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Kickass Low Level

Posted by aaron on April 22, 2008

No matter what jet you fly, no matter how high or how fast it will go, one of the most kickass thrills of flying a fighter is flying low. The rush as the ground, trees and houses and farms speed by is invigorating. There’s really nothing better than a cool smooth day, hugging down low in a valley, speeding through with the rocky walls above you on each side.

One of the favorite such valleys for fighter pilots and photographers is the Machynlleth Loop in Wales. That’s where many of the photographs below were taken but for fighter pilots, anywhere is OK if you can go low and fast; beaches, cities, sky resorts, any large public gatherings, all particular favorites.

Of course, most countries don’t like fighter pilots to go zipping around whereever they please. Some countries, Germany for example, actually have devices that sole purpose is to photograph and violate fighter pilots flying too low. Germany’s device is called Skyguard, a super powerful camera and lens that actually allow the reading a specific tail numbers. (Bastards!).

Regretfully, the places around the world where fighter pilots can fly real low have become limited. Most air forces have regulations now that limit the altitude above the ground or water that their fighter pilots can fly, regardless of the absence of low fly restriction over a particular area. For the most part, these regulations are for the fighter pilots own safety. It’s only natural to want to go lower and lower and eventually, through out fighter pilot history, that has resulted in unexpected ground impact.

Low level flying kicksass!! It’s that simple. Below are some great pictures that show that fighter pilots still love it and photographers still love to take pictures of them doing it.

Good morning Mr. Farmer!

UK Tornado GR4
Photo by Air Team Image

Kickass Sweet!!

UK Typhoon T1
Photo by Scott Rathbone

Loaded up and flying down.

UK Harrier GR9
Photo by Karl Drage

Damn, you can see every single panel!

USA F-15E Strike Eagle
Photo by Scott Rathbone

A little vapor is always a nice touch.

UK Tornado GR4
Photo by Air Team Images

Up on a wingtip. Kickass!!

UK Jaguar GR3
Photo by Karl Drage

Yikes!! That's close.

UK Hawk T1
Photo by Air Team Images

More speed please.

USA F-15E Strike Eagle
Photo by Air Team Images

Dude, you are going the wrong way through the Machynlleth Loop.

UK Tornado GR4
Photo by Karl Drage

Always fun to impress the vehicles on the road.

UK Harrier GR9
Photo by Air Team Images

I'm not getting a sensation of speed here.

USA A-10 Warthog
Photo by Neil Jones

Low level at 10,000', in the Alps.

Swiss F/A-18C Hornet
Photo by Neil Jones

Kickass fuel tanks for a long low level.

UK Jaguar GR3
Photo by John Higgins

Simply KICKASS!!

Danish F-16BM Fighting Falcon
Photo by Ross Forsyth

Excuse me sir! You're not supposed to be below the cars.

UK Typhoon T1
Photo by Air Team Images