Why is it whenever there are reports of low fast flying aircraft during the day (or night),according to the local press people believe it to be some strange phenomenon or even UFO's. There is always a big debate over what the noise could have been,have people never heard an aircraft before?These planes go over regularly and as we are directly below their flight path we get treated to an amazing sight.The fully loaded Mirage is a sight to behold,especially if it is screaming above the rooftop at a very low level.We have had our windows rattled many a time.Then there is the occasional sonic boom,or could it be quarry blasting,or maybe another UFO, the start of WW111,or even the end of the world. :-)Two went over just before midnight a few weeks ago,they were so fast by the time I got to the back door they had long gone,it sounded like a surround sound audio system at full volume in the living room.A while back I thought a C130 was actually going to drop in for tea.I have always been fascinated by aircraft,I could watch them all day.So the next time you hear something that sounds like a jet aircraft,it probably is.................or is it? :-)

"There is always a big debate over what the noise could have been"

Strange indeed...We always have a similar debate after I've had a bacon, egg, baked beans and laverbread breakfast.

( All in the best possible taste..of course! )

Nothing more impressive than seeing how slow and low a C130 (Hercules) can go.
Often seen them at our place, even able to clearly discern the pilots.

A C130 regularly pops over the top of the trees and flies at low level up our land towards the house. He banks left about 100-200 metres away. I never have the camera to hand because I really want to see if the pilot is smiling or laughing as he approaches.

Great fun so long as he remembers to turn...:)

I spent the first ten years of my working life with the MOD involved with and flying in military aircraft and flying has always been an obsession of mine. I had a PPL and am still licensed to fly gliders. I have no problem with these training flights be they fast jets, transports, helicopters or the piston-engined trainers which carry out aerobatic exercises.
What concerns me are those people who complain about military flying. Do they not realise that this is training for the aircrew in order that they are equipped to defend us in the (God forbid) event of an outbreak of hostilities in these troubled times?

I stand to be corrected but I would be very surprised if anyone has ever seen a C-130 flying in France because I certainly haven't.

l'anglais de Brillac.

Why not? The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is listed as being in current service with the French airforce.