Fast jet experience of a lifetime
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Anybody who flew pax's before the Harrier accident with the cadet officer who was underweight (91?) will know that the regs were tightened up. My two FJs were in Jags (10 years apart). I am fortunate that I have never done sick bags. The last time was a CAS trip with continous 2-3 G on the denifition and pull up of 4.4 on the drop. We did not fly below 250 ft (to the regs). However it is up to the captain what happens 
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Luckily I got a trip in a Tornado in 1997 out of TTTE Cottesmore, what an experience!!
Having raised the RHAG cable so many times and watched them take off whilst sat on the rotary drum units the noise was brilliant. But to suddenly be in the back seat doing the V's to my mates in the arrestor wagon as we roared down the runway was mindblowing, the acceleration (bearing in mind these Tonkas were pylon free) was incredible it felt like the jet was squirming at the back as we accelerated but what struck me was how quiet it was (I suppose all the noise is behind you).
So off we shot up to Berwick and then low level west, luckily for me the jet was a two stick version so once we were through the very hilly bits i was allowed to fly the thing, Now I never thought in my life I would be sweeping the wings back to 45 degrees whilst sat at 500 ft doing 500Kts (I think!) flying a £21M jet!!
An Hour and a half later we broke back into the circuit over Cottesmore and by that time i had turned the air supply to my G-suit off ( found it really uncomfortable whilst we were pulling G-how strange!) but as we touched down and did the reverse thrust thing that's the point I heaved (I think it was all the sensations coming together at once!) I don't know who was greener me or my mate who watched me taxi back in.
I have to say the pilot was an absolute star, made me feel comfortable by telling me how he had banged out of a Phantom
!! and then turning the jet upside down to point out a pig farm but never once did i feel scared or not aware of what was going on around us.
If you get the chance do it, I'm still get asked about it Ten years later and I've been out the RAF for four!
Having raised the RHAG cable so many times and watched them take off whilst sat on the rotary drum units the noise was brilliant. But to suddenly be in the back seat doing the V's to my mates in the arrestor wagon as we roared down the runway was mindblowing, the acceleration (bearing in mind these Tonkas were pylon free) was incredible it felt like the jet was squirming at the back as we accelerated but what struck me was how quiet it was (I suppose all the noise is behind you).
So off we shot up to Berwick and then low level west, luckily for me the jet was a two stick version so once we were through the very hilly bits i was allowed to fly the thing, Now I never thought in my life I would be sweeping the wings back to 45 degrees whilst sat at 500 ft doing 500Kts (I think!) flying a £21M jet!!
An Hour and a half later we broke back into the circuit over Cottesmore and by that time i had turned the air supply to my G-suit off ( found it really uncomfortable whilst we were pulling G-how strange!) but as we touched down and did the reverse thrust thing that's the point I heaved (I think it was all the sensations coming together at once!) I don't know who was greener me or my mate who watched me taxi back in.
I have to say the pilot was an absolute star, made me feel comfortable by telling me how he had banged out of a Phantom
!! and then turning the jet upside down to point out a pig farm but never once did i feel scared or not aware of what was going on around us.If you get the chance do it, I'm still get asked about it Ten years later and I've been out the RAF for four!
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Fine Bob. Am gearing up to see the flatlands of Barsa. OCCWMF has given me all the good gen.
Beats the hell out of BAE however
Back on topic. I sure that show of strength pass was above 250ft, Gov. Shame the Video didn't run at that point either!!
Beats the hell out of BAE however
Back on topic. I sure that show of strength pass was above 250ft, Gov. Shame the Video didn't run at that point either!!
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1966 at Tengah and a member of 14Sqn RNZAF, I was sent up, [actually I was asked if I'd go!] to the air to ground range at Asahan for a 20 sqn [Hunter FGA9] shoot. I had a Landrover, but the 20 Sqn guys, including two pilots doing the assessments, were in a three-tonner, driven by one of them!
When we were packing up to return to Tengah,said pilots approached me and asked for a favour! As an LAC RNZAF, you should always be a bit wary when two Flying Officers ask for a favour, but all they wanted to know was could I drive a truck, and if so would I mind taking theirs back to Tengah while they sped on ahead in 'my' Landrover in order to get to a function in the Officers Mess. I'd been chatting to these two for three days, and they both seemed reasonable guys, [one was a Rhodesian as I recall], and I sensed a deal in the making. So I immedaitely agreed to what they wanted, and turned the conversation around to the possibility of a ride in the 20 Sqn T7?
