Flying other service's helicopters?
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Flying other service's helicopters?
Hi,
I was reading a book called "3 PARA", which is a really good read, and in it there was a Royal Marines pilot flying a Chinook. I know the only force thats British that has Chinooks is the RAF, so is it standard practice for people from the Navy or Army to fly RAF helicopters, and vice versa, or is it only on one off occasions?
Thanks
James
I was reading a book called "3 PARA", which is a really good read, and in it there was a Royal Marines pilot flying a Chinook. I know the only force thats British that has Chinooks is the RAF, so is it standard practice for people from the Navy or Army to fly RAF helicopters, and vice versa, or is it only on one off occasions?
Thanks
James
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Its not unusual for Army or Navy pilots to serve with an RAF squadron. Occasionally foreign pilots can exchange onto a squadron.
During the build up to the Falklands conflict we had 6 harriers operating from our base, one of the pilots was an American, he was most upset when he received a signal warning him that he was allowed to travel with the squadron to the Falklands but was to only observe and not take part in any action.
During the build up to the Falklands conflict we had 6 harriers operating from our base, one of the pilots was an American, he was most upset when he received a signal warning him that he was allowed to travel with the squadron to the Falklands but was to only observe and not take part in any action.
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There are a small number of pilots who serve for an exchange tour (usually 2 or 3 years) in one of the other services. This is intended to spread good practice and increase understanding between the services, but it's usually jolly good fun for the individual concerned. Quite a large proportion of Army pilots apply to transfer to the RAF after their exchange tour, but I don't think it goes the other way much.
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Oh cool 
That looks like it could be a lot of fun
Does that also mean that if you join the Army Air Corps, and then do an exchange posting that you *could* get streamed fast jet? I'm thinking probably not but I'm not sure so I thought I'd ask
James
That looks like it could be a lot of fun
Does that also mean that if you join the Army Air Corps, and then do an exchange posting that you *could* get streamed fast jet? I'm thinking probably not but I'm not sure so I thought I'd ask
James
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Does that also mean that if you join the Army Air Corps, and then do an exchange posting that you *could* get streamed fast jet? I'm thinking probably not
The RAF could not cope with an NCO with a stick and the only vote in a pointy-jet 
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Aha that shouldn't be a problem, as I'm going as an officer after university
Still not sure what service to opt for, although I think I'll sort that out in due time
Can't wait! I'm well excited
Still not sure what service to opt for, although I think I'll sort that out in due time
Can't wait! I'm well excited
If you are one of the few AAC officers (NCO pilots dont do exchange tours) selected for then you are only going to do a helicopter tour
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You can go on exchange with other countries too, and it need not even be directly with the parallel military branch. While on a mountain ski course with the French Chasseurs Alpins, at endex we were picked up by a helicopter of the French Gendarmerie, and to my surprise it was being flown by an RN pilot. Lucky git was on a two year exchange based at Chamonix. I went skiing with him afterwards and he was crap, which cheered me up a bit.
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Cirrus,
How long ago was it that this Chamonix based RN pilot picked you up? Do you know any more about this exchange like if it was a one off etc.
I am going to try any chase this up and see if such a great exchange couldn't be reinvigorated.
OTBL
How long ago was it that this Chamonix based RN pilot picked you up? Do you know any more about this exchange like if it was a one off etc.
I am going to try any chase this up and see if such a great exchange couldn't be reinvigorated.
OTBL
Mmmmmm What about two ex AAC-flying Herc's and the WO1 King Air Instructor flying out of Cranners to name but a few?
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The thing is, the word being used is 'exchange'. It does seem a bit of a one way street for an exchange!!
(yes, I know there are a few that went to SAAvn or FAA but not as many that have come the other way!
)
(yes, I know there are a few that went to SAAvn or FAA but not as many that have come the other way!
)
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I started a similar thread in 2006 about RN pilots flying AAC Apaches.
http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...pache-ah1.html
http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...pache-ah1.html
