Close formation flying in cloud
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Portsmouth
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Among the other odds and s*ds I turned my hand to during my career, I was the project officer in MOD OR Division for the VC10(K). One of the bigger arguents I had was over the center hose - 'let's leave it out to save time and money' was a popular cry. I count that as one of my more useful wins!
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Birmingham
Age: 60
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i take my hat off to the Lightning pilots formating on a Shack AEW wingtip 1 each side at night (dirty at that)in the early 80s as the shack pilot inching the throttles back and the angle of attack increasing. Then when too much engaging reheat. A sight never to be forgotten. phantoms in daylight as well but not as spectacular
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Lincolnshire
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A Shack at VNe was way too scary for me in a Phantom Grollie. Pulling alongside at co speed "dangling the dunlops" wasn't something I ever recommended even to get a nice picture! Berlin Corridor reinforcement exercises alongside a Pembroke or intercepting a Cessna 150 in the ADIZ were in the same category!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Lincolnshire
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I think the best one I had was on the first Swift Sword in 86. It was a 10.5 hour trip arriving in Oman at 1300 local for the local dignitaries. The 2230 departure from Coningsby was bad. The 0230 bracket over the Eastern Med in cloud was wonderful. Shame the secondary tanker wasnt at his assigned height! Combat in cloud - brilliant! The IMC tanking after that seemed like a breeze
