Jackonicko
Just so I have this clear, you're stating the belief that there was some kind of equivalence in the responsibility of both captains?
In terms of seeing and avoiding each other, then you have it spot on.
And that being the case you don't think that the Cessna pilot's conduct of his flight warrants any condemnation?
Poor airmanship and possible breaches of law (unconnected with the laws regarding the prevention of collisions) can't be condoned.
But perhaps the best line is to take that of the AAIB whose reporting is never intended to attach blame, merely highlight the causal factors and provide recommendations to prevent reoccurences.
And you don't think that there's any evidence to suggest that the Cessna pilot was stretching the rules wrt the 500 ft bubble and flying for hire and reward?
Neither of these rules are relevant to the rules for preventing aerial collisions. They are just part of the numerous factors which placed two aircraft in the same piece of sky with neither crew seeing the other aircraft. There are a whole host of factors we could point to which would have broken the chain leading up to the crash.
This idiot went off and deliberately flew at 350 ft in an area in which military activity was likely, failing to give proper notification
No notification was required, it is not mandatory. I would presume that both crews would be operating in the belief that other aircraft were likely to be encountered during their flights. The wisdom of the Cessna pilot is indeed questionable but he was just as entitled to be there as the Jaguar pilots were.
and then cruised around taking photos with a hand held camera, thereby ensuring that any lookout he maintained would be, at best, cursory. FACT!
Again, very poor airmanship. No question. But even with 100% attention to lookout, you can't guarantee to see every aircraft out there. The limitations, both in respect of human performance and physical characteristics (aircraft and terrain) in both this accident and as a general rule are well documented. We know that in this accident the chance of either pilot seeing each other was very small and the time available for the sighting to occur was a very small one. The odds were against them from the start.
Or don't you like that one?
Nope, I don't like the views from some that the RAF crew could do no wrong.
There will always be the taking of sides. It's human nature to be tribal. But as in all things the truth is usually somewhere in the middle.
The professionalism of the RAF at low level is of course second to none.