The Royal Air Force’s bill for damage caused by its aircraft reached £375,000 last year, with over £2,300 being awarded to people from Lincolnshire.

The most expensive payment in Lincolnshire for the year 2014/15 was to a person who suffered face and neck injuries, caused by a Tornado. They received over £1,200.

Compensation totalling £780 was awarded to the county resident by the Ministry of Defence after a low-flying plane shattered their chandelier and damaged a patio door.

The aircraft had broken through the sound barrier and triggered a sonic boom – a deafening noise caused by the shockwave of a plane travelling faster than the speed of sound.

Other reported damages in the county, revealed by a Freedom of Information request, included dislodged roof tiles.

Complaints across the country as a result of RAF activity resulted in payments being made to people who lost livestock and riders whose horses were spooked by planes.

The largest payouts were awarded to poultry farmers who claimed the noise of the aircraft overhead had caused their chickens to trample each other to death. An East Sussex farmer was handed £79,000 after his chickens were spooked by a Chinook helicopter.

Some £13,855 of repairs were required at an astroturf surface in London due to a low-flying Chinook, and campers in Gwynedd, Wales received £3,000 after their tents and possessions were ruined by a Sea Kind Helicopter.

An MoD spokesman said: “The MoD takes the issue of safe low-flying extremely seriously and understands that military low flying can be noisy and unpopular, but it is an essential part of operational training.”

A year after protesters broke onto RAF Waddington, causing an hour-long lockdown, groups returned to voice their opposition to the use of unmanned drones.

As reported previously, campaigners were handed fines of just over £300 and given conditional discharge at Lincoln Magistrates Court after they used bolt cutters to break through the fence of the base, armed with anti-drone leaflets.

Some of the protesters, from the End the Drone Wars group, were joined by demonstrators from across the country in returning on January 5 to reinforce their message.

Christopher Cole, from Oxford, was among those arrested for breaking onto the base in 2015.

He said: “We will be coming to RAF Waddington to protest four or five times a year. The use of drones is becoming more and more normalised and we want to remind people that this is going on.

“The main problem is that they make it too easy to go to war. War should be the last resort. Each and every day strikes are happening from this base and it’s important that we make people aware that war is a bad thing and it should be easy.

“We need to solve the underlying political problems. It’s not a game of whack-a-mole with terrorists, it’s undermining long-term counter-terrorism strategies.

“I don’t regret what happened last year. I think it’s right that people try to disrupt.

“It’s not for everybody, but we have to raise awareness and try to stop what’s happening. This isn’t a solution, it’s part of the problem.”

RAF Waddington is the UK base for Reaper Ground Control Station, which pilots unmanned drones across the globe.

The station has recently been involved in missions in Syria and Iraq, the Ministry of Defence confirming operations over the Christmas period successfully hit Dash terrorist targets.

Martin Newell, from Birmingham, who also protested at the base a year ago, added: “Bombing never won a war I don’t think. It’s only going to make it worse. For every so-called militant that we kill, there will be another one popping up.

“Terrorism is solved by political solutions.”

Demonstrators gathered at the base throughout 2015, met at points by opposition protests hosted by local members of the English Defence League (EDL).

The event on January 5 is the first in a list of demonstrations planned at the base throughout 2016.

RAF Coningsby was one of more than 500 stations to be completed during the Second World War, and on its 75th anniversary teams at the base are flying back in time to relive the stories of its inception.

The building of the station was arguably part of one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in the country.

An RAF Coningsby spokesperson said: “With so many bases being built, the opening of another was a low-key event.

“The official ‘birthday’ of the station (January 7) arrived almost by accident.

“The station diary showing that the Air Ministry authorised the opening on the first day of January, but it actually occurred on the 7th day of the month, 75 years ago.”

“The ‘Form 540’, (the station diary that was kept then, as it still is today) shows there was station activity, and even a station commander, before this date.

“The ‘540’ recording that Flight Lieutenant Stotter formed an advance opening party on November 4, 1940, with Squadron Leader Rhodes taking over temporary command on December 5.

“Following the opening of the station, there was a gradual increase in activity.”

Over the next few weeks, the team at RAF Coningsby are publishing stories and personalities from the period leading up to, and beyond, the station reaching operational status in 1941.

The team are appealing for people who have stories and memories about service at RAF Coningsby to send them in.

People can contribute to the project by emailing CON-Mediacomms-officer@mod.uk or getting in touch via Facebook or Twitter, using #CGY75.

