Ah, Sycamore and Spec Aircrew - happy memories from the early days of HM South Atlantic Flyers Club. RIABs were compulsory even for Fat Albert, and much banter was exchanged in the bars about the quality of your RIAB, whether you were driving an F4, GR3, Shar, Albert or what-have-you.
I well remember one sunny afternoon when an F4 got itself all caught up in one or more cables on Stanley's tarmac - sorry, aluminium. We in Albert 1 had plenty of gas and now some time to kill, so we indulged ourselves in improving our RIAB technique, and giving most sections at Stanley a reasonable close-up of Albert going faster than walking pace at (m'lud) the minimum break height of 250ft.
We tried climbing breaks, level breaks, left and right hand - even one on the other runway (everyone else was - wisely - on the ground). Eventually the word came that the stranded Toom was now clear of the AM2, and we could begin an approach. Of course, the horns were well and truly out by now, so we decided to investigate Albert's ability to approach Vne at low(ish) level. I have it on good authority that the ASI registered 320 kts - briefly - as the climbing turn was initiated. I was too busy accurately judging my 250 ft by the proximity of the VCR and the roof of the Stn Cdr's portacabin - ohhhhh sh1t!!!!
On taxiing in to the 1312 pan, the ground crew took great pleasure in presenting me with the ceremonial (and very green) SD cap, and OC 1312's compliments. Would I care to join him for a no-tea, no-biccies chattette? Of course I would! There followed one of the best bollockings it has ever been my privilege and pleasure to witness - right up to the time the phone rang. OC 1312 said something like 'Yessir. Are you sure sir? But... but.... yessir. [Gulp]' I asked if he was all right? He replied that the staish was delighted to see such spirit and spunk from the Alberteers, and would be treating the crew of Albert 1 to beers at 23 Sqn fifthwith.
Much banter and booze later, OC1312 and I kissed and made up, and Albert's RIAB reputation had been considerably enhanced - and without an overstress! Maybe not very politically correct, but bloody good fun!
Happy days - well, some of them were!