Flying Programme

We are not allowed to pre-release details of aircraft movements into or out of RAF Benson due to security reasons. This applies equally to visiting aircraft on an ad-hoc basis or those who may be here for a little longer. We can, however, provide a guide to the times during which our military aircraft will be flying in and out of our airfield. This is especially useful to people that live within the local community who may be affected by night flying training sorties.

Flying Times

Please be aware that these times are offered as a guide to aircraft flying times only and may be subject to change without notice due to operational requirements. They do not include any testing of aircraft that may incur noise from the airfield itself as it is not possible to advise in advance when aircraft will need to be tested. Whilst planned flying times are given for week days only, occasionally there will also be flying during weekends. However, this is limited as much as possible and is primarily conducted at military training grounds to reduce the impact upon the civilian community.

Planned Flying Times for the week commencing 28th November 2011

Monday 28th November - 8am to 10pm (0800 - 2200hrs)

Tuesday 29th November - 8am to 12am (0800 - 0000hrs)

Wednesday 30th November - 8am to 12am (0800 - 0000hrs)

Thursday 1st December - 7am to 8pm (0700 - 2000hrs)

Friday 2nd December - 8am to 5pm (0800 - 1700hrs)

Planned Flying Times for the week commencing 5th December 2011

Monday 5th December - 8am to 12am (0800 - 0000hrs)

Tuesday 6th December - 8am to 12am (0800 - 0000hrs)

Wednesday 7th December - 8am to 12am (0800 - 0000hrs)

Thursday 8th December - 8am to 12am (0800 - 0000hrs)

Friday 9th December - 8am to 6pm (0800 - 1800hrs)

Additional Information

Our flying times are dictated by training and operational needs. There are times, for example during night flying phases, that our focus will be on training during the hours of darkness. There are also times that our focus will be other specific aspects of training such as carrying under-slung loads. However, in general, all aspects of training are required at all times as flying is a perishable skill. This means that our personnel have to continually renew their currency in all aspects of flying so that they can be an agile, adaptable and capable Air Force.

During winter months we can complete much of our training during the daytime and early evening as the hours of darkness are longer. During summer months we unfortunately have to train later into the night as the hours of darkness are much shorter. We will always aim to complete our training as early as possible but at times it will be necessary to fly in the early hours of the morning. We minimise this as much as possible and take every measure to reduce the impact of this late flying on the community.