Fully agree with the compliments on the main PFA thread about the controller at the rally. Everyone I've spoken to thougth he did a thoroughly professional job the whole weekend.
But one person didn't agree with the general consensus.
I heard at Kemble yesterday one of the PFA Ops people got over-excited because the controller permitted the Extras team to do part of their routine when they returned to Kemble on Saturday evening. Those of us who were still there at about 7.15 saw a superb short display by very experienced aerobatic pilots. Too short but it was an unexpected bonus and free so who's complaining.
When they landed, Mr X accused them of dangerous flying
and wouldn't believe them when they said they had permission. He marched them off to the controller who confirmed the pilots were telling the truth and they hadn't done anything wrong.
Instead of just apologising and backing down, he got all moody because the controller hadn't consulted him first, threw his toys out of the pram and walked off the job saying he couldn't work with someone so unprofessional!
If the controller's a Pruner - Well done, Sir. Everyone else thought you did a superb job all weekend.
Dangerous? The mini display was safe and professionally executed, as you'd expect from an ex-Red Arrow synchro pair leader and a retired Group Captain.
Funny how there always has to be one ass-hole.
What a pompous dick-head!
