'Shag QWI' or 'Shag QFI' are terms which are oxymoronic. The only reason that F4 OCU instructors provided the majority (and the Major) pilots was due to their relative protection from short notice Service diversions. Hence they were able to maintain the best possible continuity outside a specially-established veteran aeroplane flying unit.
Those who suggest that popping over from other units to maintain currency on the Flight's precious aeroplanes have obviously never tried to drive to Coningsby.........
As for 'bona mates' flying with the BBMF..............words fail!!
Incidentally, flying for the BBMF is hardly a 'good deal' which should be made available to those who would otherwise leave the Service whining '''snot fair, Mummy, all those nasty F3 OCU pilots got to fly the Spits and I didn't 'cos I'm a Spicano instructor. WAAAAAH!!!" It is a vocation which only those who have the appropriate blend of flying skills, dedication and personal qualities may perhaps be fortunate enough to be invited to realise.
Last edited by BEagle; 12th Apr 2002 at 17:22.