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The opportunity to view aircraft operating at RAF Cottesmore provides the aviation enthusiast, photographer, or casual observer some of the best views of aircraft operation in the country. This guide is prepared with the photographer particularly in mind.

RAF Cottesmore is a very large airfield and as such has areas that while visible are way out of the reach of the photographer. The best opportunities are all located on the south side of the runway affording the perfect scenario of sun to the rear and illuminating the subject.

Looking at the map Location (1) is the runway 22 threshold which allows views of the southern taxiway with its associated hold point, the threshold and unobstructed views of the runway approaches. The sun can become a little difficult after about 14:00 on the south of the runway, but by walking past the end of the runway threshold access can be gained to the northern side of the approach providing differing angles on approaching aircraft and better light conditions. It should be noted that aircraft approaching the hover pads on the north of the airfield can and do pass directly overhead this position and can be very noisy and low; you have been warned!

Access to the approach is best made by parking from Location (2) on the map. This is Crash Exit 4 from the airfield and when parking in this area particular attention should be paid to not obstructing the free access of the emergency services through these gates.

From Crash Exit 4 head alongside the fence past the engine test facility towards a large Oak tree in the distance. The walk to the threshold is only about a quarter of a mile, but is along the edge of a farmer’s field which is in use for arable crops and consequently is ploughed. Sturdy footwear is recommended at all times of the year and particularly during the winter months when the ground can become very muddy.

At any point from Location (1) to Location (2) photography is possible, but the best results are to be obtained at the runway threshold.

From Location (2) by walking the opposite direction down the fence line about 200 metres views of the Visiting Aircraft Servicing area can be taken in. The fence line here is a high chain link design with a barbed wire top. Photography is possible here but a large step ladder is required to see over the fence for an unobstructed view.

The view around the remaining area on the southern side to Location (3) is impossible as this area is dominated by the stations domestic service areas, barrack blocks etc.

At Location (3) viewing is generally poor. The runway 04 threshold is set back in a farmer’s field with little access and parking is a lottery on a busy main road with no real parking places available. A view of the airfield can be obtained by accessing the farmers track adjacent to the grave yard but this area is in a dip and views are limited and very poor for photography.

Continuing around the airfield from Location (3) to Location (1), viewing along the north of the airfield is very limited and has little value for photography. The few vantage points that can be found are in areas of low ground and little can be seen of the airfield. Some aircraft come into view if using the northern hover pads but these are of at distances that make photography pointless.

To summarise the airfield at Cottesmore provides good and varied opportunities to get close to the action for the casual observer or enthusiast alike, but these are mainly to be found on the southern side between the 22 threshold and crash exit 4.

Scanner Frequencies

Callsigns

1(F)
Jedi - Neon - Psycho - Ranger - Stonecat - Wellard

IV(AC)
Crater - Nightowl - Ninja - Poison - Sunburst

800 NAS
Cougar - Satan

 

RAF Cottesmore Residents

 

 

IV(AC) Sqn

ZD321	02	Harrier GR.9
ZD375	23	Harrier GR.9
ZD378	26	Harrier GR.7
ZD402	31	Harrier GR.9
ZD435	47	Harrier GR.9
ZD436	48A	Harrier GR.7A
ZD438	50	Harrier GR.9
ZG859	91	Harrier GR.9

 

 

 

 

 

RAF Cottesmore J.U.M.P.
(Joint Upgrade and Maintenance Programme)

ZD323	04	Harrier GR.9
ZD329	10	Harrier GR.9
ZD346	13A	Harrier GR.9
ZD347	14A	Harrier GR.9
ZD348	15	Harrier GR.9
ZD403	32	Harrier GR.9
ZD433	45A	Harrier GR.9A
ZD461	51A	Harrier GR.9A
ZD470	60	Harrier GR.9
ZG472	62A	Harrier GR.9
ZH656	104	Harrier T.12
ZH659	107	Harrier T.12
ZH664	112	Harrier T.12

 

RAF Cottesmore Service and Maintenance Flight

ZD330	11	Harrier GR.9
ZD351	18	Harrier GR.7
ZD352	19A	Harrier GR.9A
ZD379	27	Harrier GR.9
ZD405	34A	Harrier GR.7A
ZD406	35	Harrier GR.9
ZD410	39	Harrier GR.9
ZD463	53	Harrier GR.9
ZD466	56	Harrier GR.7
ZG471	61A	Harrier GR.7A
ZG478	68A	Harrier GR.9
ZG479	69A	Harrier GR.9A
ZG480	70	Harrier GR.9
ZG500	71A	Harrier GR.9
ZG504	75A	Harrier GR.9A
ZG507	78	Harrier GR.9
ZG531	85	Harrier GR.9A
ZG862	94A	Harrier GR.9A
ZH657	105	Harrier T.10

 

 

 

RAF Cottesmore History

Falklands 25th Anniversary

 

© On Target Aviation 2008

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