Some weeks later, I had a fantastic dream flight, 30 minutes in a Hunter!
Unbloodyforgettable.
I've actually done quite a bit of flying, in a lot of different types, from a Vampire T11 and Harvard, to the back seat of a Skyhawk, but that Hunter is still up there.
Now I know you guys don't always like sharing your aeroplanes, but just think for a moment what joy it brings for those of us who didn't have the best job in the world!
When we were packing up to return to Tengah,said pilots approached me and asked for a favour! As an LAC RNZAF, you should always be a bit wary when two Flying Officers ask for a favour, but all they wanted to know was could I drive a truck, and if so would I mind taking theirs back to Tengah while they sped on ahead in 'my' Landrover in order to get to a function in the Officers Mess. I'd been chatting to these two for three days, and they both seemed reasonable guys, [one was a Rhodesian as I recall], and I sensed a deal in the making. So I immedaitely agreed to what they wanted, and turned the conversation around to the possibility of a ride in the 20 Sqn T7?
Some weeks later, I had a fantastic dream flight, 30 minutes in a Hunter!
Unbloodyforgettable.
I've actually done quite a bit of flying, in a lot of different types, from a Vampire T11 and Harvard, to the back seat of a Skyhawk, but that Hunter is still up there.
Now I know you guys don't always like sharing your aeroplanes, but just think for a moment what joy it brings for those of us who didn't have the best job in the world!
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I was privileged to have four FJ trips as a journalist. One was a glorified photo op - the other three training sorties, at my request (and necessary for the report).
I was sick each time I flew, but I got on with my job and remain incredibly impressed with the pilots' professionalism and kindness to me in helping me through the worst of it, with consideration for both my stomach and my task in recording the events..
A pilot who throws the a/c around just to show off is missing an opportunity to leave the pax feeling like I do...empty of food but full of praise.
Having said that, I think the article at the top of this thread is a roundabout way of passing on to the lay reader the realities of the FJ environment...and nicely done it is.
VP
I was sick each time I flew, but I got on with my job and remain incredibly impressed with the pilots' professionalism and kindness to me in helping me through the worst of it, with consideration for both my stomach and my task in recording the events..
A pilot who throws the a/c around just to show off is missing an opportunity to leave the pax feeling like I do...empty of food but full of praise.
Having said that, I think the article at the top of this thread is a roundabout way of passing on to the lay reader the realities of the FJ environment...and nicely done it is.
VP
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Dumb question
Whilst on the subject of G's pulled, I have a question as a PPL who was lucky enough to get a Hawk pax trip recently.
Other than during the requested aeros at the end of the trip, the only significant G encountered was the run and break into the circuit. I don't really understand the necessity for this - I was told it was a good way to get airspeed down - we did a 90deg angle of bank turn, pulling at the buffet, back around into the circuit - about 2-4g and it did knock off about 90knots from memory.
When landing at a quiet airfield with no other traffic, surely the fact that we effectively fly a circuit unnecessarily before landing rather than just losing airspeed on finals negates any time saving? Also, doesn't this high rate turn risk stalling and dropping a wing close to the ground. Just questions, please don't shoot.
Whilst on the subject of G's pulled, I have a question as a PPL who was lucky enough to get a Hawk pax trip recently.
Other than during the requested aeros at the end of the trip, the only significant G encountered was the run and break into the circuit. I don't really understand the necessity for this - I was told it was a good way to get airspeed down - we did a 90deg angle of bank turn, pulling at the buffet, back around into the circuit - about 2-4g and it did knock off about 90knots from memory.
When landing at a quiet airfield with no other traffic, surely the fact that we effectively fly a circuit unnecessarily before landing rather than just losing airspeed on finals negates any time saving? Also, doesn't this high rate turn risk stalling and dropping a wing close to the ground. Just questions, please don't shoot.
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When possible ATC likes run in & break. It is the fastest way to get a number of "fast jets" on the runway. (And put touch & go's/rollers - or just go arounds - back into the same circuit).
Drop a wing/ stall in the break? Never heard of it.
Making the same standard type of "overhead" approach is an advantage. Note how all "Dash Ones" depict the same type of (VFR) approach.
Drop a wing/ stall in the break? Never heard of it.
Making the same standard type of "overhead" approach is an advantage. Note how all "Dash Ones" depict the same type of (VFR) approach.
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I've been lucky enough to experience 2 FJ flights during my time in the RNZAF.
