While working on the RAF website I was lucky enough to secure a seat on one of the VC10s (XV109) for the 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee Flypast. A very special experience and one made even better when as we were circling over East Anglia by three Jaguars from Coltishall who showed up on our wingtip. I think the formation formed up over Hunstanton but can't remember for sure. As it turned out the flypast was almost cancelled. There were a group of dancers performing on the Mall and they ran way late. Many of the fast jets in the formation were getting pretty low on fuel by the time we actually headed over the top of Buckingham Palace.
The weather was pretty lousy and it's interesting to see how far digital technology as come in the past 12 years. The old Canon D30's sensor wasn't great in the low light. However, a recent re-edit Lightroom has done it's best to give me a few keepers to remember the day by.
The first sighting of one of our escorts for the day.
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
As we approached London (you can just see the Thames Estuary through the murk) No serviceability issues on the two aircraft on our wingtips, meant the Whip-In Jag could depart back to Coltishall for tea and medals.
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
Lined up with the Mall. The Jag's eased forward to their formation positions as we crossed the Thames.
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
Heading back to Brize over Didcot Powerstation. - Sad to say that the VC10, Jaguar and the Cooling towers are all now gone...............................
Golden Jubilee Flypast 2002 by KeithDraycott, on Flickr
2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars A2A
2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars A2A
You don't take a photograph you make it - Ansel Adams.
Canon 6D, Canon 7D, 100-400L, 70-200L, Tamron SP 150-600.
Canon 6D, Canon 7D, 100-400L, 70-200L, Tamron SP 150-600.
Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
Lovely pics - what a fantastic day you must have had
Amazing how things can change in 12 short years...
Amazing how things can change in 12 short years...
Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
Great stuff. I went to London to photograph this but very nice indeed to see that formation from this perspective. Still remember Concorde's little power climb, after overflying Buckingham Palace and dropping back behind the Reds, like it was yesterday!
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Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
I do miss the cats, fabulous shots
Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
Great shots
I certainly do miss the Jaguar, a brilliant looking aircraft
I certainly do miss the Jaguar, a brilliant looking aircraft
Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
Very nice
6D | 7D | 60D
11-16 f/2.8 | 24-105 IS L | 70-300 IS USM | 50 f/1.4 | 100 f/2.8 | 400 f/5.6
11-16 f/2.8 | 24-105 IS L | 70-300 IS USM | 50 f/1.4 | 100 f/2.8 | 400 f/5.6
- Inthrustwetrust
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Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
3 cooling towers were still up at Didcot last week.
Get them while you can
Get them while you can
Canon 6D, 50D & 600d
Canon 28-105 &100-400 L usm lens
Aviation pics on davejonesphotography/zenfolio/
Canon 28-105 &100-400 L usm lens
Aviation pics on davejonesphotography/zenfolio/
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Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
I was the Captain of the VC10 that day, HM the Queen was indeed late! This resulted in a rather tense 'dogleg' to get the timing right! Nice photos, glad you enjoyed the trip.
Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
Definitely in the "Wow" category!
Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
Great pictures. The Jaguar is a beautiful aircraft. Love the Thames shot.
- redbearing
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Re: 2002 Jubilee Flypast - Jaguars air-to-air
Great set, superb