RAF Wittering News

Night Flying And Large Aircraft Activity Expected At RAF Wittering

Night flying and large aircraft activity is expected at Royal Air Force Wittering from Tuesday 17th May until the evening of Thursday 19th May inclusive.

Royal Air Force Wittering is reaching out to its neighbours and the nearby equestrian establishments to inform them of a change to the usual pattern of flying activity. There will be flying during the day and night flying will take place 1900 until 2359 (local time).

The C-17 Globemaster is a long range, heavy-lift transport aircraft that can operate close to a potential area of operations for combat, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions. Operating under the cover of night is essential in modern military operations. Night Vision Goggles are a real tactical advantage and enable our crews to land and take-off safely during the hours of darkness.

An RAF C-17 Globemaster at Royal Air Force Wittering
An RAF C-17 Globemaster at Royal Air Force Wittering
Image By: Cpl Chantelle Gregg

Night Vision Goggle training is a method of conducting night flying without lights on an airfield.  Crews wear equipment which enhances ambient light conditions, allowing the RAF to operate into hostile or sparsely populated areas.

Wing Commander Jez Case is the Station Commander at RAF Wittering. He said: “RAF Wittering provides our heavy-lift transport aircraft with vital night flying training for operations, developing the skills that are so important to our humanitarian and military operations. We always aim to minimise the impact to our community and neighbours, whilst continuing to deliver this operational requirement.”

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