Flying Officer Burridge
Join Date: May 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Guys, you miss the point. BB is parachuted into a prime AEF slot on the basis of his RECENT flying instructional experience....I think not!!!!
I'm not in the RAF and am delighted never to have served in the light blue - but BB's selection for AEF duties smells bad - as a tax payer I do not wish to provide pleasant post-retirement duties for former Air Rank Officers.
Helmet on, head down!
I'm not in the RAF and am delighted never to have served in the light blue - but BB's selection for AEF duties smells bad - as a tax payer I do not wish to provide pleasant post-retirement duties for former Air Rank Officers.
Helmet on, head down!
Red On, Green On
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Between the woods and the water
Age: 24
Posts: 6,487
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Quite a few AEFs have a waiting list for pilots - but I'm sure that the one closest to Sir BB's residence just happened to have a vacancy that day.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: France 46
Age: 77
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SirToppamHat,
I joined the ATC at age 14 and at 18 became an Aircrew Officer Cadet in the RAF; eventually becomimg an Aircraft Captain; Flight Instructor/ Local Examiner & MG/IRE on 32 Sqn.
My Father became Chairman of the Civilian Committee, my Mother ran the "Canteen" and my younger brother became a VR/T Officer.
Perhaps I can claim a little knowledge of the subject?
PS I was also ACLO at Abingdon and Manby. At Abingdon in the early 70's we averaged 450 Cadets per week at Annual Camp. As a Fg Off ACLO I had a Flt Lt Assistant on loan from HQ Air Cadets.
I joined the ATC at age 14 and at 18 became an Aircrew Officer Cadet in the RAF; eventually becomimg an Aircraft Captain; Flight Instructor/ Local Examiner & MG/IRE on 32 Sqn.
My Father became Chairman of the Civilian Committee, my Mother ran the "Canteen" and my younger brother became a VR/T Officer.
Perhaps I can claim a little knowledge of the subject?
PS I was also ACLO at Abingdon and Manby. At Abingdon in the early 70's we averaged 450 Cadets per week at Annual Camp. As a Fg Off ACLO I had a Flt Lt Assistant on loan from HQ Air Cadets.
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: The Road to Nowhere
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cazatou
I think you need to re-read my last post; I thought I was agreeing with you. Your involvement at the sqn level does you and yours credit. You must be as aware as anyone of the significant difference between some of the VR(T) staff on the AEFs and those who do the graft on the sqns? The backbone of the ATC is its sqns - without them, the AEFs would have no-one to take flying.
STH
I think you need to re-read my last post; I thought I was agreeing with you. Your involvement at the sqn level does you and yours credit. You must be as aware as anyone of the significant difference between some of the VR(T) staff on the AEFs and those who do the graft on the sqns? The backbone of the ATC is its sqns - without them, the AEFs would have no-one to take flying.
STH
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: ecosse
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CAZ - you mentioned 32 - says it all really - swanee, swanee, how I luv ya!
Ever do anything dangerous or exciting?
You all need to go back on this site to look at AEF pilots threads - I posted one about one of the most modest Fg Off (Air Rank) chappy who had jumped out of a lot of ac and survived to train cadets
I have flown with Brian Burridge and have had everyday dealings with him as my Stn Cdr
He naturally aspired to CAS through Integrity, Honesty and Trust - the staple diet of the Armed Forces - During his period in the desert, he had to wrestle with the Bliar government who didn't understand these principles and that's when he probably decided he'd had enough
He doesn't need the money - he's probably happy as a pig in sh*t flying cadets in props with no pressure and enjoying the 'way blue yonder' as it was when he was a Plt Off all those years ago - these youngsters are lucky to have a very happy, old, but not very bold, pilot teaching them
Please leave him alone and let him get on with the job
Thank you - B15
Ever do anything dangerous or exciting?
