As a young Hastings second pilot I didn't realise I was in such danger when I talked my way into flying the Levant Comm Squadron Meteor 7's and 8's on the midday patrols during the summer of 1958- only a pilots' notes oral without any dual!! In the Nicosia heat, with full drops and ventral, take-off performance was marginal to say the least. June July and August were too hot for the Hunter squadrons who spent every lunchtime in the officers' mess bar!