I really must say thank you to all of you for making me feel so welcome on this great thread. My only direct connection with the RAF is that my father was a Sergeant Pilot towards the end of WW2 doing his training in S Africa and eventually going on to fly Yorks with the RAF. I have benefitted from the kindness of RAF personnel in the recent past both when learning to fly and when I attended the MACASD at Shawbury. The ATCOs and students were unfailingly courteous and helpful whenever I darkened their area in the trusty C152 and I fear that OC Ops may have been the target of a bit of coercion when I wen to the MACASD. He volunteered (was possibly volunteered) to look after my Welsh Sheepdog teenage pup for the day (my arrangements for him had fallen through at the last moment). He also looked after me and I remain grateful to him as I had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day which I have to say was far better than the CAA Safety Evening which I had attended previously.