You all need to go back on this site to look at AEF pilots threads - I posted one about one of the most modest Fg Off (Air Rank) chappy who had jumped out of a lot of ac and survived to train cadets
I have flown with Brian Burridge and have had everyday dealings with him as my Stn Cdr
He naturally aspired to CAS through Integrity, Honesty and Trust - the staple diet of the Armed Forces - During his period in the desert, he had to wrestle with the Bliar government who didn't understand these principles and that's when he probably decided he'd had enough
He doesn't need the money - he's probably happy as a pig in sh*t flying cadets in props with no pressure and enjoying the 'way blue yonder' as it was when he was a Plt Off all those years ago - these youngsters are lucky to have a very happy, old, but not very bold, pilot teaching them
Please leave him alone and let him get on with the job
Thank you - B15
If it was not for all those retired regulars, those on holding postings, or just giving up some of THEIR valuable time that could be spent doing other things with famillies and friends, the ATC/CCF woulld be a far less attractive organisation to many of todays youth.
My first flying experience was in the back of a "chippie" flying out of Macrihannish at camp. Never forgotten it to this day, and I only had a snatched chance to convey my thanks to the pilot. The experience is still fresh 30+ yrs later.
How many RAF/RN/AAC posters to this site had their first experience of flight through the ATC/CCF, I suspect very many.
I say thanks to whoever is in the metaphorical front seat, and carry on what you are doing in the future.
My first flying experience was in the back of a "chippie" flying out of Macrihannish at camp. Never forgotten it to this day, and I only had a snatched chance to convey my thanks to the pilot. The experience is still fresh 30+ yrs later.
How many RAF/RN/AAC posters to this site had their first experience of flight through the ATC/CCF, I suspect very many.
I say thanks to whoever is in the metaphorical front seat, and carry on what you are doing in the future.
Join Date: May 2001
Location: uk
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AirPig
I hope that people holding aren't posted to ATC/CCF units- I don't believe this should happen.
I'm not disputing the fact that the system is only made better by the many excellent volunteers who give up precious time to contribute to the ATC/CCF. It's certainly something I would consider once I retire from full time service. I just don't hold with the idea of regular serving Officers being sent to hold at ATC units-this is how I read your post.
As a former Air Cadet, I can only hope the organisation is still around when I get to retirement.
Back to the main issue...
Jindabyne
Like or loathe BB, it does suggest something untoward with the selection process for AEF flying. I know several people who are/were on waiting lists for AEF slots with more relevant recent experience than BB. Maybe he was lucky and was the only available candidate to fill a slot at his chosen AEF. However, you and I know this to be a little unlikely at best. Sadly, it smacks of nepotism and the age old 'jobs for the boys' attitude that is prevalent about much of the upper echelons of the RAF. I surmise that this selection wasn't commenced after BB had retired and that he used his office to ensure the position he wanted. Even if he didn't directly use his position to influence his recruitment, he's bright enough to know he wouldn't be refused. Wg Cdr EFT or whoever would find it difficult to turn down a request from a serving CAS.
I'm willing to bet that if you'd blind recruited for the same position (recruited from relevant experience without names attached) he wouldn't have been the first candidate called forward...
Whatever way you look, it smacks of an abuse of power.
Now in the bigger scheme, I've got bigger things to concern me. I just find it worrying that the most senior officer in the RAF could concern himself with feather-bedding his retirement when his troops are so badly stretched, demoralised, under equipped and STILL warfighting.
I'm sure that he doesn't require any additional fiscal remuneration and should just enjoy his retirement, looking from afar on a once proud RAF he's helped to emasculate.
I hope that people holding aren't posted to ATC/CCF units- I don't believe this should happen.
I'm not disputing the fact that the system is only made better by the many excellent volunteers who give up precious time to contribute to the ATC/CCF. It's certainly something I would consider once I retire from full time service. I just don't hold with the idea of regular serving Officers being sent to hold at ATC units-this is how I read your post.
As a former Air Cadet, I can only hope the organisation is still around when I get to retirement.
Back to the main issue...
