Right, see if you want to see a Sea King landing and taking off right in front of you, get to Prestwick golfcourse on (of all days) Christmas morning at round about 9ish.
Every year, HMS Gannet flies 'Santa' to Clic Sargent House ( Links Road, on the way down from Prestwick Town railway station to the beach) to give the kids presents.
Come along, get your pictures, and then when the crew are in the house, walk up and take a close look at the Sea King, they just leave it there as, well, I don't suppose anybody is exactly going to nick it, are they??
I got to have a nosey at the inside from the large pull back door (they will not let you inside for obvious reasons), and, of course, it was largely empty, just if yer wondering!
They still keep an eye on it from the house, and, whatever you do, DON'T try to jump and touch the rotors, someone apparently tried it last year and the crew were not at all happy as you'd imagine!!
Damage that thing and you'll have a January credit card bill to remember!!
Take note, that even on Christmas day, they are on call, the helicopter is all prepped to go, and they may have to leave early, or, in fact, they may have to come later in the day.
Then, when they take off again, wave to Santa at the door, as you get your hair messed up by the considerable downdraft!!
Come, you will not be disappointed!!
The one that came last year was XZ920, but it probably will be a different one this year. Maybe one with the big kick ass playing cards painted on it this time, if Gannet has them.
I can always rely on this forum to make myself feel about 10 times worse than I did before