What started off a quiet Sunday turned quickly around into a very exciting afternoon when I learned that the Fairford based U-2 had gone up, very unusually for a Sunday. What better way to spend a Spring afternoon!

Before heading to Fairford, I checked ADS-B one last time, to see a RCAF CC-130 heading in the Brize direction from Prestwick. Hedging my bets, I headed to Brize first to catch a nice visitor. Typical that the sun shone through the clouds the minute before and after the arrival. It still yielded a nice shot however...

I was tipped off by a 360 Radar mode A user that the U-2 was on its way back, just entering UK airspace. Prior experience told me that I had about 40 minutes left to make it between bases - plenty. An extremely busy fairford made for a great opportunity to speak to fellow enthuthiasts. I felt very lucky to have been around for this U-2, being in nice weather, on a weekend and most importantly being at the correct end of the runway! Many times before, I had gone to the correct end based on the wind, only to see the Dragon Lady line up towards me. I am very happy with the result, a shot certainly I am proud of...