Today, RAF Coningsby is in the front line of the Royal Air Force’s arsenal.

In 2015, the base celebrated the centenary year of the 29 (Reserve) Squadron, which is now based at the station and instructs pilots on how to operate the Typhoon aircraft, which is flown from RAF Coningsby.

The anniversary was marked by HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

Training for the RAF Red Arrows, based at RAF Scampton near Lincoln, was interrupted when a number of fans stood in the flight paths of the aircraft in order to take photographs.

A warning was issued by pilot ‘Red 10’, urging people not to stand directly under the paths of aircraft taking off and landing after their training ground to a halt due to the interference on Friday, January 15.

“Unnecessary risks”

The tweet from the Red 10 account read: “We are very honoured that so many people enjoy coming to RAF Scampton to watch the Red Arrows train and we do truly enjoy seeing the photographs that are taken everyday but it has come to the point where people are taking unnecessary risks to get those photographs.

“On Friday, Air Traffic Control had to stop our pilots performing circuits as there were people on the centreline of each runway, directly under the flight paths of the aircraft taking off and landing.

“By doing so people are endangering themselves and others and ATC had no choice but to stop us. Thereby curtailing crucial training for our pilots.

“Could we please request that people think sensibly about where to stand in order not to jeopardise their safety and our operations? Thank you in advance Red 10.”

The A15 south of Lincoln is set to be closed for four nights later this month to allow for roadworks associated with the runway replacement project at RAF Waddington to take place.

In March 2014, it was announced that RAF Waddington would undergo a £35.4m operation to rebuild its runway and improve airfield facilities, which had not been upgraded since the 1960s.

There will be overnight closures on the A15 from 7pm to 6am from January 22 to 23; January 23 to 24; January 29 to 30 and January 30 and 31.

A diversion will be in place via the B1178 to Harmston and the A607 to Bracebridge Heath, and vice versa.

Lincolnshire County Council has said that the closures are planned for the weekend to reduce disruption for drivers, who are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

Lottery funding worth £3 million has been awarded to the group behind the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) project on Canwick Hill in Lincoln.

The Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial Trust (LBCM), in partnership with the University of Lincoln, received Round 2 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) on Wednesday, January 20.

The money will be used for the creation of the exhibition, community engagement and education programmes, and digital archive for the Bomber Command Centre.

Digital archives preserving thousands of previously unseen personal stories and documents including the recollections of some of the few remaining survivors of the campaigns, will be housed at the centre.

The trust still needs to fund the building of the Chadwick Centre, which will house these facilities.

To raise the £3.8 million needed to build the centre, the IBCC launched a major fundraising campaign on January 15 with the backing of celebrities such as Dan Snow, Carol Vordeman, Jim Dooley, Dame Judi Dench and John Sergeant.

The campaign, titled “Are You One in a Million?”, aims to get one million people to donate at least £3 towards the project honouring those who served or supported Bomber Command.

The IBCC unveiled its first physical element, the Spire Memorial and Walls of Names, in October 2015 with an audience of 2,600 guests including 312 WWII Bomber Command veterans, thought to be the largest gathering since 1945.

President of the Bomber Command Association, Air Commodore Charles Clark DFC, said: “Knowing how difficult it was to raise the funds for the memorial in London, it is exciting news that the HLF are supporting this worthy project.

“We have to do everything we can to ensure this project is delivered whilst we still have some veterans alive.”

Jim Dooley, 70’s popstar and fundraiser said: “A really significant milestone has been achieved, many thanks and congratulations to all who have played a part.

“The race is really on now, to raise the necessary funds in order to build the Chadwick Centre that will house the archive and exhibition.”

Once open, the centre will have a dedicated education team working with schools, colleges and lifelong learning groups visiting the centre and through outreach programmes including the creation of specialist schools’ packs and an educational online portal.

Chairman of the trust, Tony Worth CVO, said: “All of those who served deserve recognition for their unstinting sense of duty, bravery and sacrifice.

“Their story is an enormously complicated one and includes not only those who served but those who supported them and those who suffered as a result of the campaigns. These are the people that this project will bring to life and honour.

“It will be an invaluable asset for the telling to future generations of the extent of the contribution of all those involved in Bomber Command in the defence of our liberty.

“The support and recognition of the HLF in the delivery of this project is vital to securing its long term success.”

Jonathan Platt, Head of HLF East Midlands, said: “There are a wealth of stories connected to Bomber Command that, until now, have never been fully told.

“We are proud to offer this National Lottery support to interpret the full story of its activities and to record the testimonies of veterans as well as those affected by the bombing.”

