RAF CompA ??
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Q. What role do ASCOT Ops play in the Comp A system. Have often listened in to ASCOT callsigns conducting Comp A's but are they planned by ASCOT Ops or the home base of the participating aircraft, ie Lye, Brize and Northolt + others.
Join Date: Jan 2008
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The Comp Cell come to ASCOT Ops with the problem if there are no quick and obvious civvy outlets to shift their passenger(s). ASCOT then look at potential airborne assets, and/or ask Northolt for availability, whereupon if there is nothing worthwhile already operating ASCOT will generate a task. Normally this will be a C130, but as ever it's subject to what's available and normally involves a degree of horsetrading.
But it's actually a doddle managing a heavily tasked, ancient fleet and, as you can see from earlier posts, provided we cock everyone around, we're happy.
But it's actually a doddle managing a heavily tasked, ancient fleet and, as you can see from earlier posts, provided we cock everyone around, we're happy.
Last edited by ASCOT Ops Retd; 12th Oct 2008 at 08:32.
Another outstanding performance by all parties in the Falklands recently.
Comp case on HMS Endurance, way down in Antarctica. Much scratching of heads, phone call to the fine gentlemen of the British Antarctic Survey who agreed straight away to the use of their Dash-7. Aircraft launched from the Falklands before dawn, flew to an airstrip in Antarctica where one of the Endurance Lynx was waiting with unfortunate customer. Dash-7 embarked him, returned to MPA, and less than 25 mins after Dash-7 touched down, the mighty Globespan 767 was airborne with last-minute extra passenger on board (having been held several hours for the purpose).
Good show all round, great to know that no effort will be spared for anyone, anywhere.
Comp case on HMS Endurance, way down in Antarctica. Much scratching of heads, phone call to the fine gentlemen of the British Antarctic Survey who agreed straight away to the use of their Dash-7. Aircraft launched from the Falklands before dawn, flew to an airstrip in Antarctica where one of the Endurance Lynx was waiting with unfortunate customer. Dash-7 embarked him, returned to MPA, and less than 25 mins after Dash-7 touched down, the mighty Globespan 767 was airborne with last-minute extra passenger on board (having been held several hours for the purpose).
Good show all round, great to know that no effort will be spared for anyone, anywhere.
Last edited by TorqueOfTheDevil; 5th Nov 2008 at 01:23. Reason: Spleling
Sunday night and a phone call
Young patient in an ICU, brother who knows where, and Air pig in charge of unit. Phone call late Sunday night from JCCC. Asked who I was, told them I was in charge, asked about patients condition, my only reply was Comp A. Their immediate reply was no problem we'll sort it and then they asked how I knew the system, my reply, ex PMRAFNS.
Sunday night to brother home soonest, in there today at 10:00 and brother safely delivered to unit to see youngster. Time taken to start process, seconds, job satisfaction incredible. Keep on doing it guys, the system works, don't lose it.
Regards.
Air pig
Sunday night to brother home soonest, in there today at 10:00 and brother safely delivered to unit to see youngster. Time taken to start process, seconds, job satisfaction incredible. Keep on doing it guys, the system works, don't lose it.
Regards.
Air pig
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Have seen it on 2 occasions. One was a guy on exercise at Thumrait in Oman delivered from the back seat of an Omani Jag to the steps of the BA flight in Muscat Oman, in time to complete the onward painful journey (but in time, I'm told). The second, my wife being sent back for her father who was dying. She didn't make it in time, but everyone moved heaven and earth to try make it work, for which we are both both eternally gratefully and fully respectful of the Comp system. No matter what they cut, I hope that stays in place.
10 years ago, whilst returning from a short visit "down South", my northbound Timmy was turned around not 30 mins out of MPA to go back for a Comp A.
After some "gross weight adjustment" we landed back, picked him up and set off north again a few hours behind sched.
No one batted an eyelid from what I recall.
After some "gross weight adjustment" we landed back, picked him up and set off north again a few hours behind sched.
No one batted an eyelid from what I recall.
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Originally Posted by MightyGem
We were hammering along as fast as the Lynx would go, and it was obvious that we were going to be late. I called up Approach and asked them to hold the flight. There was a pregnant pause and they came back and asked if we had a VIP on board.
I looked back at the L/Cpl infantryman in the back and replied, "Yes". We landed next to the aircraft and he was met by the mover and straight up the steps.
I looked back at the L/Cpl infantryman in the back and replied, "Yes". We landed next to the aircraft and he was met by the mover and straight up the steps.
Had a couple of experiences myself, never thinking I would actually need it, but we did, once for my step-dad and the other for my father-in-law.
I was based at Marietta for both, so civvie (BA) flight from Atlanta to Heathrow was the quickest and easiest option, although I remember they also looked at whether getting us up the east cost might expedite matters a little.
