Originally Posted by soddim
This might be an opportune moment to reflect on the real cause of the shooting down of the Jaguar because the correct remedy has yet to be found. It is a very simple safety precaution that is inbred in those who regularly use live weapons that one never points them except at those targets one intends to do harm to.
quite right!! As you say first rule of any live weapon handling. I know I have probably come across as over critical of the aircrew in my recent posts but having had that simple drummed into me from in my case the age of 11 I find it incredible that the pilot and to a lesser degree, much lesser degree in fact the nav forgt it was a live weapon they were pointing.
As to how to avoid his happening again, you won't while ever live weapons are carried on training flights, well at least not with 100% certainty.
I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers but blaming the absence of that little bit of sticky tape has ruffled a lot of armourers feathers for a long time.
It is a pity that if as everyone says the guy who fired the shot is a good guy he will be remembered for that one misake rather than something good. All I can say is that I am glad I didn't drop a goolie as monumental as that, but if I had I am sure I would have tried to wiggle a little bit.