892 Depart on their last tour aboard the Ark

[alanp]

Thirty years ago - 6th April 1978, 892 Squadron began it’s last deployment aboard HMS Ark Royal, dispatching eight jets from Leuchars. This was also my brother and I's first time photographing at a military airfield outwith an airshow. The smell of paraffin, the songs of skylarks and the crackle of the airband hinting at an exciting visitor - I’m still hooked.

LINDSAY_POTTS_19780406_0001 by ALAN POTTS, on Flickr

[Jakesplanes]

I’m not surprised that you got hooked, that would certainly do the job! 892 have a wonderful history and those Phantoms were IMHO the best looking of the breed to ever fly. The Static example at VL is still stunning today. Thanks for sharing!

[starbuck]

Thirty years ago - 6th April 1978, 892 Squadron began it’s last deployment aboard HMS Ark Royal, dispatching eight jets from Leuchars. This was also my brother and I's first time photographing at a military airfield outwith an airshow. The smell of paraffin, the songs of skylarks and the crackle of the airband hinting at an exciting visitor - I’m still hooked.

Hate to make you feel older than you may already do but it was actually 40 years ago.....

[alanp]

I’m going to blame old age. I’m obviously not as young as I thought!

[iainpeden]

For those wondering about the "F" under the port wing of 001, there was a discussion on Britmodeller about the markings potentially being some zap from the UN during cross carrier ops. The conclusion was much less interesting; that is was paint rubbing off - or primer on - some strengthening strips.

[BigClick67]

fantastic image

[FERG]

I think I was in exactly that spot around the same time when I was first left solo at an airfield by my parents on holiday! Thanks for the memories!