Originally Posted by
Dougie M
I look back to the 80's when the Transport Support Squadrons were still the best flying club in the RAF and I was on a trials unit at Brize. Over Holtville one day after a comprehensive brief the "mixed sortie" launched. First up to 12000ft where the Falcs were despatched (requiring their own spotter training). Round again for the Freds who would go on the "Green On" quite happily. With the boot still open the U.S. Leap Frogs went on their own spot 10 seconds later, The green light still being on the loadmaster Mike M----n pointed to the trials boys pulling at 5000ft to go with their "new" canopies then finally 5miles up the range the "hop and pop" foursome departed on a hand signal. The 25000ft boys then went on the oxygen console. What Elf and Safety would say I do not know but when I jumped on "assisted free fall" I was not the only Nav on the aircraft, Your Honour.
Well Dougie I think the trip I describe above was about the last of the great flying/ parachute cub days.
It was even difficult to get papa smurf out to the memorial at Hotville