Sandy ,
thank you for your kind words regarding the the Squippers in your life. I must say I have sewn on 100's if not thousands of badges during my years in Flying Clothing with or with out velcro. The odd packet of Jaffa cakes or Hobnobs in thanks was always welcomed for those little jobs we did.
As for Dingy Drills well that was half the fun half charging the cylinders and putting empty ones on , not just as jape but to help you prepare for the real thing.
I once watched a group of aircrew feeling the side of the life jackets to find the ones without cylinders so they didn't get caught out. So I made sure next time the lads put on empty ones to thwart that little trick.
AVTUR - Sorry I can't help with you faulty Mic .