An RAF serviceman who discarded his own bank documents in a field has been fined, despite claiming not to realise that it was an offence.

North Kesteven District Council officers traced Martin Godwin through the military housing team and DVLA, after finding re-directed mail, postcards and a car parking ticket with his car registration.

Godwin, 40, and of Castlefields, Tattershall, pleaded guilty at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on January 14 to dumping the rubbish at a remote location on New Road, Blankney Dales in May 2015, four months before it was reported.

After initially stating that he did not realise it was an offence, Godwin apologised and praised the NKDC officers for their diligence in tracking him down.

The court gave him full credit for an early guilty plea and imposed a fine of £1,250 with a victim surcharge of £120.

He was also ordered to pay the council’s legal, investigation and clean-up costs in full, which came to £1,024.79.

In total, Godwin was fined £2,394.79.

Councillor Richard Wright, Executive Member for Environmental Health at NKDC said: “The district council has never tolerated fly-tipping and pursues it robustly whenever and wherever it becomes aware of it.

“We take the matter very seriously and will prosecute anyone who is caught doing so.

“A prime motivation behind our robust stance against fly-tipping is the broader education and awareness of the wider public as much as an environmental vigilance – which is especially important in a case such as this where I find it completely unbelievable that someone would claim to not know that it is an offence to blight our countryside with rubbish.

“It is unfortunate that this was another of those cases where someone has gone to great lengths to dump rubbish in a remote place.

“Had they used the same amount of thought and care in acting responsibly, driving to a tip or arranging for a bulky waste collection they would have saved themselves time, trouble and expense and not caused such environmental harm.”

More trained emergency responders will be at hand to deal with collisions on Lincolnshire’s roads thanks to a new course taught by the Station Fire Officer at RAF Coningsby.

Flight Sergeant Price, has conducted enhanced fire training at the Lincolnshire air base, to include road traffic collision awareness training in response to high numbers of incidents on the county’s roads.

Some of the senior managers have been acting as students to see how the new course will take shape.

The training covers a wide range of aspects including; basic understanding of hazardous vehicle materials and first aid aspects specific to the scene.

The students were then given a demonstration and an opportunity to practise their skills on a carefully crafted “crash scene” outside the fire section.

The valuable training added another capability that will help to protect personnel and enable them to assist if they are ever first on scene at a collision.

Flight Sergeant Price said: “Sadly, it is a statistic that the roads in Lincolnshire have a high number of Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs).

“With this training, I want to give our personnel an insight into how they can assist at an RTC, even in a small way, to ensure that those involved and anyone stopping to help is kept safe until the Emergency Services arrive.

“Many of our personnel travel from different parts of the county, so this knowledge is another way the personnel at Royal Air Force Coningsby can assist our local communities, if they ever come across a collision.”

The senior managers taking part in the training were, Wing Commander Smiley, Officer Commanding Operations Wing, Wing Commander Tillyard, Officer Commanding Engineering and Logistic Wing, Wing Commander Spencer-Thomas, Officer Commanding Base Support Wing and Squadron Leader Millikin, Officer Commanding Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The new course will be added to the annual fire training that personnel receive to ensure that their fire safety standards are maintained.

Ambitious teenagers interested in a career in the aviation industry are being given a unique opportunity to aim for the skies thanks to the opening of a specialised new career college in Lincoln.

Lincoln College has joined forces with the RAF and global aerospace engineering firms to launch its new Career College in Air and Defence, which will open to students in September.

The Air and Defence College will initially accept 72 students over the age of 16 at its Monks Road campus, with the college opening its doors to 14-year-olds in year two.

The college believes that the new project represents an opportunity for Lincolnshire’s young people to secure lucrative and rewarding careers, and for the region to plug its skills gap.

Lincoln College Group CEO Gary Headland, who himself was a former RAF Wing Commander, said: “Our students will have unrivalled access to RAF and Air Defence industry expertise and environments – making them career-ready ahead of their peers.

“We are offering fast-track pathways into lucrative, secure careers. For many students in Lincolnshire, this Career College and others like it are the right choice for them.”

Air and Defence students will be able to specialise in Engineering, Computer Sciences or Catering.

Students will be exposed to real life working environments on RAF bases and at renowned engineering firms such as Thales, Raytheon and AAR Corp.

They will also be subjected to regular RAF fitness and adventure training, complete Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and go on a residential course designed by the RAF and Royal Society of Engineers.