On both occasions both myself and the wife were flown back, and on one they also sent out 17 year old son with us, rather than leave him alone in the US (He was already in the UK on the other occasion). On each trip we were met at Heathrow by a driver, one took us direct to Norfolk and Norwich, and on the other to Luton, via Mum’s, on the off chance she might be back at home.
I’m sure BA knew when we checked in on one of the flights, we were upgraded seemingly before we arrived, I’m sure the crew knew something was amiss.
I can only echo the sentiments of all those before me. Heartfelt thanks to those that pull the strings, go the extra mile, and ensure a ****ty time is that bit less ****ty. I’ve been on civvie street for 5 years now, but take comfort in seeing that the system has carried on, and long may it continue to do so, there’s nothing more important that the lad or lass that has just received the worst of news.
Cheers,
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For those of you out there always remeber to give the little card you are issued with the JCCC numbers on for those mums, dads wives and husbands left at home. The system for comp's is very robust and they will move heaven and earth to get you back in time. Just remember to give the folks you leave behind the card as every second counts.
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Just about to go on a night low level training sortie in a Chinook, when told to go to Dulmen Barracks a pick up Comp A to take to Bremen, to get BA flight back to UK 'cos his Dad is seriously ill. Enroute Bremen we realise we won't make planned flight so, with great help from German ATC, manage to talk direct to Speedbird ??, as he's getting taxi clearance, who agrees to wait 5 mins for us. Running landing direct to ramp behind BA 111 and our pax is running up the steps shortly after. Flash to bang of 45 mins. I couldn't think of a better way of spending tax payers money or a more satisfying sortie - and a valuable rapid planning exercise to boot! Ah the Cold War........
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The Comp A system is a wonderful system that must be protected at all costs.
As a watchkeeper in the Gulf on three tours the attitude of the aircrew and movers never ceased to amaze me when I had to task a Comp A, never heard a murmur of complaint and crews often 'bent' some rules to achieve the objective.
Unfortunately I became a recipient of the system on my last tour when my father was taken very ill in Leeds General. Got the phone call and was driven to nearest airport for next available BA flight, cabin crew took me from my seat to door as soon as jetway was in place where mover was waiting. Taken through T4 to BA flight to Newcastle where driver was waiting to get me home. Phone call in Gulf to walking through front door was 16 Hours.
Unfortunately the number of missed calls when I turned my phone on in LHR told me the worst and I didn't get to see my Dad before he passed away. Anyone who has played their part in this system should be truly proud of their efforts, we must ensure this system is never compromised in order to save a few pounds.
As a watchkeeper in the Gulf on three tours the attitude of the aircrew and movers never ceased to amaze me when I had to task a Comp A, never heard a murmur of complaint and crews often 'bent' some rules to achieve the objective.
Unfortunately I became a recipient of the system on my last tour when my father was taken very ill in Leeds General. Got the phone call and was driven to nearest airport for next available BA flight, cabin crew took me from my seat to door as soon as jetway was in place where mover was waiting. Taken through T4 to BA flight to Newcastle where driver was waiting to get me home. Phone call in Gulf to walking through front door was 16 Hours.
Unfortunately the number of missed calls when I turned my phone on in LHR told me the worst and I didn't get to see my Dad before he passed away. Anyone who has played their part in this system should be truly proud of their efforts, we must ensure this system is never compromised in order to save a few pounds.
Stargazing
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Posted by Topsy Turvey in 2008:
Has this cunning plan died the death?
The system is at risk. The MoD is currently considering a proposal from the management of the Service Personnel & Veterans Agency to relocate the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), who oversee the Comp system, from Innsworth to Gosport by the end of the year. This despite the fact the Army, who are taking over Innsworth are happy for the SPVA to remain. The liklyhood is most of the experienced civilian & ex military staff (who work 24/7) will leave resulting in a loss of knowledge and reduction in the service offered.
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JCCC
Rather be Gardening
Pleased to say yes. as "JCCC" himself reported at in post53 (dated 10 Jun 08), JCCC stayed at Innsworth (Imjin Barracks). From a contact I have there, JCCC is now in its new building and working well.
Lets hope the JCCC and the service it provides is not put at risk in the SDSR. Some services must not be judged on cost alone.
TT
Pleased to say yes. as "JCCC" himself reported at in post53 (dated 10 Jun 08), JCCC stayed at Innsworth (Imjin Barracks). From a contact I have there, JCCC is now in its new building and working well.
Lets hope the JCCC and the service it provides is not put at risk in the SDSR. Some services must not be judged on cost alone.
TT
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This should NEVER be axed.
Anyone with any clout should remind David Cameron, that HE has just been on the end of (albeit French) JCCC-action when Sarko laid on the French Presidential Helo so he could make it to his dying father's bedside.
Anyone with any clout should remind David Cameron, that HE has just been on the end of (albeit French) JCCC-action when Sarko laid on the French Presidential Helo so he could make it to his dying father's bedside.