Jindabyne
Like or loathe BB, it does suggest something untoward with the selection process for AEF flying. I know several people who are/were on waiting lists for AEF slots with more relevant recent experience than BB. Maybe he was lucky and was the only available candidate to fill a slot at his chosen AEF. However, you and I know this to be a little unlikely at best. Sadly, it smacks of nepotism and the age old 'jobs for the boys' attitude that is prevalent about much of the upper echelons of the RAF. I surmise that this selection wasn't commenced after BB had retired and that he used his office to ensure the position he wanted. Even if he didn't directly use his position to influence his recruitment, he's bright enough to know he wouldn't be refused. Wg Cdr EFT or whoever would find it difficult to turn down a request from a serving CAS.
I'm willing to bet that if you'd blind recruited for the same position (recruited from relevant experience without names attached) he wouldn't have been the first candidate called forward...
Whatever way you look, it smacks of an abuse of power.
Now in the bigger scheme, I've got bigger things to concern me. I just find it worrying that the most senior officer in the RAF could concern himself with feather-bedding his retirement when his troops are so badly stretched, demoralised, under equipped and STILL warfighting.
I'm sure that he doesn't require any additional fiscal remuneration and should just enjoy his retirement, looking from afar on a once proud RAF he's helped to emasculate.
I actually know of a serving RAF aircrew officer, who whilst moving from JP to FJ course, spent time inbetween the courses as a pilot at an annual camp flying cadets for the summer, obviously no names.
Join Date: May 2001
Location: uk
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Air Pig
That sounds like a while ago, if you meant moving from JP to FJ! We've had Tucano since '92, think last JP5 course was '93 although doubtless someone will correct me...
Even BB must have only been a Sqn Ldr in those days...
Don't have any beef with that; good luck to them for a couple of weeks over a summer camp. I would have bigger issues if you had said guys were posted in for long periods between courses. Especially as I know (frontline) Sqn's are crying out for holding types at the moment.
Thanks for info, I wasn't after a witch hunt.
That sounds like a while ago, if you meant moving from JP to FJ! We've had Tucano since '92, think last JP5 course was '93 although doubtless someone will correct me...
Even BB must have only been a Sqn Ldr in those days...
Don't have any beef with that; good luck to them for a couple of weeks over a summer camp. I would have bigger issues if you had said guys were posted in for long periods between courses. Especially as I know (frontline) Sqn's are crying out for holding types at the moment.
Thanks for info, I wasn't after a witch hunt.
hi rudekid
I apologise that I did not make myself clear at the original posting.
Cheers
Air pig.
I apologise that I did not make myself clear at the original posting.
Cheers
Air pig.
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Longton, Lancs, UK
Age: 80
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Neither. My post of 20/6 was an unfortunate knee-jerk reaction to a person who appears to be so anti-RAF making totally unsubstantiated comment about someone he so obviously dislikes (your posts in early 2005 refer). As a taxpayer, I'll wager you're getting good value for money Mr Goat.
And with that, I'll apologise for the tone of my knee-jerk and leave this particular room, hoping not to witness further ill-informed comment based upon personal antipathy of the individual.
And with that, I'll apologise for the tone of my knee-jerk and leave this particular room, hoping not to witness further ill-informed comment based upon personal antipathy of the individual.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by rudekid
AirPig
I hope that people holding aren't posted to ATC/CCF units- I don't believe this should happen.
I'm not disputing the fact that the system is only made better by the many excellent volunteers who give up precious time to contribute to the ATC/CCF. It's certainly something I would consider once I retire from full time service. I just don't hold with the idea of regular serving Officers being sent to hold at ATC units-this is how I read your post.
I hope that people holding aren't posted to ATC/CCF units- I don't believe this should happen.
I'm not disputing the fact that the system is only made better by the many excellent volunteers who give up precious time to contribute to the ATC/CCF. It's certainly something I would consider once I retire from full time service. I just don't hold with the idea of regular serving Officers being sent to hold at ATC units-this is how I read your post.
The ATC is a voluntary organisation, and we very much welcome past, present and future members of the RAF on a voluntary basis only!
I hope this clears things up.