Star performers will even get the chance to go up in a trainer jet.

Graduates who meet the RAF recruitment criteria will be guaranteed a place on RAF Basic Recruit Training.

Air Commodore Chris Luck, Commandant of the RAF College Cranwell said: “My ambition is that the Air and Defence College will be a recognised pathway for highly prepared and confident young men and women into the RAF, and industry, in areas such as; engineering, computer sciences and catering, to name but a few.”

Founder and Trustee of the Career Colleges Trust, Lord Baker, said: “As well as being of huge benefit to the students and preparing them for employment, Career Colleges are helping to address future skills gaps and support the growth of UK industry.

“The Air and Defence industry is booming and the new Career College in Lincoln is very well-placed to offer excellent opportunities to the local community.”

Students can now apply for the Air and Defence College by visiting Lincoln College’s website.

Further information can be found online or by calling the college’s Information Office on 03003032435.

Construction college

Teenagers interested in a career in construction will also benefit from a new career college in the county.

The UK’s first Construction Career College will open its doors at Lincoln College’s Gainsborough Campus in September and students can apply now.

Students, will have the opportunity to specialise in bricklaying, painting and decorating and carpentry and joinery.

High-performing students will have the option to be fast-tracked into apprenticeships to start earning while they learn at an earlier date.

The Construction Career College is backed by The Gelder Group, Lindum Group, Robert Woodhead, Longhurst Housing Group, ONGO Homes and West Lindsey District Council.

Gelder Group CEO Steve Gelder said: “I am absolutely delighted that Lord Baker’s team chose Gelder Ltd to be the lead employer for the UK’s first ever Construction Career College, that the first one will be in my home town of Gainsborough and that we’ve been able to partner with Gary Headland’s team at Lincoln College to deliver it.”

Lincolnshire is once again set to host its own air show after an agreement was reached to hold an event at RAF Scampton from 2017.

The Minister of State for Defence, Earl Howe, and the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT) have announced an agreement has been made with the Royal Air Force to organise an air show at RAF Scampton north of Lincoln, the home of the Red Arrows.

As previously reported, the popular air show at RAF Waddington was officially scrapped in September 2015 due to “significant security concerns and operational risks,” as the base is home to the 39 Squadron which controls the Reaper drones in Afghanistan. A major runway replacement project is also underway.

Calls for a replacement show in Lincolnshire grew louder following the decision, with RAF Scampton’s Station Commander, Mike Harrop, telling The Lincolnite he would welcome an air show on the base.

Earl Howe wrote in a letter to Sir Edward Leigh, MP for Gainsborough (with RAF Scampton in his constituency) on Wednesday:

“I am now in a position to write to you further regarding the future of RAF air shows in the East of England, following the cessation of the air show at RAF Waddington of which you were previously advised.

“You are aware that proposals were submitted for an event to be hosted at RAF Scampton. Further work has now been undertaken and I am pleased to tell you that I am now hopeful this will happen.

“The RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT), who already organise the Royal International Air Tattoo, have agreed in principle to organise a similar event at RAF Scampton, although this will not be possible until 2017 at the earliest.”

RAFCT Chairman, Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, said: “Bringing a new air show to the area is an exciting prospect that will involve a lot of planning and support.

“Our charity is delighted to rise to the challenge of staging an aviation spectacle befitting an RAF station that was once the base of the legendary 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron and is now home to the world famous Red Arrows.

“Having agreed to stage an air show at RAF Scampton in September 2017 at the earliest, work will now begin on looking at the finer details.”

Chief Executive of RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, Andy Armstrong, said: “My team has a wealth of experience organising airshows and over the coming months we’ll engage with local agencies and community representatives to deliver a new, exciting and enjoyable day out for the whole family.

“Across Lincolnshire, there’s a great appetite for a new airshow and we are determined to create one whose identity reflects the region’s strong aviation links – past, present and future.”

Sir Edward Leigh said: “I am really pleased to see the RAF’s international air show come to the home of the Red Arrows, RAF Scampton. I know that the show will find a warm welcome in my constituency. I am grateful that the ministry has seen the benefits for Lincolnshire in keeping the event in ‘bomber county’.”

Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground, situated next to the base and home of the Lincolnshire Show, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that the air show will take place at RAF Scampton from 2017.

“It’s great news that Lincolnshire will be retaining  the event in the county and we will offer any support we can to ensure that this happens.”

A new website has also been set up for the Scampton Air Show, which will provide updates on the progress of the event.

