The United Kingdom Low Flying System (UKLFS) is the airspace across the United Kingdom in which low flying training is permitted. The system was established in 1979 and extends from ground level to 2000ft AGL. Flying is carried out from 0800 to 2300 during weekdays only. Military aircraft are also allowed to fly in Tactical Training Areas.UK Tactical Training Areas
Aircraft are restricted to a cruising speed of 450 knots,Regulatory Article 2330 and reheat (use of afterburner) is not permitted except for emergencies. Low flying aircraft should not enter any Air Traffic Zones, including Aerodrome Traffic Zones and Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone.
History It was introduced by the Air Force Board, and by Labour Under-Secretary of State for Air James Wellbeloved, who two years later defected to the SDP. Times Wednesday May 24 1978, page 8 In 1990 the Defence Select Committee had proposed that low-flying be removed over two years.Times Wednesday May 16 1990, page 8
Complaints In 1979 there were around 4,000 complaints about low flying, with £38,000 paid in compensation. In 1978 a USAF General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark had flown supersonic directly over a Welsh village, receiving many complaints.Times Saturday June 28 1980, page 14 In 1981, a F-111 flew low over Finzean in Aberdeenshire;Aberdeen Evening Express Monday 7 December 1981, page 17 Captain Robert Vosburgh was disciplined.Times Tuesday December 29 1981, page 2
Incidents On 27 March 1973, Hunter 'XG256', of 79 Squadron, hit the supports of Caradon Hill transmitting station and crashed. The pilot, 23 year old Flying Officer Richard Pearson, safely ejected.Daily Express Wednesday 28 March 1973, page 1Western Daily Press Wednesday 28 March 1973, page 81973 incident On the morning of Friday August 19 1977, a USAF F-4 Phantom flew through the supporting cables of Caldbeck transmitting station in Cumbria, and severed the aircraft's starboard wing, taking two feet off.Shropshire Star Friday 19 August 1977, page 1The Scotsman Saturday 20 August 1977, page 1Times Saturday August 20 1977, page 2 Major John McKenney was at 600ft. The aircraft had taken off from RAF Bentwaters in Suffolk.Suffolk Phantom in 1977 The aircraft survived.
Tactical Training Areas LFA7(T), central Wales LFA14(T), northern Scotland LFA20(T), Anglo-Scottish border and west Northumberland
See also Purple Corridor
References
External links UKLFS Low flying in the UK UK Military Low Flying - An Essential Skill