One could still get a 125 ride as late as 1989. I remember 32 Sqn did a sweep-up trip on December 23/24th for all the deserving waifs and strays - I'd done an extra QRA to cover for illness, and got dropped off in London so's I could spend xmas with my girlfriend. I also flew as co- on the BBMF Devon a few times doing the odd 'support flight' that ferried a few people around.
Those days are gone....
