Originally Posted by
Avionker
Thanks for the replies so far. Interesting to see how the streaming of Navs developed over time, possibly as a result of feedback from OCUs and frontline Sqns it appears.
Talking of Navs on helicopters we had one, and one only, on the SAR Flt I was posted to in the mid 80’s. All the other Radar/Winch operators were AEOp’s.
The particular officer in question was a lovely chap, but was not in the first flush of youth. Picture a Spec Aircrew version of Godfrey from Dad’s Army and you’re not a million miles away.
Not sure what he had flown on previously but we (the groundcrew) suspected, somewhat uncharitably, that he was posted to helicopters as they could stop mid-air and hence allow him to catch up…
I suppose it depends who the instructor was on the selection course. In my case, my instructor told me at our introduction that he didn't like Navs as winch ops and that I had no chance of passing selection: I didn't.