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COLTISHALL: THE METEOR RETURNS
Britain’s pioneering jet heritage. A newly restored photographic subject.
Join COAP for a special morning photography session with newly restored Gloster Meteor T.7 WL332, ahead of our Coltishall Jaguar event, later that day.
Running from 10:30–12:00, this focused shoot offers the opportunity to capture a distinctive aircraft representing an important chapter in Coltishall’s history. With its twin engines, straight wings and extended two-seat cockpit, the Meteor provides a very different photographic subject to the Jaguars that follow.
Long before Coltishall became synonymous with the Jaguar, the Meteor helped introduce the station to the jet age. Meteor F.3s arrived in 1946 with No. 245 Squadron, followed by Nos. 56 and 266 Squadrons. Their initial stay was brief because the airfield required improvements for jet operations. Following upgrades, Meteor F.8s of Nos. 257 and 263 Squadrons arrived in 1950 to undertake air defence duties.
Two-seat Meteor T.7s also formed part of Coltishall’s story, supporting the training needed for this new generation of aircraft. Today, WL332 brings that heritage back into view, providing a fitting opening to a day of photography celebrating Coltishall’s jet aircraft.
A more detailed itinerary will follow closer to the time.
10:30 - Welcome and opening briefing
Meet the COAP team for a short introduction to the session, including arrangements for photography and safe movement around the aircraft.
Morning - Meteor WL332 photography
A dedicated session photographing the newly restored Meteor T.7, with opportunities to explore overall aircraft compositions and closer details from the available viewing positions. Photography will be coordinated to help everyone make the most of the session.
12:00 - Session concludes
The Meteor shoot finishes ahead of the Coltishall Jaguar event. Please follow the separate joining instructions for the Jaguar session.
Timing: This is a 90-minute morning event, running from 10:30 until 12:00.
Featured aircraft: Newly restored Gloster Meteor T.7 WL332, the two-seat training variant of Britain’s first operational jet fighter.
Photography: Bring a selection of focal lengths if available. A standard zoom will offer flexibility for aircraft portraits, while a longer lens can help isolate details. Available angles and working distances will depend on the aircraft’s position and site arrangements.
Clothing: Please wear practical footwear and bring suitable layers and waterproof clothing for the conditions.
Around the aircraft: Follow the event team’s guidance and respect any access restrictions around this historic airframe.
Joining arrangements: Please refer to the final event information for arrival, parking and meeting-point details.
Jaguar event: This session precedes the Jaguar photography event; please check your booking confirmation for the sessions included.
Programme: The order of photography may be adjusted to suit conditions and requirements on the day.
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