Major Low Flying exercise N England and Scotland 28-30Apr

[Cuffey]

The British Horse Society Scotland has warned horse riders of a combined RAF and NATO exercise that is to take place from 28-30 April throughout Scotland and Northern England.

The exercise will generate a high volume of low level flying and the Society stresses the need for riders (and their horses) to wear high visibility clothing during this period.

Exercise Wycombe Warrior 01-09 and the NATO Electronic Warfare Integration Programme will consist of up to 70 sorties each day, with low flying restricted between the hours of 10am to 6pm.

Those riders in areas that are vulnerable to low flying aircraft should also ring the Freephone helpline 0800 515544 before they ride out in order to establish what low flying air activity they might encounter on their ride.”

 

[Decision_Tree]

I wear full high vis gear and can tell you it makes no difference at all! I was out on a clear road (not in woods) and could see the pilots bloody waving at me they were so close when doing low flying once! And then the looped directly over me THREE TIMES! luckily my horsey stayed in control and no cars where coming.

Atleast this time there is some warning. Thanks for the good post.

 

[Twinkletoes]

As we live within a mile of a large Naval base our horses are used to it and dont bat an eyelid anymore which is great. Especially when the air ambulance recently landed at our showground and most of the horses just stood there lol as if to say oh another one. However, it still remains that EVERY time we hack out we wear high vis, regardless, who knows what might happen and how essential it will be. I guess you cant take anything for granted.

 

[WishfulThinker]

Which areas of scotland????

 

[Boltonrider]

Ummm!!

The purpose of wearing hi vis is so you can be seen!!

The purpose of hi vis in this case is with regards to Helicopter use...not military fast jets who fly at sufficient height, even when you think they're low.

What riders need to be aware of is...the helicopters in low fly zones are permitted to fly at ground level, ie just a matter of feet from the ground... by wearing sufficient hi vis, you permit the crews on board extra time in which to see you and note your location.
The crews upon seeing you have a set procedure to follow in order to avoid causing / and to minimise any distress to rider and equine.

Fast jets are not able to take similar action, nor should it be required... accepted that some horses will spook, but it's inevitable, and something that we have to live with in our sport.

The operation detailed above relates mainly to the use of fast jet training and is over a wide area (for those asking)... mainly covering the Cumbria / South Scot borders, from east to west coast.

A advice leaflet for all riders is produced and available to print at the following link:
http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/1B6186D9-6137-43D5-B7D1-1D81EE4D8E5F/0/uklfs_heli_safety_guide.pdf

 

[jellybaby]

I now live on an air base and have my horses stabled literally at the end of the runway. My husband is an RASF jet pilot.

While I can see both sides of the low flying arguments, I am thankful that when my husband is flying over Iraq at 100 feet, he knows what he is doing because he has had the practise necessary at home in exercises like this.

However, he confirms to me that the jets wont see the hi hiz, they are too busy concetrating on what they are doing, and as for the claims that the 'pilots were waving' - sorry but I think thats a load of cadswallop.

JB x

 

[harkback]

[ QUOTE ]

However, he confirms to me that the jets wont see the hi hiz, they are too busy concetrating on what they are doing, and as for the claims that the 'pilots were waving' - sorry but I think thats a load of cadswallop.

JB x

[/ QUOTE ]

As you are stationed at RAF Valley I take it your husband was NOT one of the helicopter pilots in a local restaurant the other night joking about low flying over lanes and riders! Yes the crews on helicopters often wave to anyone they see on the ground - children on the beach, and also to myself and another rider in our menage whilst circling overhead waiting for landing clearance.

I fully understand the need for low flying exercises, my late father was a RAF pilot, but to say the RAF crews NEVER stray from the straight and narrow and have a bit of as they say so called fun in the air is naive. Just ask one of the many photographers who spend hours filming craft at either end of the runway in Valley, or the hill monkeys capturing shots up in Snowdonia how many they have with the pilots or crew giving a quick wave as they fly past.