RAF warns spectators of jet blast dangers

A Typhoon jet prepares to take off at RAF Coningsby

Spectators are risking serious injury by standing too close to RAF jets as they take off and land, officials have said.

People, including children, have been seen standing near the fencing at RAF Coningsby and RAF Waddington, in Lincolnshire, to secure better views of the aircraft.

But warnings issued on social media said hot air and blasts from jet engines pose a safety risk.

RAF Waddington said there is a "significant risk" people could be blown onto the A15.

The RAF provides dedicated viewing areas at both stations but it said spectators often stand close to the fencing designed to withstand the forces generated by aircraft.

In addition to the official warning, Tim Cheney, chairman of Friends of the Red Arrows, said people were risking their lives.

He added: "If anything went wrong with an aircraft, you can't outrun it and they could get blown over by the thrust from the jets."

Andy Sinclair, an aircraft enthusiast, said: "Even if you have no understanding of the aircraft, you can see the actual blast off the engines at the back. It's that type of thing where you've got to be safe all the time."

RAF Waddington is one of the UK's busiest stations and is also home to the Red Arrows display team.

Meanwhile, RAF Coningsby has two frontline, combat-ready squadrons and is the training station for Typhoon pilots.

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