Originally Posted by
Simplythebeast
What happened to the majority of Vulcan pilots on retirement of the aircraft from service? Could they go back and train for aircraft such as Buccaneer, Tornado etc?
I ask because Ive been told by a friend that his relative was a Vulcan pilot and eventually flew with the red arrows. Im interested to know how that would have been achieved.
That seems to be me. Back in the day it was uncommon but not unheard of for Vulcan pilots (Captain or co) to move to FJ. Either directly via a FJ Crossover or, like me, via a CFS JP tour and FJ crossover (bit of Valley then TWU). All were posted to an aircraft even before starting the FJ crossover. Mostly to two seat (F-4 or Bucc). But occasionally single seat - mostly Jag and an occasional Harrier. I was posted Harrier. To be honest, it was a bit hard, so even though I completed the OCU I asked the Air Force to let me go to Tornado (brand new at the time) and they did. Eventually I ended up as Wg Cdr RAFAT (the only pilot I know of who went from ME to fly with the team was the late Bob Eccles). In the end I found myself flying XH558 of course. Funny old world!