Thousands of people from across Lincolnshire and the UK have been reacting to the news that RAF Scampton has agreed to stage an air show in September 2017.

The Minister of State for Defence, Earl Howe, and the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT) announced the agreement to hold the Scampton Air Show at the base north of Lincoln earlier this morning.

As previously reported, the popular air show at RAF Waddington was officially scrapped in September 2015 due to “significant security concerns and operational risks”.

Following the announcement, Lincoln MP Karl McCartney, said: “There was a great deal of disappointment in Lincoln and Lincolnshire at the decision to end the air show at RAF Waddington in my constituency, although, given the heightened operational and security threat to Waddington, we well understood and appreciated the reasons why this decision was made.

“It is extremely pleasing to know, therefore, that Lincolnshire will play host to another air show – this time at neighbouring Scampton.

“In the run up to the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, it is important to all of us in Bomber (and Fighter) County that we retain an International Air Show very close to its original home just north of Lincoln in Scampton, the home of the Red Arrows, and that the RAF has committed to maintain its traditional and modern links to Lincolnshire.”

Fantastic news

Councillor Roger Patterson, who represents the Scampton ward on West Lindsey District Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the people of Scampton, West Lindsey and Lincolnshire as a whole.

“Not only does it keep the air show in the county, it also secures the future of RAF Scampton, in its 100th year, and that of the Red Arrows squadron.

“I would like to thank Sir Edward Leigh who has championed RAF Scampton for a number of years, and like myself has always believed the base has a future.”

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Jeff Summers, said: “This is first-rate news and must surely be warmly welcomed.

“West Lindsey has big ambitions to grow our tourism industry and this is exactly the sort of news that we wanted to hear.

“I am confident that West Lindsey District Council will rise to the challenge to support delivering an air show in the district and we stand ready to assist the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust to do so.”

Your reactions

Dale Radley said: “Jolly good I can watch it from my back garden.”

Rachel Bagley said: “Great news for the county. Would like to see what plans they have drawn up for travel arrangements and residents of Scampton. Be a great excuse not to work that weekend for me anyway.”

Mick Smith said: “Great news except for the people that live locally. The Waddington Air Show caused chaos on the roads for two days and Scampton is no better placed when it comes to the road network.

Former RAF Wing Commander and CEO of Lincoln College Group Gary Headland has said the city’s upcoming new air and defence college will “change the narrative around further education”.

RAF Coningsby hosted both Gary Headland and Air Commodore Chris Luck, Commandant of the RAF College Cranwell, at the Southern Typhoon Operating Base on Tuesday, February 23.

Lincoln College recently announced the launch of a new career college in air and defence for 16 to 19-year-olds, supported by The Royal Air Force.

The new college, which is also supported by top global aerospace engineering firms, represents a unique opportunity for young people to secure lucrative and rewarding careers and for the region to plug its skills gap.

Students can apply now for the Air and Defence Career College, based at Lincoln College, which will open in September 2016.

Career colleges are a new concept in learning that is backed by and shaped by industry experts. Students will be exposed to real life working environments on RAF bases and in some of the best engineering firms in the country like Thales, Raytheon and AAR Corp.

Air and defence students can specialise in engineering, computer sciences or catering. Graduates who meet the RAF recruitment criteria will be guaranteed a place on RAF Basic Recruit Training (subject to RAF selection restrictions), or be well equipped to start a career in the wider aerospace industry.

On top of their Ofsted-rated “outstanding” professional technical training, students will also take part in regular RAF fitness and adventure training, complete Duke of Edinburgh Awards, go on a residential course designed by the RAF and Royal Society of Engineers, and star performers will even get the chance to go up in a trainer jet.

The career college will put a major focus on career-ready skills like adapting to workplace culture, confidence, attitude, team building and leadership.

Lincoln College Group CEO Gary Headland said: “As a former RAF Wing Commander it makes me hugely proud to be launching our Air and Defence Career College, supported by the RAF, in Lincolnshire, a county with such a rich Royal Air Force heritage.

“This is a living, breathing demonstration of our continued intent to change the narrative around further education.

“For too long it has been viewed as the poor-relation to higher education. We are offering fast-track pathways into lucrative, secure careers. For many students in Lincolnshire, this career college and others like it are the right choice for them.”

Air Commodore Chris Luck, Commandant of the RAF College Cranwell added: “This is a fantastic initiative that will provide more opportunities for young people from across the region to learn key skills that will really add to their employability.

“I am delighted that the RAF has been allowed to shape what’s on offer to the students, and to contribute important life-skills such as leadership, management and physical fitness.

