Lossie mid 80s. USAF F111 diverts with hyd problems and is directed to park on the same dispersal area as 8Sqn. There were two Shacks on the line. After shutting down and climbing out, the pilot of the 111 asked the VASF see- in team: Are you guys shooting a World War Two movie? What aircraft are those?
He was politely informed that no; a movie was not being shot and that said aircraft were,in fact, the UK's first line of defence by providing Airborne
Early Warning. His response was not clearly articulated but sounded like clucking bell!
SATCO sent a small package to SENGO(Mike Duguid, I think) with a 6 or 7 inch piece of fabric in it which had been found on the runway. The fabric was used on the Shack to cover gaps on wing joints but also as a waterproof cover over the flare firing aperture. It wasn't uncommon for it to be replaced after a training trip.
The memo that came with the fabric expressed concern that a vital piece of the aircraft had dropped off and SATCO felt the need to return it as soon as possible to ensure the ongoing serviceability of the national QRA commitment.
Taking it in the right vein SENGO then put a grotty piece of frayed string into the envelope and sent it to ATC with his own memo. Which read: Thank you for your concern re the piece of fabric. You will be pleased to know that although it did come from one of our aircraft it is not vital to safe flight. If, on the other hand, your staff find anything like this we would be very worried indeed!