Ah, the dreaded R word - Risk.
"We'll MOD the aircraft at our own risk" I think NOT!
You have obviously never been involved in the process of getting an aircraft "certificated" "release to service" or whatever guise you wish to call it. Since Crown Indemnity was removed not surprisingly ACAS has been less cavalier to sign off new aircraft and new mods, special trials fits etc. It is a sad truism of the world we live in that when young Biggles stoofs in, there will be a witch hunt, questions will be asked and fingers will be pointed, closely followed by blame, retribution and plagues of frogs.
The end result being, that unless the jet comes with a cast iron warranty, backed up by mountains of evidence in accordance with every known standard under the sun its just not going to crack it through the entry into service route. This is the main area that Q have been fulfilling in behalf of the MOD. IMHO they have too much authority and lack the responsibility to the end user in providing him with useable advice and clearances. But ACAS is not about to just take our word for it.
Sadly it is easier to say a categoric NO than putting the work in to come out with even a qualified YES.
Mr Daniels is doing well from this thread, must be nearly time for a blast.
T
Jindabyne, your old mucker was Tarnish 7, if you\'re on about the human whirlwind.
Zoom, only about the outboard 1/4 of the foreplane is visible from the normal sitting position, no one who has flown the jet has made any adverse comment - view from the office equal to F16/F15 but with far better birdstrike protection.
Safeware, clearance process, risk averse culture, money on the gov\'mt side. Clearance process, risk averse culture and managing change on industry side
T