Incredible video shows pilot's view of Scottish Highlands during RAF training

Breathtaking footage shows an RAF pilot’s perspective of stunning views during a training exercise in the Highlands.

The video was taken during the return of ‘Exercise Tartan Spirit’ this week, a biannual deployment of two C-130J Hercules aircraft to Prestwick Airport, Scotland.

It shows a beautiful view from the pilot seat as the aircraft glides through clouds above some of Scotland’s most spectacular countryside.

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Aircrew of XXIV, 47 and 206 Squadrons took to the skies over Scotland to conduct a range of essential military flying training including formation flying, operational low flying and C-130J conversion course.

Pilot's view while flying the C-130J Hercules during Exercise Tartan SpiritPilot's view while flying the C-130J Hercules during Exercise Tartan Spirit
Pilot's view while flying the C-130J Hercules during Exercise Tartan Spirit

During the six days of training, more than 25 qualifications were awarded to aircrew members, who completed more than 40 training sorties and 95 hours of flying training.

Wing Commander McIntyre, Officer Commanding XXIV Squadron said: "Exercise Tartan Spirit puts us closer to mountainous terrain and remote from RAF support within the deployed setting of Prestwick Airport.

"The training outputs are huge, with Operational Conversion Unit students planning and flying out of an unfamiliar location alongside Operational Low Flying courses for 47 Squadron crews and vital Engine Running Offload training with No.1 Air Mobility Wing (1AMW).

“We’ve been delivering under Covid-19 conditions for six months now, but it was fantastic to see the various teams at both RAF Brize Norton and Prestwick pull together to overcome some significant challenges to enable the delivery of a vital Exercise for the C-130J Force.”

C-130J Hercules aircrew pictured inside the flight deck during Exercise Tartan SpiritC-130J Hercules aircrew pictured inside the flight deck during Exercise Tartan Spirit
C-130J Hercules aircrew pictured inside the flight deck during Exercise Tartan Spirit

While extensive training took place in the air, ground serials were also carried out, with more than 20 tonnes of freight ranging from passengers, wheeled freight and numerous palletised loads engine running off/on loaded onto the aircraft.

Squadron Leader Ryllo, Officer Commanding C-130J Hercules Flight, XXIV Squadron said: “Exercise Tartan Spirit has deployed during a challenging time, however all those involved have risen to the occasion. From the organisation phase and the preparation in the synthetic training devices, to the physical deployment, the hard work and professionalism shown by all personnel has been exceptional.

"I have no doubt that the training serials and activities conducted during the week will have enhanced the operational capability of the Air Mobility Force and of all those who deployed.”

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