A Strikemaster doing gunnery and bombing. I found out that it is possible to vomit in 5.5g. I didn't know my stomach muscles were so strong.
A Skyhawk where we were the night flare bomber. Vomited again due to disorientation and vertigo.
My utmost respect goes to the aircrew who do this every day. I couldn't!
Even with the throwing up I, to this day, remember every detail of these flights and feel very privileged to have done something that 1 person in 10.000 has experienced.
A Strikemaster doing gunnery and bombing. I found out that it is possible to vomit in 5.5g. I didn't know my stomach muscles were so strong.
A Skyhawk where we were the night flare bomber. Vomited again due to disorientation and vertigo.
My utmost respect goes to the aircrew who do this every day. I couldn't!
Even with the throwing up I, to this day, remember every detail of these flights and feel very privileged to have done something that 1 person in 10.000 has experienced.
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Not quite FJ but (as a ground bourne back room boy) I once had 3 hours in the right hand seat of a C404 on pollution recce job. Pilot gave me the handles and levers 5 mins after t/o, flew the thing down to 400' with the SLAR man down the back calling targets (knackered by the time we got back!) and then gave it back to the pilot 5 miles finals - and promptly threw up! It's funny how having something to do keeps your breakfast under control! Ferkin brilliant trip.
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I've been very fortunate with the number of fast jet rides I've been given over the years. Thankfully I only ever puked once and that was during a low level ACM over Cumbria with 74 Sqn when they were flying F-4J's. The one and only time that I suggested we ought to consider heading home, but my trusty pilot ignored me! *sob*
Normally, I think the more manoeuvring you do, the less time you have to think about feeling sick. Certainly, the hardest manoevring was during a very thorough demonstration of a 111 Sqn Phantom courtesy of Achie Liggott and it was too much of an attention-getter to worry about feeling ill! Likewise, lots of g keeps your mind occupied too - heaving some 7.5g turns with the Blue Angels is hard work and hardly something you could desrcibe as fun, but definitely not an environment where you'd start feeling sick - just a bit battered!
I was treated to four displays with the Red Arrows back in April in some truly foul weather (they were at their crosswind limits for two days) and there's no doubt that sitting in four different positions in their formations during flat/rolling displays in rotten weather, gives you nothing but respect for those guys. That really is hard work and mind-boggling to actually see up close. It looks like a controlled car crash and yet when you see the ground video afterwards it looks beautiful!
Normally, I think the more manoeuvring you do, the less time you have to think about feeling sick. Certainly, the hardest manoevring was during a very thorough demonstration of a 111 Sqn Phantom courtesy of Achie Liggott and it was too much of an attention-getter to worry about feeling ill! Likewise, lots of g keeps your mind occupied too - heaving some 7.5g turns with the Blue Angels is hard work and hardly something you could desrcibe as fun, but definitely not an environment where you'd start feeling sick - just a bit battered!
I was treated to four displays with the Red Arrows back in April in some truly foul weather (they were at their crosswind limits for two days) and there's no doubt that sitting in four different positions in their formations during flat/rolling displays in rotten weather, gives you nothing but respect for those guys. That really is hard work and mind-boggling to actually see up close. It looks like a controlled car crash and yet when you see the ground video afterwards it looks beautiful!
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Lovely shot Tim !!
Whilst at a TWU in Wales I got thrown in the back of a Hawk to recover a jet with only one ignitor working from Kliene Brogel the day after the Ramstein disaster. In the faff of strapping in (we were up against it time wise) the G suit wasn't switched on.. high level transit, cleared for a rapid descent, got clearance for a run'n'break on the piano keys. ATC didn't actually state which set so we did the length of the runway at not many feet
and pulled sharpish into the circuit... my gibberish chatter faded away as I passed out for a few seconds..... very strange experience if you'tre not used to it !! Ignitor change didn't work, jumped back in and went low level over Dunkirk, the Channel (how low, ex-bucc driver!!), Kent, Isle of Wight, Devon and back to Wales and the valleys without feeling sick once !! Now, my trip in a Lightning.... different story... sick as a parrot 
Get a chance...... just do it (or regret not doing it for the rest of your life)
HH2
Whilst at a TWU in Wales I got thrown in the back of a Hawk to recover a jet with only one ignitor working from Kliene Brogel the day after the Ramstein disaster. In the faff of strapping in (we were up against it time wise) the G suit wasn't switched on.. high level transit, cleared for a rapid descent, got clearance for a run'n'break on the piano keys. ATC didn't actually state which set so we did the length of the runway at not many feet
and pulled sharpish into the circuit... my gibberish chatter faded away as I passed out for a few seconds..... very strange experience if you'tre not used to it !! Ignitor change didn't work, jumped back in and went low level over Dunkirk, the Channel (how low, ex-bucc driver!!), Kent, Isle of Wight, Devon and back to Wales and the valleys without feeling sick once !! Now, my trip in a Lightning.... different story... sick as a parrot Get a chance...... just do it (or regret not doing it for the rest of your life)
HH2
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Ahh Lightnings, now you're talking! By strange coincidence, the one Lightning I managed to hitch a ride in (with some very kind VC10 support so we had some chance of getting a decent distance from Binbrook!) is still alive and well down at Cranfield (XS458) so I hope I get a chance to see her again sometime, even if the mighty beast is doomed to remain firmly on the ground, thanks to our beloved friends at the CAA. Grr!
