Safety warning issued to plane spotters during RAF Waddington exercise

Plane spotters gathering near RAF Waddington for the latest Cobra Warrior exercise are being urged to put safety first, as concerns grow over how some spectators are watching the action.

The twice-yearly training exercise is under way at the Lincolnshire base, with aircraft from the UK, Germany and Poland taking part. It is a familiar sight for many in the county, where RAF activity is part of daily life and often draws enthusiasts keen to photograph visiting jets.

But officials say some of the crowds gathering near the end of the runway have been taking unnecessary risks. Sgt Brian Rundle said behaviour by the fence line had become "out of hand", with some people using stepladders to gain a better view of aircraft as they take off.

Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, he warned that the force of jet blast from fast-moving aircraft could be dangerous. He pointed to aircraft such as the F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon, saying the power from engines at take-off is strong enough to shake the ground and create serious risk for anyone perched on ladders close to the runway.

He also raised concerns about hearing protection, with the noise from departing jets posing another hazard for those standing nearby without proper precautions.

RAF Waddington sits alongside the A15, one of the key routes through this part of Lincolnshire, and temporary safety measures have been introduced during the exercise. These include a lower speed limit on the road near the base. Spectators are also being advised to use the official viewing enclosure rather than trying to get closer by crossing nearby farmland.

For Lincolnshire residents, major exercises at RAF Waddington often bring a mix of excitement and disruption. The county has long been known for its strong links to the RAF, and visiting aircraft can attract large numbers of aviation followers from across the region and beyond. That local interest is well established, but this latest warning is a reminder that enthusiasm must be matched by common sense.

Not everyone at the scene agreed there was a serious problem. Plane spotter Dan Trickett said he understood tighter controls at other bases, but felt the atmosphere at Waddington was different. He said that, from what he had seen, most people had behaved safely. Another spotter complained that restrictions were affecting the ability of enthusiasts to watch aircraft.

Even so, the message from those overseeing safety is clear. With powerful military jets operating from one of Lincolnshire's best-known RAF stations, viewers are being asked to keep to designated areas, avoid risky vantage points and respect the measures in place while Cobra Warrior continues.

This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.