'You wait and you listen': The art of low-flying aircraft spotting in LFA17

Across the country there are 20 low flying zones for training purposes, and thankfully for us in Cumbria, one of the most exciting spots for plane-spotters is LFA17 - which covers the Lake District National Park and Cumbria. 

The art of LFA17 spotting brings eager eyes from around the world in hopes of catching a glimpse of low-flying aircraft zipping overhead through mountainous terrains, and if you're lucky enough, you might even get a wave from pilots as they go like lightning lower than 250 feet from the ground.

F-15s over Ullswater. Credit: Wally Civitico

One man with a fantastic passion for all things aircraft is Wally Civitico, from Perth, Australia. 

"It can all be very hit and miss, you may be sitting on top of a mountain and not see a thing. That's what I'm all about though, walking in the English countryside and taking pictures of planes. 

A self-proclaimed photoshopped picture of Wally, Credit: Wally Civitico

"There's absolutely no warning as to when anything is coming. Let's say I've been in the Lake District four or five times over the past four years, I've been lucky that I've seen something everyday I've been there but it might only be one plane every day," he said. 

Wally, who has taken some incredible shots over the years and "plenty of blurry ones" said it comes with practice and patience. 

"These jets flew so low over me in Ullswater once, the noise, the slipstream the swoosh-swoosh-swoosh, it was absolutely fantastic, I was shaking for 20 minutes afterwards. 

"The benefit with Ullswater is that you get the best of both worlds, the RAF and the United States American Force," he said. 

A400 Atlas over Ullswater. Credit: Wally Civitico

The RAF Spadeadam's directorate of air training said it's important for pilots to practice in various terrains all throughout the country. 

"22 Group RAF operates its aircraft in the UK Low Flying System, including Low Flying Area 17, to allow trainee aircrew to gain the flying skills required in their progression towards operational front-line aircrew. 

Pilot poses for the camera. Credit : Wally Civitico

"A range of topography is essential to provide the variety of experiences needed and to avoid repeated use of Low Flying Areas that are local to UKMFTS operating bases. Repeated overflight of familiar terrain would afford minimal training benefit and hence Low Flying Areas across the UK are used.

"The UK Low Flying System is used by many aircraft operators; UK Military Flying Training System aircraft are 22 Group’s primary user," they said. 

You can see more of Wally's pictures on Flickr.

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