4 RED ARROWS PILOTS JOIN AIRTOURS

[The Bonk]

Sunday Telegraph Page 2 (News In Brief):

'Sqn Ldr Richard Thomas, a former leader of the RAF's Red Arrows display team and three other members, have left to join Airtours as Pilots'.

Do you think that MOD/Treasury etc are aware that the airline roller coaster ride is looking more appealing by the minute in comparison to a HM Forces lifestyle. This time though I think once the 'roller coaster' stabilises a bit they will be shocked as to how quick and easy it will be for so many to leave at a moments notice (yes...even under the 1 year in some cases!) as most people already have their tickets to join the ride and know how to exploit legal loop holes.

I don't know the story behind the 3(4)'Reds' banging out (please enlighten if there is more beneath the surface) but these pilots are perceived to be top of the pile, in the public eye etc.....but can't appear to be retained...I think that little article has cost the MOD not only in experienced 'bums on seats' but also very dearly in negative PR.

<img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[ 30 December 2001: Message edited by: The Bonk ]</p>

[Talking Radalt]

since when did the MOD giving a monkey's about negative PR? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[uncle peter]

very old story im afraid. Gp Cpt thomas left the mob as staish of linton and joined airtours early 2001. and a very nice bloke he is too.

[The Bonk]

Thanks Uncle,

I thought that there might be something else to the story...but what of the other 3? I still believe the gist of my original post is still 'on the glideslope' as surely crab central/Insworth would have liked to have retained these aircrew if possible? I ask in all innocence and niaviety as a Pongo and not having a 'purple pop'....but from my side of the fence many of us are playing 'catch up' (infact most of us are nearly there!) with our licences and as soon as things start looking I know that quite a few will be looking to join the airline industry (yep...I know....right at the back of the queue flying rubber dog $h1te out of Hong Kong! <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> )....but it must be better than what we are enduring now and after speaking to some US AH drivers (all suffering from AIDS=Apache Induced Divorce Syndrome!)that the AH AAC retention puller isn't looking that rosey either! Limited hours, all night with the majority simulator.....it's got me thinking to be honest! <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[Sangiovese]

Anybody any clues as to why this story (small as it may be) has been run? Smells of something, even though it was relegated to a couple of lines. Have the Torygraph journos been snooping per chance? Have they had wind of impending pay review body recommendations from their parliamentary correspondents and are winding up a story of employment pressures within the military?

The truth is out there..........

[Audax]

Don't know how the Torygraph makes up it's srories nowadays but the following is absolutely true.

Many years ago, one of the paper's defence correspondents was a retired service officer (and arch bulls####er but that's beside the point). He used to go into Messes, particularly at Happy Hour, and try to pick up all the stories which appeared later as articles in the paper. The game was to try and sell him some absolute porkys and see how much rubbish would be published later. Perhaps the paper is still using the same techniques?

Absolutely agree about Richie Thomas, excellent guy that the RAF could ill afford to lose.

[ 31 December 2001: Message edited by: Audax ]</p>

[BEagle]

Audax - was that the sport of 'Donaldson baiting'? I knew that it used to go on at the RAF Club when he'd sniff around trying to get a story......

It was indeed a shame that we lost 'Dyl' Thomas (as he was called when a Flt Lt on 20 Sqn bona jets) - it seems that we're being condemned to be 'led' by more and more half-wingers instead of good guys like Rich who'd had enough and joined the airlines....

[ 31 December 2001: Message edited by: BEagle ]

[ 31 December 2001: Message edited by: BEagle ]</p>

[FJJP]

In the early seventies I was involved in the 'Donaldson Baiting' game - a bunch of senior officers used to meet in the RAF Club and tell the most outrageous stories. All for 10/- in the pot. The one who's story got published got the pot. Great fun to see your tale get published as an 'MOD Spokesman'!

[mindstorm]

It's just the Torygraph being up with the news again. Richard Thomas joined early 2000, the others (who I'll skip naming were all before that. One has been in 5 years - I know, I was at Valley and Chivenor with him. (and I'm now with Airtours/MyTravel!!)

[bonajet]

The exodus isn't new - Cathay had 14 ex-Red Arrow pilots in the late 90s. Mind you, it's reducing now...

[really not]

That news is really old hat -I was Rich's "stick buddy" in Sept 1999 on the type rating course. the other 3 ex dead sparrows are captains and have been with the company for 5-6 years. The old Chief Pilot had a facination with fast crabs for some reason :)

[Paterbrat]

Obviously men of discerment.