The fact that they were low flying in that terrain in L Fit with fuel in the tanks shows a grave lack of awareness throughout thesupervisory chain. Whenever an F3 squadron fitted L Fit there should have been clear instructions on what could, and COULD NOT, be done with the aircraft. It was possible to do a lot with the ac in that configuration but it did not provide “Carefree Handling”, particularly at heavy weights.
The OEU operated in L Fit quite often due to Flight Trials being undertaken. When conducting tactical sorties in L Fit we would not consider any tactical or aggressive manoeuvring until the tanks were dry. Although one would not wish to over regulate, (write yet another ASO Beano) it is imperative that Sqn Auths and Supervisors do their job properly. It is all too easy to become “Comfortable” and thus complacent.
Deliverance, I would just like to add that it is only worth being a wingman if you have good leaders. If the dilution rate is too high the RAF has a problem. Certainly, some of those Execs should be in the air leading and not pushing paperwork.
Last edited by Dominator2; 18th February 2014 at 12:36.