FAA Pilot Wings for Everyone
From what I've seen they are identical to pilot wings, only with a larger anchor in the middle and without the laurels.
The whole idea is worthless. As others have said, I rather like the fact we don't strut around with wings on all our rig, and those we do wear are on the sleeves.
So now I'm going to have 2 sets of wings, only one of which means anything. The whole thing ends up being counter-productive because instead of bringing each fighting arm together (like we need that anyway) it ends up dividing us.
Wonder what Eric Brown would think, and what he would call his book these days.
The whole idea is worthless. As others have said, I rather like the fact we don't strut around with wings on all our rig, and those we do wear are on the sleeves.
So now I'm going to have 2 sets of wings, only one of which means anything. The whole thing ends up being counter-productive because instead of bringing each fighting arm together (like we need that anyway) it ends up dividing us.
Wonder what Eric Brown would think, and what he would call his book these days.
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I fully understand the ire being expressed here and for what it's worth, the "fisheads" don't want this either. Whilst inter-branch banter is great and all part of life in a Wardroom, the simplicity of "all of one comapany" is what makes us who we are as a Service. Whatsmore, trinkets such as this should be earned and I admire what it takes to be able to wear wings or dolphins - the fact not everyone has them it what makes them special!
Having been (and in fact currently on) near the pointy end for most of my career, I'm baffled as to who was actually canvassed on this one. After all, there is no lack of confidence or identity in the Master Race!!!
Having been (and in fact currently on) near the pointy end for most of my career, I'm baffled as to who was actually canvassed on this one. After all, there is no lack of confidence or identity in the Master Race!!!
Chief Bottle Washer
Thin end of the wedge, IMHO. Look at the RAN and their tin wings instead of proper cloth Wings on the Sleeve 
Stupid idea, nonetheless, and a complete WOFTAM
Stupid idea, nonetheless, and a complete WOFTAM
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When I was awarded my wings by a kind Admiral I certainly had not earned them. I had just learned to fly a few ancient aircraft without killing my instructor. I did manage to hit him on the head with a main rotor blade when he climbed out to send me on my first solo on type. As he stood on the top step he asked me if I was happy to go and I naturally turned towards him..............along with the cyclic..........and it was one of nice new one piece white helmets at that!
Since then..................Oh yes - they meant a bit more later on.
Perhaps to distinguish Pilots,(standfast Pingers), from mere mortals, (are Fisheads mortals?), they should wear no wings at all - the steely grey tint in the eye will inform all and sundry that they are worth a cuddle on the dance floor. (Men and girls of course- one cannot be picky in this day and age).
My wife tells me that I am no longer able to ruffle the old feathers on my wings as I used to.
Advice to old men. This is a public service announcement and no payment is necessary.
1. Never pass a bathroom
2. Never waste an erection
3. Never trust a fart
4. Wings mean nothing - it is the memories that matter.
Must go now - I can feel a bit of wind coming on - see 3. above.
Good night all. David
Since then..................Oh yes - they meant a bit more later on.
Perhaps to distinguish Pilots,(standfast Pingers), from mere mortals, (are Fisheads mortals?), they should wear no wings at all - the steely grey tint in the eye will inform all and sundry that they are worth a cuddle on the dance floor. (Men and girls of course- one cannot be picky in this day and age).
My wife tells me that I am no longer able to ruffle the old feathers on my wings as I used to.
Advice to old men. This is a public service announcement and no payment is necessary.
1. Never pass a bathroom
2. Never waste an erection
3. Never trust a fart
4. Wings mean nothing - it is the memories that matter.
Must go now - I can feel a bit of wind coming on - see 3. above.
Good night all. David
Last edited by bast0n; 15th Jan 2010 at 21:49.
The badge will be worn on No. 1, 2 and 3 uniforms and is the equivalent to the Submariners’ dolphins
Hardly - the submarine badge is only awarded on completion of all the necessary additional specialist courses,including nuclear training where applicable, followed by a qualification period in a seagoing submarine with an examination on completion. On the other hand the FAA "badge", the official details of which I have not yet seen, will allegedly be handed out with the rations!
Jack
Hardly - the submarine badge is only awarded on completion of all the necessary additional specialist courses,including nuclear training where applicable, followed by a qualification period in a seagoing submarine with an examination on completion. On the other hand the FAA "badge", the official details of which I have not yet seen, will allegedly be handed out with the rations!
Jack
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seems all very much like the way the USN does it!!
Perhaps they will start giving us medals next for passing courses or crossing the pond.
Perhaps they will start giving us medals next for passing courses or crossing the pond.
I feel ashamed
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Earning wings as a proud moment even though they were only attached with velcro until further training was complete - the understated manner in which they are worn reinforced the FAA ethos and wearing them on the left breast for a tropical CTP was a special treat.
Therefter, with 'progress' SL's ceased to exist and the R in my RNR rank badges was removed (despite me striving for 18 years as a regular to earn entry into the air branch).
PWO Fisheads were campaigning for a suitable broach over 25 years ago fuelled in part by envy of the Flying badge - it now seems that by devaluing that symbol they have gone some way to achieving that aim.
This anti elitism (SL aviators were an elite!) attitude if allowed to persist throughout the service runs the risk of eroding pride in ones achievements and therefore denuding pride in ones branch and service. History has repeatedly shown that homogeneity in fighting arms leads to poor performance whereas elitism engenders pride, aspiration and achievement.
The FAA do not brag but take quiet satisfaction in what they do and how they do it so why do we need a mere bauble? The galaxy of medal ribbons sported by FAA personnel of all ranks must surely be testament enough to their ability and achievements.
yours crustily
SE
Therefter, with 'progress' SL's ceased to exist and the R in my RNR rank badges was removed (despite me striving for 18 years as a regular to earn entry into the air branch).
PWO Fisheads were campaigning for a suitable broach over 25 years ago fuelled in part by envy of the Flying badge - it now seems that by devaluing that symbol they have gone some way to achieving that aim.
This anti elitism (SL aviators were an elite!) attitude if allowed to persist throughout the service runs the risk of eroding pride in ones achievements and therefore denuding pride in ones branch and service. History has repeatedly shown that homogeneity in fighting arms leads to poor performance whereas elitism engenders pride, aspiration and achievement.
The FAA do not brag but take quiet satisfaction in what they do and how they do it so why do we need a mere bauble? The galaxy of medal ribbons sported by FAA personnel of all ranks must surely be testament enough to their ability and achievements.
yours crustily
SE
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airpolice.
I am trying to find some link between your post and thread.
You are, I assume, familiar with the concept of threads?
You know, someone says something, someone else adds something at least tenuously linked to the original post? hmmm?
I am trying to find some link between your post and thread.
You are, I assume, familiar with the concept of threads?
You know, someone says something, someone else adds something at least tenuously linked to the original post? hmmm?
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"Perhaps the light blue readers may think more of the "webbed feet" types if the standard of written English was a little better. "
Ummm, what?
Do we give the impression we care?
Ummm, what?
Do we give the impression we care?
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It would appear that there are not many in favour of this proposal. As previously mentioned, I sent an E-Mail to the great Sea Lord last week and will re-iterate it with another when I return to work after the Ski Champs.
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Most menbers of the FAA, whatever trade or branch, have been wearing belt-buckles with pilots wings on for years, so what's the fuss about? These wings are the emblem of the FAA, so let's use it.
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Well done sir! Now, what does one do when faced with a time-critical choice between numbers 2 and 3 on your excellent list earlier? Couldn't agree more with number 4, by the way...