“My ambition is that the Air and Defence College will be a recognised pathway for highly prepared and confident young men and women into the RAF, and industry, in areas such as; engineering, computer sciences and catering, to name but a few.”

The 2016 Red Arrows team have reached a major milestone in their training – flying together for the first time in a practice display.

Arrival of 2016 @rafredarrows completing first 9 aircraft practice! Great milestone & superb effort by entire team pic.twitter.com/OeiSUE9D4A

— Red Arrows JEngO (@RAFCircus1) February 24, 2016

Diamond #Nine: The 2016 Red Arrows completed their first 9-ship flight of 2016 @RoyalAirForce Scampton earlier today pic.twitter.com/gQgPDNQigo

— Red Arrows (@rafredarrows) February 24, 2016

The first so-called “nine-ship” of the year was completed at RAF Scampton, the Lincolnshire home of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, on Wednesday, February 24.

The Squadron is renowned for displaying with nine, British-built fast-jets and bringing the whole formation together is a key moment in the six-month winter training programme.

The occasion saw the team’s trademark Diamond Nine formation flown, among other manoeuvres that will feature in this year’s show.

Two of the Red Arrows’ nine pilots are new to the team for 2016.

Flight Lieutenant Matt Masters, who is Red 2 and a former Tornado pilot, said: “The first nine-ship is the culmination of many months of training and a relentless effort by the whole team – flying several times a day and gradually adding more and more elements to the sorties.

“It’s a very rewarding moment, as a pilot new to the Red Arrows, to reach this milestone and see the whole formation together.

“However, it is just another step in the training programme and our constant pursuit of excellence.

“There are still many sorties to be flown before the team prepares for Public Display Authority, with the aim of performing shows across the UK and overseas this summer.”

The first nine-ship is an important occasion for the whole Squadron – including the ground team, who number more than 100 and comprise technicians, suppliers, drivers, photographers, administrators, operations staff and a public relations department.

Displays announced

The Red Arrows begin training for the forthcoming season almost as soon as the previous year has ended.

Each pilot flies three sorties a day, five days a week, and the formations grow in aircraft number as training progresses.

Winter training lasts until mid-March, when the team usually moves overseas to a location with more predictable, settled weather to maximise flying hours and perfect the display. This is known as Exercise Springhawk.

It is hoped the first display to the public in the UK will be on May 8 this year, for the Shuttleworth Season Premiere, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

The team will take part in 51 displays across the country, however the cancellation of the annual Waddington Air Show meant Cleethorpes will be the only Lincolnshire display destination in 2016.

As previously reported, an air show is expected to return to the county from RAF Scampton from 2017.

The full list of displays for the 2016 season can be found here.

Did you manage to photograph the 2016 team as they took their first flight together? Send your pictures to news@thelincolnite.co.uk.

RAF Waddington has bid farewell to Group Captain Rich Barrow and welcomed Group Captain Al Marshall as the new Station Commander.

Under Group Captain Barrow’s command RAF Waddington navigated a period of significant change; the drawdown from Afghanistan during 2014 and, more recently, the continued support to operations in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

As reported previously, the station is the UK’s control base for RAF Reaper unmanned drones, recently playing a significant role in airstrikes in Syria and Iraq.

Group Captain Barrow leaves to take up a role in the Air Warfare Centre.

The formal handover took place on Friday, February 26.

On his departure Group Captain Barrow said: “It will be with great sadness, although immense gratitude, that I formally handover to Group Captain Marshall.

“RAF Waddington has come through an extremely difficult and demanding period that was filled with both challenges and successes.

“I have been confident throughout of the abilities and support from station personnel and, together, we have met every challenge head-on.

“We have delivered over and over again and we can be justly proud of our achievements. It has been an honour and a privilege to command Royal Air Force Waddington and I wish Group Captain Marshall every success in his new role”

The new Station Commander Group Captain Marshall was previously stationed at RAF Waddington as Officer Commanding 5(AC) Sqn; then a Joint Army and RAF unit.

During his command he led the squadron on operations in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali. More recently he was the Deputy Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of the Defence Staff.

Group Captain Al Marshall said: “It is a real pleasure and privilege to take command of RAF Waddington, and especially so given the significant level of current operational commitment from across the station.

“The capabilities that RAF Waddington generates are respected and highly valued. There is much to be optimistic about and the station certainly has a bright future.”

Emergency partner agencies across Lincolnshire were scrambled to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire as part of an exercise simulating their response in the event of a major crash on the base.

