RAF Tanker Deal

[fantaman]

Hello All,

As part of my prep for OASC I’m looking into the new tanker deal that’s being put out to tender. I’m to try and raise this subject when they ask about the RAF and what new aircraft we’re getting. I’m already serving and so I’ve been asking around the office to see what other opinions are and I just wanted to see if anyone else had any opinions or information on it!

One question I cant find the answer to is on the whole chartering it out to BA etc when its not in use by us. Do the engineers that work on it have to have a civilian qualification if it is going to be used by fare paying pax? I’m talking about a JAR qualification? Will all maintenance be carried out by civvies technicians therefore making hundreds of RAF technicians redundant?

Should the RAF look at purchasing more Tri-Stars? Buying used DC-10’s/MD-11’s? Should be contract an airline/company like Omega Air who already has a contract with the US Navy? Any info or opinions (especially from the AT guys) would be appreciated!

Fantaman