Anglesey or Bust?

[aim9L]

I’m coming to the end of my 1st tour and it’s looking unlikely I’ll get a chance to fly the wonderjet this time round. The options as far as I can see are Valley or Linton. Obviously the flying at Linton won’t be as much fun, and there’ll be the odd old codger around. I’ve also heard that life on pleasure-island is far from ideal at the moment, in particular the trimming side of the airfield.

What’s going on?

Is it (he) really that bad?

What’s the story at FJTW?

[Ali Barber]

Not been there for a very long time, but it still brings back bad memories. Caused me to fail EO training on the North Welsh!

But, given that choice, I'd have to go with "bust"!

[L J R]

The Mess at Linton is more 'welcoming'.

Linton is near York (depends on your opinion if this is a good thing)

...but the F**ing Tucano os a bugg*r to trim.

[Lafyar Cokov]

...................it had a trim?????

[A2QFI]

If a Tucano had a 'trim' it would presumably be a Full Brazilian one?

[Monty77]

Well you've done the fast pointy bit. An old codger once told me that it doesn't really matter what you are flying as long as you are enjoying the life that goes with it. Given the choice between F18 in a tundra-bound village inside the Arctic Circle and C130 in California, I know where I'd rather be. Admittedly, a somewhat starker example than Valley/York, but you get my drift.

[pshakey]

M77,
Yep, you're right......any self respecting fighter pilot would rather fly the Hornet in the Tundra ridden Arctic Circle (or anywhere else!) than Fat Albert in Ca.

[will fly for food 06]

"The island of dreams" Well thats what the brochure said.

[Ali Barber]

Nightmares are dreams as well. Really hated the place. Loved the flying, it was just the location after you landed that got me down!

Forgot to add:

Happiness is Anglesey in the rear view mirror!

[15thManofTain]

BUST!

Avoid the island at all cost. Offer to PVR.

[tutordriver21]

Off thread a little I know, but I have a question. Can you still become a "Creamie" instructor at 19Sqn? Is it a good thing? Were they respected by the students as much as real instructors?

Thanks

Tutordriver

[PPRuNeUser0211]

Tutor: No you can't. "Creaming and Streaming" as it is called, takes place after studes have finished 208, and decides whether they carry on to 19 as studes, go to NFTC as studes or go to 208 or linton as creamies. Post-19/NFTC Role disposal decides which OCU they are going to, but there are no creamies

[tutordriver21]

Thanks PBA. But i'm still unclear, are there no creamies anymore? The system did seem a little unfair and pointless anyway. What used to happen when creamies finished being creamies? Did they get to choose which aircraft they flew next?

[aw ditor]

Once-upon-a-time, "Creamies" were called "Scummies"

[will fly for food 06]

Originally Posted by tutordriver21

Thanks PBA. But i'm still unclear, are there no creamies anymore? The system did seem a little unfair and pointless anyway. What used to happen when creamies finished being creamies? Did they get to choose which aircraft they flew next?

You still get Creamies,

[Aynayda Pizaqvick]

Yes, there are still creamies at Valley and also at Linton-on-Ouse on the Tucano and in my experience they are some the best instructors. The creamies are selected after completing the first course at Valley on the Hawk (208 Sqn) and once they have finished their 3 years instructing then they return to Valley to complete the second course on hawks, 19 Sqn (the Tac Weapons bit). I don't know that they get to choose their aircraft as such, but I believe their preferences are taken into account more than their comrades who have gone straight through.
It does have its pluses; where else can you get to be a fast jet display pilot on your first tour!
Many people slag off the system but I have flown with at least 4 (BFJT only) and without exception they have been VERY good!

[will fly for food 06]

I agree, last years display pilot on fast and pointy black thing was a good instructor in my opinion. Creamies can also go to NFTC instead of the fear.

[15thManofTain]

I nearly got chopped, didn't get creamed and I'm now enjoying every moment. I know of creamies who hated every minute - but got a good deal at the end. The poor dudes in the system at the moment are f~cked. That's life, should of failed some trips like the rest of us - swotty lot.

[will fly for food 06]

at least you still have a job

[Dunhovrin]

Originally Posted by 15thManofTain

.. should of failed some trips like the rest of us - swotty lot.

Should HAVE tried harder at English methinks...