Going back afew years now, 1977-1981 to be precise at CFS Cranwell I was but a simple Rigger on the line. I managed to blag my first trip in a JP5a for the morning weather check. Loved every second of it which led to me getting on every type of sortie possible, Wx Checks, Air Tests and as much Low Level and Aeros as possible. Got around 20 hours in the end and only GLOC'd once on a low level student tail chase from one side of Scotland to the other then back up Loch Ness at 250' (Ish
). We were on Det at Kinloss at the time, all I remember was the QFI saying "I have control" and then lots of 'g'. Remember waking up thinking I was in my grandmas kitchen (Strange thing the mind) Later saw 6.5-7 on the accelerometer. I would not have changed one thing on any of the sorties I did, never threw up and had great fun. The QFI I had most fun with was Flt Lt Dave Patterson, who I believe ended up on Buccs and the UTP whose name escapes me. And yes, before anyone pipes up, I know the JP wasn't a FJ and that it was variable noise constant thrust, or lack thereof.........was great fun though.