Get updates about flying

Typhoon FGR4 flying from RAF Lossiemouth usually takes place between 7am and 7pm daily. However, Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons are on standby 24/7. They will launch without notice if scrambled. 

Poseidon MRA1 flying from RAF Lossiemouth usually takes place between 7am and 10pm daily, but these aircraft can be tasked short notice and may launch at any time of day. 

We do not comment on specific aircraft movements. 

However, if we are able to publicise any unusual movements such as night flying or visiting aircraft, we will do so through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Viewing Area

There is no official aircraft viewing area at RAF Lossiemouth.

Access to RAF Lossiemouth by the public is prohibited.

If you are 'spotting' at RAF Lossiemouth, please ensure that you are not trespassing on private land. Avoid standing directly underneath the approaches. Wooden fences exist in these areas so that aircraft are able to landing short and taking off long if required. Do not trespass onto MOD property at any time.

For unofficial advice, take a look at the RAF Lossiemouth Spotters Group on Facebook. We regularly engage with our spotters and enthusiasts in this group, so make sure you upload your photos and videos if you do visit!

Flying your Drone

It is against the law to fly a drone of any mass or size within a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ). These zones exist around RAF Lossiemouth (click here), Kinloss Barracks (click here), and Leuchars Airfield (click here)

However, you may be able to fly your drone within one of the FRZs if you request permission.

Before continuing, make sure you are aware of the UK legislation for the safe operation of your drone. The Drone Code forms part of the Civil Aviation Authority's advice and guidance to drone operators.

To operate a drone within the RAF Lossiemouth or Kinloss Barracks FRZs, you must complete the following actions:

  1. Identify precisely when (date and time) you are looking to fly your drone.
  2. Identify specifically where you intend on flying your drone.
  3. Call 101 to obtain a Police Incident Number from Police Scotland.
  4. Finally, call RAF Lossiemouth Air Traffic Control on 01343 817426 to request permission.
    The phone number for Leuchars Station Air Traffic Control is 01334 857282.

It is AGAINST THE LAW to fly your drone within the FRZ without clear permission from RAF Lossiemouth ATC. 

You can find copies of each of the Flight Restriction Zones here:

Low Flying

To ensure aircrew are ready and capable, low flying training must be conducted in the UK before deployment to operations.

RAF Lossiemouth also hosts numerous national and international exercises, and during these times flying outside of standard hours may be necessary. 

GOV.UK has more information about low flying military aircraft in the UK.

Night Flying

Realistic training at night is essential to ensure aircrew are proficient in a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground disciplines. 

Night flying can take place from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and usually takes place from Monday to Thursday in blocks of one or two weeks, three or four times a year.

Night flying may take place outside these time when required, and Quick Reaction Alert aircraft may be scrambled at any time.

Flying Complaints

If you live in the vicinity of RAF Lossiemouth or Kinloss Barracks, you are almost certainly going to hear noise from the Typhoon FGR4 and/or Poseidon MRA1.

Both airfields were built towards the end of the 1930s, and have had a number of fast-jet, rotary, and multi-engine aircraft operating out of them for over eighty years. 

If you live along the east coast of Scotland in Aberdeenshire, Angus, or Fife, you are likely to experience some noise as our Typhoons transit to and from Managed Danger Areas over the North Sea. This is where the majority of our Typhoon air-to-air training is conducted.  

The flying conducted by our Typhoons and Poseidon fleet is absolutely essential. Our Typhoons are on 24/7 standby in our enduring mission of Securing the Skies as Quick Reaction Alert. They are also conducting routine, but essential training in a number of air-to-air and air-to-ground specialisations, preparing our pilots for operations in the UK and overseas.

The Poseidon MRA1 operates primarily in an Anti-Submarine Warfare role. They are able to locate, identify, and track submarines - but can also detect ships above the waves. Poseidon also protects the UK's Continuous At-Sea Deterrent.    

If you wish to make a flying complaint, we will require the following information from you:

  • Full Name
  • Your Postal Address
  • Address of the Incident
  • Time and Date of Incident
  • Aircraft Description:
    • Number of aircraft
    • Type of aircraft (fast jet, rotary, multi-engine)
    • Description of aircraft (size, shape, colour)
  • Description of Activity:
    • Rough altitude of aircraft
    • Description of the manoeuvres
  • Reason for Complaint (e.g. noise / low level)

You can lodge your complaint through the following means:

Our Communications Team may not be able to answer your enquiry immediately, particularly if you are using the flying complaints phone line. Please leave a message on our answer phone if we are unable to respond. Make sure you leave all of the details listed above.

We only process complaints that fall within the Military Air Traffic Zone (MATZ) for RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks. All other complaints are managed by the MOD Military Low Flying Complaints and Enquiries Unit. 

You can lodge your complaints through the following means:

Find out more about flying complaints on the GOV.UK website.

Defence Aerodrome Manual (DAM)

The DAM describes the airfield at RAF Lossiemouth and includes the management, physical characteristics, services available and operating procedures.

Click here to download a copy of the RAF Lossiemouth DAM, updated June 2022.

Questions about Flying

Still have questions about our activities? Find our contact details.

Connect with RAF Lossiemouth