Late afternoon sun on AARA 5 - 17 Dec

[Tonkenna]

Occasionally post the odd photo here and thought some of you might like this one taken on during a tanking trip this week...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v166/andytownshend/F3-2-1.jpg

Happy Christmas and New Year...

Tonks :)

[goudie]

Aidu, some people recognise a quality pic when they see one and that is quality.
Dunno why I'm bothering to reply to your post, I must be slightly bored.

[Brewster Buffalo]

Great photo..

thanks for posting it so we could all share.. and a merry xmas to you too.

[Gen. Jack D Ripper]

AIDU

I think you'll find it's a Tornado F3.

[spanners123]

Oh dear, how does is go........WAH!

[goudie]

I think you'll find it's a Tornado F3.

Are you sure? It may look like a Tornado F3 but AIDU is an ex spurt on all things military. Aircraft recognition being his best subject.

[Dengue_Dude]

. . . would that be Blue Circle Airways???

Nice pic though!

Merry Christmas

[VinRouge]

Didnt Know the F3 was in the desert.

[Gen. Jack D Ripper]

Oh I'm sure. I see the damn things almost everyday F3's at work, Typhoons & F3's at home.

:ok:

[TEEEJ]

Superb image.

:ok: :D

[Mactlsm1]

As TEEJ says its a cracking shot, and considering that its taken trough a canopy/FD window there's no distortion/relection - A Cracking shot of................... an F3 :D

[Art Field]

Ah, memories Tonks, thanks for the pic.

[BEagle]

Very nice piccie, Tonks!

Your only trade that day?

;)

[Dan Winterland]

Obviously. Not much left of the Air Force these days!

MerryChrimbo Tonks.

[Tonkenna]

Your only trade that day?

Ha ha ha Beagle... not far off! Just F3s on that sortie but enough to make it fun.

Thanks for the comments guys... hi to Art, Dan and Beags:) and have a great Chritmas all...

Tonks :)

[BEagle]

Hi again, Tonks!

Out of interest, which b£oody stupid ATP-56B formation is that guy in? Is it 'observation' or 'buddy cruise'?

One hears that ATP-56C is on the way - any dates? And have they $hitcanned the ridiculous 'observation', 'reform' and 'buddy cruise'....? Please say yes!

[spannersatKL]

I'll send a few quid to help for heroes for a copy?

[SirToppamHat]

VinRouge:
Didnt Know the F3 was in the desert

I didn't know AARA5 had been moved so far away ...

Lovely picture, thanks for posting it.

STH

[D-IFF_ident]

Not ATP-56(C) I'm afraid, but Change 1 to ATP-56(B) was released on 14 Dec: RAF - Air to Air Refuelling - ATP-56(B) (http://www.raf.mod.uk/downloads/airtoair56b.cfm)

Alas, 'Observation' and 'Reform' are still there, and will doubtless remain until the USN can be persuaded otherwise. :cool:

Edited to add - Cool pic btw!

[BEagle]

Thanks, D-IFF!

Nice and sunny where you are?

Regarding the Spam Navy bolleaux of 'observation' and 'reform', this is the sort of thing which seems so stupid:

Observation Position (Fixed Wing Only)

The initial formation position for a receiver joining a tanker. This is normally echelon left for all receivers. So why not call it echelon left?

a. Drogue Equipped Tanker

(1). Availability of Observers. Refer to the tanker’s National Annex to determine if an observer is located in the rear of the aircraft.

(2). Without Refuelling Observers. Receivers should initially be co-altitude with the tanker, at least one receiver wingspan outboard of the tanker wingtip and well forward, to be observed and identified by the tanker pilots.

(3). With Refuelling Observers. The observation position for fixed wing aircraft is stepped down, aft of the tanker wingline and one receiver wingspan outboard of the tanker wing.

So, take your copy of ATP-56B with you and look up the crew disposition of each tanker...? Why not just standardise on (2)?

Oh well, more work to do to see which particular wheel has been re-invented this time, I guess....:rolleyes:

By the way, I hear your new jet is delayed awaiting a 'more robust mission system'? At least that's what Flight International stated. Sir only needs to ask....;)

[Art Field]

Having left 13 years ago the sense of deja vue prevails strongly.. Where is the ops room door this week? Never mind, Happy Christmas 101.