Final military flight.
Took my Puma to my kids school in Kempshott. Shut down in the sports field and all the kids had a look around. Coming back a fellow 'last flight in the RAF' joined up with me and we did a final break over the squadron.
Two years later I went back to the squadron with a shiny new Sikorsky S76 with a couple of tasty dollies in the back.
Two years later I went back to the squadron with a shiny new Sikorsky S76 with a couple of tasty dollies in the back.
I was wing staff so nobody on the sqn knew, didn't tell my front seater at any point and he probably still doesn't know. Logbook says lead of a pair on MPC practice from Laarbruch, included lofting 2 x 1000lb HES at Donna. My decision to stop and still don't regret it.
Best bit was taking my immersion suit off for the last time.
Best bit was taking my immersion suit off for the last time.
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Bit of thread-drift; my last flight on an RAF aircraft was a VC10 from Edmonton to Brize; coincidentally, it was the Captains last flight as well; we had a very interesting chat comparing our careers.
My hours normally only came an hour+ at a time!
Join Date: Sep 2005
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I got lucky as a C-130 tech, I managed to get on a SF training flight that involved being intercepted by a Typhoon, then low level all the way back from Scotland, via Wales & a run along the Elan valley dams at operational low level 
. Even got to hang out of the ramp, which is always good fun.
What made it even better is that I had spent a lot of time with the most of the crew down MPA, so there was plenty of banter, and some fantastic flying. Didn't know it would be my last ever flight in a Herc, or indeed the RAF, but I have been very lucky to have some great memories of some epic flights, but my final flight will never leave me.
. Even got to hang out of the ramp, which is always good fun.What made it even better is that I had spent a lot of time with the most of the crew down MPA, so there was plenty of banter, and some fantastic flying. Didn't know it would be my last ever flight in a Herc, or indeed the RAF, but I have been very lucky to have some great memories of some epic flights, but my final flight will never leave me.
Last 3 flights over 2 days were checking out from the OCU a very talented and personable new pilot (often wondered how his RAF career progressed...) and being greatly satisfied to launch him on his operational life.
Spent 5.15 hrs day and night,inc his IRT, between 5'agl (tac in LFA1) and 10,000 ft (demo of free-fall para drop and zero speed auto to dz), sight seeing along the helilanes, hauling usls - thoroughly enjoying myself and I believe Graham did also.
Culminated in a very,very low level high angle of bank break in front of the tower which left me somewhat concerned that personal desires had overcome my professional responsibilities - it's never to late to learn when it comes to aviation.
So, a memorable conclusion to my military flying and the Wessex remains my favourite aircraft.
Aaaaahhhh.....
Spent 5.15 hrs day and night,inc his IRT, between 5'agl (tac in LFA1) and 10,000 ft (demo of free-fall para drop and zero speed auto to dz), sight seeing along the helilanes, hauling usls - thoroughly enjoying myself and I believe Graham did also.
Culminated in a very,very low level high angle of bank break in front of the tower which left me somewhat concerned that personal desires had overcome my professional responsibilities - it's never to late to learn when it comes to aviation.
So, a memorable conclusion to my military flying and the Wessex remains my favourite aircraft.
Aaaaahhhh.....
I learned my lesson after my last flight at the gliding club at Kingsfield, Cyprus. The CFI took me for an aeros flight, and we/he only just managed to get back up to airfield level from below the cliff at the western end of the runway. 
My how we laughed. Couldn't have happened to a better bloke. T****er.
A well known tale in Detmold of a boss on his last flight....spanked in
Last military flight - solo GH (so no student), and a bimble around LFA 9 for a last look at the sights, with a couple of quickstops/circuits at Chetwynd and Ternhill. Restrained myself and did not do a final EOL, before a run in and break back at Shawbury. The only problem was a bit of dust in the eye as I closed the throttle for the last time.
Have I missed it in the last few months - no. Do I miss the people - you bet (even the Navy!)
Have I missed it in the last few months - no. Do I miss the people - you bet (even the Navy!)
Originally Posted by Two's in
The QHI sat next to him probably lulled him into a false sense of security!
My Flt Cdr was pretty much insistent that I should have a last, planned flight. So that was how it was arranged. I took the time to get out to the aircraft a bit early and had some photos taken of me and the aircraft. Standard North Sea towline refueling 6xTornado F3s and 1xTornado GR4. Back to base for a circuit and roller, and one final landing. Met by a members of the Sqn with several glasses of champers (no, actually it was just fizzy wine, but much appreciated). 3 hrs and 5 mins added to the logbook - all done and dusted!
I should add that my Nav was the Sqn Cdr, heh heh. Keeping an eye on me, I reckon.
I should add that my Nav was the Sqn Cdr, heh heh. Keeping an eye on me, I reckon.
Join Date: Apr 2000
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Not much time to think about it really.
Went into work on my last day to pick paperwork and say bye. They were short a pilot for a two aircraft task in the highlands. So being a good bloke I got my flying kit back from flight servicing and strapped on a Gazelle for the day. Landed back on at 5pm signed the aircraft back in along with my flying kit. 7 hours later I was a civvy. Good last day.
Floppy
Went into work on my last day to pick paperwork and say bye. They were short a pilot for a two aircraft task in the highlands. So being a good bloke I got my flying kit back from flight servicing and strapped on a Gazelle for the day. Landed back on at 5pm signed the aircraft back in along with my flying kit. 7 hours later I was a civvy. Good last day.
Floppy
Cruising around Hampshire in a Chinook HC2, Sep 2002,
Quickstopping into Roussillon Bks, cracking memories!
Quickstopping into Roussillon Bks, cracking memories!
Last edited by Training Risky; 2nd May 2012 at 07:53. Reason: drinking and typing don't mix!
Join Date: Oct 2002
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Deployed overseas on operations, did 3:50 of which 3:40 was on goggs. Was sort of expecting it as a last flight but was still on pager so you never quite knew. Didn't really think about it as possibly being my last flight, was honestly just too busy with the operation. In the end Im glad it was that way.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
There was a battle royal as the station didn't want St Athan's pigs on its books.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Wingham NSW Australia
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Last RAAF Flight
RAAF B707-338C. RAAF Richmond-Sydney KSF for several ILS approaches-RAAF Richmond. Wife aboard, watched from L1 door as I got 'hosed down' by the Fire Tender crew and then joined us for Champagne with Base Commander to end my RAAF tour (1958-1981). No regrets - No burnt bridges.
