Chugalug & dalek
Have you ever picked up a "new" aircraft from the manufacturer?
Well, I did (along with Dick Graham) in the case of the first 2 JP3A's from Short's of Belfast. To put it in context - that was the firm that built the TITANIC. No FRC's or Aircrew Manual and it took some time to find someone who knew how to turn the radio on!! The second time it was a BAe 146 from Woodford which went straight into the Hangar for 2 weeks rectification after arrival at base.
ALL new Aircraft/Types/Marks have teething problems because both air and ground crews are unfamiliar with them. That is precisely why one should treat them with extreme caution until one is familiar with their handling characteristics and quirks. Flying such an aircraft at high speed, at low level, directly at high ground and in poor weather that had been forecast does NOT, in my humble opinion, meet the criteria of "extreme caution". To do so when carrying Passengers is Gross Negligence.
Finally, Chugalug, your post 5159 states that on 2 June 1994 Flt Lt Tapper reported that during the first task of the day there were problems with the RNS 252. However, on return to base the faults could not be replicated.
Given the poor weather, was it really a good idea to rely on the RNS252during the approach to the Mull?
Last edited by cazatou; 4th Jul 2009 at 20:22.