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Was meant to tank with a Vulcan on HooDoo (sp!!) AAR trials but it went U/S 
so I had the standard 37 mins..... still the ultimate flight though
HH2
so I had the standard 37 mins..... still the ultimate flight though HH2
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Civvie Options
You bunch of lucky B*****ds!
ot quite the right place for a civvie.
However, what are the options for a non military guy to fly a fast jet?
Seen the foxbat type initiatives in Russia, but at around £20k for the trip this is a tad steep.
In UK/close Europe what's the biggest bang for a buck - a JP, Hunter or what ?
ot quite the right place for a civvie.
However, what are the options for a non military guy to fly a fast jet?
Seen the foxbat type initiatives in Russia, but at around £20k for the trip this is a tad steep.
In UK/close Europe what's the biggest bang for a buck - a JP, Hunter or what ?
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Spent a very enjoyable 3 years at Chivenor when it reopened in the early 80s and managed to get 5 trips in Hawks - still remember them like it was yesterday. Didn't need the sick bags - although I always got out feeling tired and the worse for wear - nothing like the first few lungfuls of fresh air when the canopy opens! My best mate at the time managed many hours in the back seat - over 100 I recall - and he regularly threw up - even taxying out! I heard that they stopped at the holding point and had the caravan controller collect a sick bag from him before they took off! Wasn't there for that one, so can't confirm - but hey, never let the truth get in the way of a good story!
He never let the sick bags get in the way of his ambition though - and he now holds a senior position as a training captain with a UK airline - despite the RAF telling him he would never make it as aircrew!
He never let the sick bags get in the way of his ambition though - and he now holds a senior position as a training captain with a UK airline - despite the RAF telling him he would never make it as aircrew!
Civvie Pax Trips
Watching a recording of British Superbikes recently, between the races it showed Leon Haslam having a flight in a Tornado, and did he enjoy it! Great PR despite all what else is going on. Any civvie getting a pax trip is just so lucky, and I should know, with 5 FJs, and 2 trainers which I logged as a PPL. In chronological order- Buccaneer, Hunter, Strikemaster, ADV, PC9, Hawk and Harrier, and the bag stayed in my pocket, though it was close in the Hawk when we were lead in a tailchase with another. Greyed out in the PC9 aswell during aeros, but it was still fantastic! They all were. I flew in the ADV with the RAF after many begging letters, and my one regret is after earlier begging letters to Binbrook, I was told no chance of a Lightning flight, but I was invited to the station for a day. I didn’t go, but now think maybe if I had they might have surprised me with a trip. Ah well, I can’t complain.
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I can't complain; for a humble civvie I don't think I've done too badly when it comes to military pax rides:- Hawk (12 flights in all), Jet Provost (5 times), Phantom (4 times), Buccaneer, Lightning, Harrier, Hornet, Jaguar (twice), Tucano (3 times), Dominie, Nimrod, KC-135, KC-10, Shackleton, Hunter, Canberra, Tornado GR4 (twice), Tornado F3, Sea King, Griffin, Chinook, VC10 (lost count how many), Hercules (lost count again!), Tristar, Andover, Lancaster, Chipmunk, Bulldog, Jetstream, Red Arrows, Blue Angels...
Quite a bit of flying, and an awful lot of time and help from folks at bases all over the place, and never a murmer of complaint (well apart from one person who shall remain nameless!) Gawd bless 'em all!
Quite a bit of flying, and an awful lot of time and help from folks at bases all over the place, and never a murmer of complaint (well apart from one person who shall remain nameless!)
Gawd bless 'em all!