were planning to bring an AW.139 to Northolt, but ongoing technical problems meant this was changed to an EC.135
The French Air Force came along with this AS.555 Fennec from 01/040 ETOM
So there we are! My first night shooting escapade under my belt and well worth the effort in my mind. Having experienced many photo-calls at Northolt in previous years I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed with my first "Night-Shoot". As always things were well organised by Phil Dawe, and I know he had a lot of issues with this particular event to overcome, so much so that he told me he came close to cancelling it a few days prior. I for one am pleased that he didn't and would like to say a big thanks for the effort that he put in.