The Major Incident training exercise ‘Southern Approach’ tested the station response to a Typhoon aircraft crash and major fuel spillage with all emergency personnel involved.

RAF firefighters worked alongside their civilian counterparts from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

The simulation on March 4 included a real fire in the station’s training area to add the pressure of smoke-filled buildings and a range of emergency situations.

RAF Coningsby Station Fire Officer, Flight Sergeant Dave Price said: “The opportunity to have this size and complexity of exercise provides us all with an appreciation of how each service operates; this exercise was initially a military attendance with the Local Emergency Services response following shortly after the initiation of the crash alarm.

“The interoperability of those involved was clearly a priority to ensure the saving of life was paramount, this was confirmed by the manner which the communication between the military and civilian services was so effective at the time of operations.

“An enormous amount of enthusiasm was put in by all involved with a huge amount of understanding being generated in the manner which each operates at a scene of this style.”

Squadron Leader Adam Booth, one of the Exercise Commanders, added: “This exercise was to test our emergency plan to destruction. It meant we could find any holes and learn from it to make it stronger for the future.”

Lincolnshire’s newest Typhoon Display Pilot Flight Lieutenant Mark Long has lots to look forward to this coming display season as training is ramped up at RAF Coningsby.

Mark was born in Bury St Edmunds and grew up in Essex. He attended Newport Free Grammar School and then Saffron Walden County High School for A-levels.

Mark was introduced to flying with frequent visits to both Duxford and Mildenhall Airshows, and always aspired to join the RAF.

Flt Lt Mark Long has joined the display team at RAF Coningsby. Photo: SAC Jack Welson

Without his parents’ knowledge, on his 17th birthday Mark walked into Cambridge Armed Forces Careers Office and professed his ambition to fly fast jets in the Royal Air Force. Four months later he was awarded a RAF Bursary to study Economics.

Whilst studying at the University of Warwick, Mark learnt to fly the Bulldog and Grob Tutor on the University of Birmingham Air Squadron.

Mark graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2003 and was subsequently sent to RAF Linton on Ouse to fly the Tucano.

He was awarded his ‘wings’ in 2004 and began his Advanced Flying Training (AFT) on the Hawk in 2005. Mark was selected to remain on 208(R) Squadron to take on the role of an Instructor.

On completion of his instructional tour, Mark was role disposed to the Harrier GR7/9 and was posted to 1(F) Sqn, RAF Cottesmore.

During his time on the Harrier, Mark achieved Combat Ready status and participated in a number of major exercises. He was also the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations off an aircraft carrier.

Typhoon at sunset. Photo: RAF Coningsby

In 2012 Mark joined the Typhoon Force, and was assigned to 11 Squadron at RAF Coningsby, where he revalidated his Combat Ready qualifications.

Mark has deployed on Air Policing duties in the Baltic States, in addition to holding QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) duties in the UK and South Atlantic.

It was back to instructional duties in 2014, with a posting to 29(R) Squadron. His primary role is to teach the student pilots how to operate the Typhoon, ensuring the trained and ready to join a Typhoon frontline squadron.

Additional to his instructional duties, Mark contributes to RAF Coningsby’s primary task of defending UK sovereign airspace.

Mark lives in Lincolnshire, with his wife Beth and his two daughters. In his spare time Mark enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, playing all racket sports, golf and getting out on his motorbikes.

He regularly rides at Cadwell Park, striving to achieve respectable lap times on his Track Bikes.

He said being chosen to be a display pilot “is a true privilege.”

“To display a Front Line jet is a life-long ambition realised, especially considering I joined the RAF as a result of being inspired by air displays from the Harrier, Lightning, Red Arrows etc (I was six years old at the time.)

“I get to really appreciate the performance of the Typhoon. It is epic. On the ground I am surrounded by a motivated hugely supportive team and Squadron, and that makes the whole job so satisfying.

“Who would have thought it would be so difficult to get good weather in a Lincolnshire winter! So it has been a slow start but now is ramping up nicely, and the feedback from people (especially my mentor Jonny Dowen) is very encouraging.

“The display itself is 7:30min of pure concentration, aiming to achieve perfection each time. I am learning a great deal, every practice has new elements (wind, cloud etc) that subtlety effect how the sequence is flown.

“Time away from my family is going to be tough. Thankfully my wife offers me so much support, and understands some of the external pressures.

“Duxford (May 28/29) is going to be a big event for me, as I grew up five miles away from the airfield so it is effectively my local air show. It will also have the entire contingent of the extended Long family present!

