One of the RAFs greatest failings; with regard to operational aspects; is the apparent need for new commanders to make sweeping changes with respect to 'improving' what is already in-place. For only one specific reason... OJARS!! Those very people, at the senior level, who are only in-post for one tour of duty, never become truly proficient at what they do. Consequently, high level contractual matters have been blundered by lack of expertise within their area of responsibility. Hence, 'Policy Matters' have never been accurately addressed by those who ought to know what they're talking about.
The ZD949 debacle was an ill-conceived project that only came about because of the perceived lack of 'flight instrumentation' spares. It was never going to be a true 'glass cockpit'... just a cockpit made of glass! The benefits of which were never going to be cost effective nor making any significant inroads into making it a better aeroplane.
I truly believe that our, then, policy makers were ill-advised by lessor mortals with a desire to show 'change' for the sake of 'change'... with an eye for promotion and nothing else! In many respects we have been our own worst enemy; with the expectation that 'social climbers', who are perceived to be 'going places', will become instant experts; particularly within the area of writing/negotiating 'contracts' to civil industry.
Rant over.
It was a massive turnout at the Hangar Bash last night. Was it good? Well, it was OK-ish. When the Sqn Cdr took his turn on-stage with the microphone, no-one had the courtesy to stand and listen to what he had to say. It would appear that 'The Party Bus' attitude lives-on! It was quite an embarrassing moment... a b
y rude audience. Disappointing!
TCF