Crab
"I've done ash and trash enough to know it is the most tedious experience in the world - I might not have been to the Stan but S Armagh in the 80s and Beirut still count I think"
Glad to see you hold your fellow aviators in such respect. I do not think that the boys and girls on the ground are thinking the same way. As for over the water, you should not require the same amount of requalifying time. "Beirut", well the "waddi runners" had already cleared that issue before any RAF cab got anywhere near the land as it was a bit too far for anything except a Chinny and they had to refuel on the RFA.The RN were already operating from said ship. Still good try.