“Each venue offers something new; I am really looking forward to meeting as many people as possible at each event.

“The season is going to race by, and I really want them to be involved so we can share the experience, although the air show ice cream van will be more appealing to my daughters than watching daddy display again!”

The Red Arrows have left their home base at RAF Scampton near Lincoln to complete training in Greece.

The aircraft took off from on March 17 at around 11am, with a two hour delay due to foggy conditions en route in Munich.

https://twitter.com/rafred10/status/710402014681931776

The Reds will operate for the next two months Greece, as the pilots practice their display ahead of the 2016 season.

The annual training at the base is known as Exercise Springhawk and sees the Reds fly three times a day, five days a week, to perfect their performance.

The location guarantees the better weather, which is needed for the Red Arrows to practice and attain the necessary approval from senior Royal Air Force officers before they return and display in front of the public – known as Public Display Authority (PDA).

The 2016 Red Arrows pilots team

RAF Cranwell south of Lincoln, the first military academy in the world, is honouring 100 years of aviation and taking a trip back to its significant inception.

The station will have served its official centenary on April 1, 2016 and will be hosting a series of events for visitors of all ages to enjoy in celebration.

Lincolnshire has several airfields that are still operational and serve modern day RAF, including Digby, Waddington and Cranwell in the North Kesteven district alone.

On April 1 1916, Royal Naval Air Service Station Cranwell, part of HMS Daedalus, opened as a training station to teach officers to fly aircraft such as BE2cs, Avro 504s and Sopwith Camels and later airships and kite balloons.

Training continued until April 1 1918 and the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps were amalgamated to form the Royal Air Force we know today.

RAF Cranwell became the first military air academy in the world and opened on February 5 1920, under the command of Air Commodore C.A.H. Longcroft.

The prestigious College Hall building was completed in 1933 and stands an iconic landmark for those have served past and present.

North Kesteven District Council is hosting a 100 Years of Aviation event at the base’s local visitor centre – Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre, which tells the story of Cranwell’s development from the first Military Air Academy to its present day operation.

Faye Coulson, from North Kesteven District Council, said:

“From Friday 1 to Sunday, April 3 the centre will house special one off exhibitions including Royal Flying Corps uniforms and artefacts dating back to World War I.

“Research is also being carried out at the College Hall library at RAFC Cranwell to devise a timeline that will illustrate the 100 years to present day showing visitors the importance that RAF Cranwell has in Lincolnshire’s aviation history.

“Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre are now working in partnership with the Heritage and Ethos Centre, located ‘behind the wire’ who will also be a part of this event and will also be exhibiting replica uniforms as well as smaller uniforms for children to try on and imagine what it would’ve been like during the war.”

Find out more on the attraction’s website here. 

Airmen based at RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton will march through Lincoln together for the first time to mark 100 years since both bases were built.

Both RAF Scampton and RAF Waddington have been granted the Freedom of the City of Lincoln, giving them the right to march through the city “with bayonets fixed, bands playing and colours flying”.

Around 90 airmen and officers are expected to march through the city centre on Friday, April 22, accompanied by the RAF Waddington Pipe and Voluntary Band.

The RAF Ensign will fly above the Guildhall to mark the occasion and a special flypast may take place as part of the parade.

Starting in City Square, the RAF personnel will march to the war memorial, where they will receive the salute at around 11.35am from the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the Mayor of Lincoln.

Kate Fenn, Civic and International Partnerships Manager at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We’re proud that RAF Waddington exercise their Freedom of the City each year.

“This year will be especially exciting as it will be the first time RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton have marched together.

“The town crier is writing a ‘cry’ to commemorate the occasion, which will be read following the salute from the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the Right Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln.

“Everyone is welcome and we’d love to see as many people as possible enjoying the occasion.”

RAF Scampton was granted freedom of the city in 1993, while RAF Waddington has held the honour since 1959.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Lincoln city centre to see personnel from RAF Waddington and RAF Scampton march together for the first time to mark 100 years since both stations were founded.

The parade began at City Square at 11.30am on Friday, April 22, with the airmen marching through Lincoln High Street.

The march stopped at the war memorial, where the RAF personnel received a salute from the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and the Mayor of Lincoln.

Onlookers were also able to look to the skies to see a spectacular flypast by a Sentry E3-D aircraft based at RAF Waddington.

Both stations were exercising their privilege to march through the city centre after being granted the Freedom of Lincoln.