Photo: Gary Forsyth

Planning Your Trip

Check the weather - Although even in the direst conditions you may see low level activity, it doesn't make for the most comfortable visit. Once you've sorted the weather, make sure your dressed and packed for the worst - sometimes the met men get it wrong, although very occasionally they have been known to get it right!

Inform someone where you are going and when you'll be back - Mobile signals can be poor or non-existent in certain areas and so cannot always be relied upon to help you in a sticky situation. Informing someone of where you'll be and what time to expect you back will help in the event of an emergency. By the nature of the hobby, most of the locations are on hillsides overlooking valley floors and so as such require a degree of physical fitness

Check NOTAMs - read by the aircrews, NOtices To Air Men (NOTAM) inform them of any restrictions to flying in and around the UK low Fly System (UKLFS). Whether it's filming a new movie or civilian helicopters operating in the area the NOTAMs will details reasons why you may not see aircraft in your desired location. Notam Plot is a great piece of free software showing NOTAMs by geographical locations making them a doddle to translate.

Check land access at your planned location - The locations provided within the guide are for reference purposes only. Where known we have only included locations on public land or land with free access, however we cannot be responsible for the accuracy of this information. - Right to Roam OS Maps

Scanners - Although not essential, a scanner will help while away the hours as you listen to traffic transiting towards you only never to be seen (Perhaps a little pessimistic - we do occasionally hear and then see the jets! The Scanner page on the website will provide you with details of all the known frequencies we regularly listen to whilst out on location as well as offer general tips on getting the most from your little box of tricks.

Camera Equipment - Most of the locations within the guide will require a lens of at least 300mm based on a 1.5/1.6 digital crop SLR. You'll also need to ensure you have spare (Charged) batteries, memory cards and something sturdy to transport your expensive gear in. A trip or fall on the hillside can quickly reduce your prized lens to a collection of broken glass.

Scanners Air to Air frequency guide along with a run down on getting the best from your scanner out in the wilderness.

NOTAM PLOT NOTAMPLOT makes reading NOTAMS easy. Free download and software. Highly recommended for low level trip planning.

Weather Unpredictable weather - Preparing yourself for natures worst. Including links to some of the best weather sites.

Links Websites that may be of interest to aviation photographers. Add your  web site for free.

Warplane.co.uk does not accept any liability for the accuracy of the information contained within this site. Information is provided for reference only and you should ensure you have permission to enter any private land and are suitably prepared for the location you are visiting, including clothing and emergency provisions.