Predannock 2008

RNAS Predannack Cornwall October 2022

Scottish Aviation HP-137 Jetstream T.2 (ZA111 'CU-565') previously with 750 Naval Air Squadron Royal Navy based at RNAS Culdrose. Fleet Air Arm 100th Anniversary markings were applied in 2009. In 2011 ZA111 became a ground Instruction airframe until transferred to the Fire Training School in June 2017.

A weekend walk past Predannock Airfield Jetstream T.2 (ZA111 'CU-565') when operational with 750 NAS in 2009. RAF Predannack in Cornwall was built during World War Two and continues today as a relief airfield and satellite for Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose, the Fleet Air Arm's largest helicopter base which is situated six miles away to the north. Taken over by the Royal Navy in 1958 RNAS Predannack is now primarily used for helicopter pilot training. It has a fully operational control tower, four runways and a weather radar. The airfield is also used by the 626 Volunteer Gliding School (VGS) which have been based here since 1991. The public bridleway which follows the coast of Devon and Cornwall happens to go across part of Predannock airfield. It has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is half owned by English Nature. A weekend walk along the bridle path and you come across old and overgrown signs warning of an active airfield. The first area you pass are abandoned World War Two dispersals which until recently had quite a few airframes scattered around. All but two have been cleared leaving just a ex Royal Navy Jetstream and a Sea King. The Fire Training School uses an adjacent area and well away from the runways and helicopter manoeuvring areas for live fire fighting and rescue instruction/exercises. Photography: These images were taken from 90 minutes before sunrise for the first session and restarted for the second session two hours before sunset up until sunset.

Left to right: Jetstream T.2 (ZA111 'CU-565') previously with 750 Naval Air Squadron Royal Navy based at RNAS Culdrose.

Left to right: Jetstream T.2 (ZA111 'CU-565').

Left to right: Just before sunrise.

Left to right: There are MoD signs suggesting it to be dangerous to climb inside and that they do not accept responsibility for any injuries, I only risked my tripod to get the inside image from the open doorway.

Left to right: Most of my images were taken toward the low sun to be more effective and to avoid shooting my own shadow!

Left to right: Some of these images were taken with a monopod with cable release held over my head.

Left to right: Almost sunset.

Left to right: Westland Sea King HAS.5 (XV657 'DD-132') ex Royal Navy and retired in 1992 to become an instructional airframe at RNAS Culdrose in 1994 with the School of Flight Deck Operations (SFDO). In June 2017 to Predannack for fire and rescue training.