Fortunately for the rest of us, Claret never flew the RJ and therefore didn't experience it's awesome power, including the ability to take off at Flap 33. Come to think of it, neither did I (takeoff in the RJ at Flap 33! Second segment not too flash with Flap 33 at 2000ft AMSL and 44°C...).
The retraction noise is quite audible from the station platforms and presumably will be from the Olympic Stadium alongside as well; listen out for it from anywhere in the world when watching the 2012 Olympics and see if the commentators notice it !
Ahh, a reason to watch the pommie olympics at last! I'll have the volume on the tellie turned up...
