Originally Posted by
kenparry
For the early Harrier conversions, not only was there no T2, but there was also no simulator. No wonder there was too much excitement. I think Hawker sold the view that there was only one more lever than on the Hunter, for nozzle angle, and the conversion would be a doddle. That may, in part, account for the late arrival of the sim and the two-seater.
We had a first generation Harrier pilot on our squadron.
Superb bloke, great pilot, still with us.
Though exceedingly modest, he was happy to answer any direct questions.
His description (IIRC) was that he, effectively, did two courses:
One was with the nozzles left aft and was flown conventionally, like the Hunter he had come from, with due regard given to the differing undercarriage configuration.
The "other" course was hovering.
The fast jet course subsequently involved reducing speed to land, the hovering course later involved increasing speed to take-off.
Mould the two together and it's all sorted!
I hope my recall is about right and pays suitable respect to these exceptional people - it was a privilege to be in their orbit.
lsh