I was delighted to see that an Apache featured yet again at an Air show, this time Duxford. It certainly is pleasing that our Directorship feels that it is good value for the most expensive and extensive piece of Military Ordnance to enter service with our Corps is worth showing off to the general public and some showbiz stars on occasion. I would wager that a telephone call to any AAC unit will reveal that not one of these magnificent machines that only the "Awewsome Foursome" (you know who you are) are allowed to fly has been seen there. It seems incredible that clearances and authorisations can be made as a "one off" on a regular basis but the shop floor who are going to have to work on/with/in the thing have not seen it apart from photographs and silouettes on just about every publication that eminates from the ivory portacabin. Jealous? Not really. Professional Curiosity? Yes, you could call it that but the real rub is the effort being put in for those that will have no further contact with the thing but those that will be using it in the hopefully near future are not getting a look in. There is an AAC outside of Middle Wallop you know.
