Different rules for AT and FJ aircrew
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Different rules for AT and FJ aircrew
Having just spent a night in Cyprus whilst flying further east. I was a little confused when the Tri-Star crew spent the night off-base, whilst I and the other Tornado crews, whom were flying in the trail, had to spend the night on-base. Shouldn't we all have the same rules? Moreover, I was baffled when the crew said they just put the bill on their sqn UIN. Akrotiri had 10 free rooms in the mess that night that were fit for fast-jet crews to stay in. If the on-base accom is too noisy for a Tri-Star crew, then what about the Tornado crews whom have a much harder job not only flying, but AAR as well?
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AT crews are almost always co-located, for obvious reasons. Which 'mess' were the rooms in? You may be shocked to realise, as a fast-jet mate, that we have (gasp, horror!) NCO Aircrew as well (and JR stewards on the shiney fleet). In which case, 10 rooms in the 'Os' mess wouldn't cut it - or even 100 rooms - if there is no space in the SNCOs / JRs accomodation.
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Thank you for your reply. I honestly don't understand the AT system, so will revoke any comment, if it's incorrect. However, in this case there were more than enough free rooms in all on-base messes. Indeed, the crew appeared to make very little effort in ascertaining the number of available rooms on-base. Furthermore, having served in Ali-al-salem, I could never understand why the AT crews would stay in Q8 city, whilst all the crews flying Op RESINATE sorties (24hrs a day) stayed in the pits, where I can asure you, there was more than enough on-base accom.
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Do behave tonka boy, as for your other comments who do you think is really doing a job out east?
AT (Tac) rules!
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Have no idea myself about your system either, fella - but our GASOs lay down minimum requirements for accomodation that we tend to adhere to when not on deployed ops (ie transiting) - and therefore not having an additional risk like disturbed crew rest signed off on.
It may well just be that Akrotiri were doing the standard stacker's trick - "You can't have those rooms 'cos somebody else might need them" - or they may well have been already booked for somebody else. Also, we would usually know whether we are planned to be on- or off-base before we leave home base - the classic is when the APCs are on, and there is hardly any on-base accomodation available!
Oi, Boyassasin - be nice to tonkaboy now! They're not as battle-hardened as we are nowadays and might not be able to take your fierce banter.....
It may well just be that Akrotiri were doing the standard stacker's trick - "You can't have those rooms 'cos somebody else might need them" - or they may well have been already booked for somebody else. Also, we would usually know whether we are planned to be on- or off-base before we leave home base - the classic is when the APCs are on, and there is hardly any on-base accomodation available!
Oi, Boyassasin - be nice to tonkaboy now! They're not as battle-hardened as we are nowadays and might not be able to take your fierce banter.....
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Without any thought, the guys doing the "real job" out east are those on the ground. Beyond this, the next would be the helo boys (**** and tough job at the moment - a lot of respect). After this, I wouldn't compare FJ (GR7/GR9 & GR4) and AAR/AT assets, as for both fraternities there is very little risk and comparable effort; long hours, but little danger. Never self glorify yourself. That was not the point of my post. You have missed the point: You, me, the Pax on your ac should ALL have the same deal.
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Where do you think I'm posting this from......................It ain't Alaska.........
Anyway, this is NOT a post about who does what on ops. We would both look foolish compared to the Army, Marines.....etc.
All I was sincerely interested in, was how two forces can have such a disparity in accom regs. The transit job nor AAR in a FJ are difficult. Why not join us in the bar for a brandy sour?
Anyway, this is NOT a post about who does what on ops. We would both look foolish compared to the Army, Marines.....etc.
All I was sincerely interested in, was how two forces can have such a disparity in accom regs. The transit job nor AAR in a FJ are difficult. Why not join us in the bar for a brandy sour?
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As the Inquis buddy says its our GASOs that drive the decision. Rank kinda goes out the window in AKT for us NCA(gasp)
and JRs(bigger gasp) cos we all end up accom'd together for a number of reasons. Namely we must be in quiet/air con'd if poss-most JR transit blocks wouldn't do that for our cabin crew. Hence we all end up-if there is available space-on base, in the block 100 ish series because they are deemed the best/quietest/coolest blocks for transit. There is also a duty of care issue for the a/c Capt-eg if he had a solitary female 18yo SAC svc or AS. This accom is fine for O's & SNCOs because of the prox of the mess but the JRs have to walk-no MT avail for transit JRs-round trip of nearly 2 miles-to eat.
If AKT can't supply that then its F95
and find somewhere more suitable. We dont make the rules and at the end of the day a 2 pax crew can be more easily accom'd than 10-17pax crew. Know it must stick in a few throats seeing this happening. End of the day the most junior Air Steward is on the same crew duty and rest rules as the a/c Capt. Oh and the same FSI! 
and JRs(bigger gasp) cos we all end up accom'd together for a number of reasons. Namely we must be in quiet/air con'd if poss-most JR transit blocks wouldn't do that for our cabin crew. Hence we all end up-if there is available space-on base, in the block 100 ish series because they are deemed the best/quietest/coolest blocks for transit. There is also a duty of care issue for the a/c Capt-eg if he had a solitary female 18yo SAC svc or AS. This accom is fine for O's & SNCOs because of the prox of the mess but the JRs have to walk-no MT avail for transit JRs-round trip of nearly 2 miles-to eat.If AKT can't supply that then its F95
and find somewhere more suitable. We dont make the rules and at the end of the day a 2 pax crew can be more easily accom'd than 10-17pax crew. Know it must stick in a few throats seeing this happening. End of the day the most junior Air Steward is on the same crew duty and rest rules as the a/c Capt. Oh and the same FSI!
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In that case, that's where we are different. If I was down-town with the crew, I would be all messed up on ale looking forward to liberating a lapdancer from her g-string or noshing on a kebab. Perhaps that's why we aren't allowed off-base...............no more red meat................
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I can't say that I agree with the rules myself, and I've argued your case before.
However, try not to rain on the AT's parade, just because they might have a luxury at hand. All too often I see aircrew from different roles p!ss all over the other guys' benefits, when they should simply spend their efforts improving their own situation. I'd like to think that we are all on the same side.
However, try not to rain on the AT's parade, just because they might have a luxury at hand. All too often I see aircrew from different roles p!ss all over the other guys' benefits, when they should simply spend their efforts improving their own situation. I'd like to think that we are all on the same side.
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And one day when you're too old and slow to fly fast planes, you might find yourself flying slower ones, and you'll be sorry you shouted so loudly to scrap the perks of the transport fleet!
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Be careful mate. I know the AT fleet generally stay in hotels as a matter of course, for generally obvious reasons. But if you check the regs, you'll find that you SHOULD be staying in the nearest Military establishment where available instead of a hotel. Think you'll find that at Cyprus there's a Military Unit fairly close by.
You guys kick the arse out of the system, and fair play to you when you can get away with it. But don't act all offended and surprised when you are caught out.