Ref. the handling of the VC-10 (I never did )
As an F/O on the 707 - ex. Strats and Brits - I was appalled to fly with a Comet Captain converting to type, who had the temerity to actually criticise what I considered the World's most magnificent aeroplane (then ! )
He said that a public transport aeroplane should be capable of being flown by the Company's worst pilot on a day when he felt poorly - he reckoned that the Comet could, but that the 707 would turn around and bite you. True.
I guess the VC-10 would have filled his expectations.
I recall calling for taxy clearance at LHR one day, ATC made us wait for the passing of the first VC-10 scheduled service - flamboyantly martialled away with a salute from ? Guthrie ?. My Captain remarked that we were on the bum fleet now !
Happy days.
( except that I never forgave the VC-10 for taking over " our " Sydney postings !!! Had to wait until the 747 to get back. )