FAQs
This page contains answers to the most frequently asked questions about the RAF and RAF Spadeadam. They are:
- How can I arrange a visit to RAF Spadeadam?
What type of aircraft can be seen over RAF Spadeadam?
Can you arrange work experience for me?
How do I complain about low flying or noise?
How do I find out about joining the RAF?
What is the rank structure of the RAF?
I sometimes hear aircraft flying night. Why do they have to fly in the dark?
Do aircraft drop bombs on RAF Spadeadam?
If you cannot find your question, then please email us and we will do our best to find the information you require.
In general, visits are by appointment only. The Station policy regarding visits has changed in recent months and selected groups will be invited to visit. The majority of users are fast jets and helicopters but multi-engine aircraft sometimes use the facility. The Force Elements of UK Air Power include Tornado GR4, Tornado F3, Harrier GR7 and GR9, Jaguar, Hawk, Apache, Merlin, Chinook, Gazelle, C-130 Hercules and Nimrod. NATO aircraft to be seen over Spadeadam include F15, F16 and Mirage amongst others. The RAF Spadeadam estate covers 9,600 acres but the airspace above it, which is under the control of RAF Spadeadam, is much, much larger. Due to increasing demands on limited resources RAF Spadeadam no longer supports work experience activities. RAF Spadeadam is unable to deal with such complaints, therefore your first point of contact to complain about noise or low flying is the RAF Regional Community Relations Officer (low flying complaints procedures). A good place to start is the careers section of the RAF website, which has all the information you need, including how to find your local RAF Careers Office. To get the info you want click here. The following web-page RAF rank structure provides an insight to the rank structure of the RAF. The RAF must be prepared to fly and fight at all times of day and all conditions. Night flying is an essential and demanding skill that needs to be practised regularly. Yes but not big ones. Only practice bombs are dropped under strict supervision and regulations. Yes and in numerous ways. For example, the Station employs many people from the local community. Also, during the summer months the Station supports selected town shows in the region. RAF Spadeadam remains a vital facility for the operational training of front-line aircrew and now offers much more than purely Electronic Warfare training. The Multi Activity Contract, provided by SERCo, has just been extended until March 2009. It is anticipated that the RAF ensign will be flying over RAF Spadeadam for a long time to come.How can I arrange a visit to RAF Spadeadam?
What type of aircraft can be seen over RAF Spadeadam?
How big is RAF Spadeadam?
Can you arrange work experience for me?
How do I complain about low flying or noise?
How do I find out about joining the RAF?
What is the rank structure of the RAF?
I sometimes hear aircraft flying at night. Why do they have to fly in the dark?
Do aircraft drop bombs on RAF Spadeadam?
Does RAF Spadeadam support the local community?
What does the future hold for RAF Spadeadam?