13-pigeon escort

FedEx MD-11 after a tricky landing in 30+ knot crosswinds getting the 13-pigeon escort as it taxis off the active at RAF Mildenhall. C-17s were diverted to Ramstein (and Norwich due to fuel concerns) as their landing envelopes were severely"violated" by the gusts.

A Miserably (yet enjoyable) Day

(Originally posted to American Yank in England on 11 January 2008)

As the saying goes, misery loves company. That is true when you run across people who have a passion for almost any pursuit, but is even more applicable when it comes to aircraft spotters. Not many places will you find a gathering of people huddled around a small dirt patch at the end of a runway waiting for the appearance of, well.... just the rumor of an arrival will bring us out. I've been fortunate to have spotted at many locations around the world and almost without exception spotters are hearty, friendly people.

Today was no exception with both attributes I mentioned being about in abundance. The weather was crap; first fog limiting your visibility to 100 yards then driving rain and gusty winds and a temperature combination that was perfect for hypothermia. As a small handful of us stood in the rain (yep, not smart enough to get out of the rain) the stories and jokes flew back and forth to fill in the silent gaps where jet aircraft should have been splitting our ears.

Persistence and eventually a change of location paid off. Friendships were made and strengthened and a few nice images were added to the catalogs of some die-hard aviation fans. Miserable to be sure as our numb fingers and sniffling noses attest to, but enjoyable none the less.