Global Aviation Magazine : 60 Years of the Hercules
Wander00,
to the best of my recollection we only brought the vehicles back. I thing the drivers/navigators decided they had enough roughing it and came home in a more civilised manner. I remember a Hillman Hunter and a BMC 1800 but the others are lost in the mist of time.
It was my first time to Ozz and the Opera House was far from finished. Problems with turning a sketch into reality and lack of funds were the main problems.
Looks very nice now although the opera part is rather small by world standards.
to the best of my recollection we only brought the vehicles back. I thing the drivers/navigators decided they had enough roughing it and came home in a more civilised manner. I remember a Hillman Hunter and a BMC 1800 but the others are lost in the mist of time.
It was my first time to Ozz and the Opera House was far from finished. Problems with turning a sketch into reality and lack of funds were the main problems.
Looks very nice now although the opera part is rather small by world standards.
Coff,
many thanks. Will pick up when I return.
many thanks. Will pick up when I return.
AA62, #1490. Was that me? I have no recollection. I do remember a PJI, doing trials on a tandem chute going out with the Falcs during an El Centro detachment. We continued to climb and did a Halo with some pathfinder guys. Some time after we landed the trials PJI and his chute arrived at the DZ, he told how at one point he was climbing at a rate of knots he was more used to falling at. He was quite a lightweight chap, and carried no ballast to account for the size, and intended purpose of the chute.
Have a great trip, and come back safe.
Smudge
Have a great trip, and come back safe.
Smudge
Last edited by smujsmith; 18th Sep 2014 at 19:48.
Tales from the Hammock - The "US" (Not United States) Air Display.
Remember the days before the hurricane blew Homestead AFB base away ? I do, and particularly a Belize LOX run which may bring back a memory or two for a fellow poster, one Fergineer. I have this trip down as being with HCS (is that you Fergi ?). It was an all commisioned crew anyway, apart from myself of course. In those days we took an empty LOX container from Lyneham to Homestead, it was fully charged by the USAF, had a 24 hour settling period, after which we departed. The crew consisted of the usual five operators, plus a LOX safety man, and myself (the GE). So, all the foregoing has been done, the aircraft XV301 (a B line bucket as I recall) with Fergineer in the middle seat is " en route" having left LYN on 15 March 1992. We start and taxy out, it's a bit awkward today as Homestead are in full swing organising preparations for their annual open weekend. Line up, power up and lurch off down the runway. I honestly can't remember what caused the abort, Fergi might have made a note in his logbook, I do know that it was a valve housing fault, possibly a prop swing, which ended up with a small team of "lineys" joining us at Homestead. However, the fun was only just beginning. The abort was fairly late in the take off run, and as it was a prop snag (No2 from memory) limited reverse was available. The high ambient temperature and long subsequent taxy to the parking bay also contributed to what transpired. Our Loadmaster, a certain Tiny S****s, and I came down the crew steps, with my job being to position the nose wheel chocks. As I did this I noticed the flames emanating from the LH Brake units, Yep, both of them. Now, those in the know will also know that the overboard vent for the LOX container was immediately above and behind the LH MLG, therefore adding LOX to the mix of excitement. I pointed out the problem to the Loadie, who immediately, and correctly ordered an evacuation of the aircraft. The Co made a rapid call to ATC asking for fire brigade assistance before he followed the rest out.
Now, as with a lot of my photographs, the one I have with XV301 surrounded by around 20 great big, lime green fire vehicles is currently AWOL. My biggest problem was stopping the buggers squirting water at the wheels. They took my advice, and used a dry powder extinguisher to put the flames out. So there we sat, and after a full debrief we had a double brake unit and wheel change, plus the No2 Engine Valve housing change. An Eng rep to LYN elicited the news that a team and the spares would arrive by the Thursday (Local). 19 March 1992 I believe. Being a conscientious GE, and having a whole day to prep, I had everything ready for the lads when they arrived. Which they did on the Thursday, by which time we were parked in the static display next to a F117 and featured as a welcome visitor to "this years show". The LOX container had by now been removed and the aircraft made accessible, for visitors. The lads from Lyneham were, as always, brilliant. Arriving on Thursday morning from a Gander nightstop, they set to and by 1700 local, all faults had been rectified and tested, We even did a two engines, high power EGR on the static bay, thanks to some understanding Ops people. But, we were trapped because the only air movements allowed during the weekend were air display traffic. Our Captain, Fergi knows who, arranged our inclusion as a static exhibit with ATFOC and the lads from Lyneham had a well deserved three days off in Florida. For my sins I was awarded a field promotion to Flt Lt (it was the lowest rank tab anyone had spare, although I queried my demotion from Chf Tech) and given a share of the "welcome committee" shift for the always curious US people. My respect for Loadies soared that weekend as the galley was turned into a very welcome refreshment centre, and I was allowed to accompany my fellow crew members to the evening meal and get together in the 'O,s' Mess. One evening I enjoyed chatting with the base commander who remarked that he was not aware of any Commisioned "Crew Chiefs" in the USAF, Whilst wearing Flt Lt rank tabs, I had the standard "Smudge Smith =*= Ground Engineer" badge. He was obviously well aware of my status, but was gracious enough to thank me for contributing, and hoping I had enjoyed my stay. (you bet I did)!
On the Monday, we picked up our route, which was completed without further incident. It was the longest Belize LOX run I ever did, eleven days in toto, but one of the best routes I ever experienced. I'm sure many have "tits up" stories, I'm sure this is the forum to publish them on. Fergi, don't mention the Tomato Ketchup please.
Smudge
I apologise to all for the long post, like many Ex GEs I operate on the principle of why use two words when thirty will do
Now, as with a lot of my photographs, the one I have with XV301 surrounded by around 20 great big, lime green fire vehicles is currently AWOL. My biggest problem was stopping the buggers squirting water at the wheels. They took my advice, and used a dry powder extinguisher to put the flames out. So there we sat, and after a full debrief we had a double brake unit and wheel change, plus the No2 Engine Valve housing change. An Eng rep to LYN elicited the news that a team and the spares would arrive by the Thursday (Local). 19 March 1992 I believe. Being a conscientious GE, and having a whole day to prep, I had everything ready for the lads when they arrived. Which they did on the Thursday, by which time we were parked in the static display next to a F117 and featured as a welcome visitor to "this years show". The LOX container had by now been removed and the aircraft made accessible, for visitors. The lads from Lyneham were, as always, brilliant. Arriving on Thursday morning from a Gander nightstop, they set to and by 1700 local, all faults had been rectified and tested, We even did a two engines, high power EGR on the static bay, thanks to some understanding Ops people. But, we were trapped because the only air movements allowed during the weekend were air display traffic. Our Captain, Fergi knows who, arranged our inclusion as a static exhibit with ATFOC and the lads from Lyneham had a well deserved three days off in Florida. For my sins I was awarded a field promotion to Flt Lt (it was the lowest rank tab anyone had spare, although I queried my demotion from Chf Tech) and given a share of the "welcome committee" shift for the always curious US people. My respect for Loadies soared that weekend as the galley was turned into a very welcome refreshment centre, and I was allowed to accompany my fellow crew members to the evening meal and get together in the 'O,s' Mess. One evening I enjoyed chatting with the base commander who remarked that he was not aware of any Commisioned "Crew Chiefs" in the USAF, Whilst wearing Flt Lt rank tabs, I had the standard "Smudge Smith =*= Ground Engineer" badge. He was obviously well aware of my status, but was gracious enough to thank me for contributing, and hoping I had enjoyed my stay. (you bet I did)!
On the Monday, we picked up our route, which was completed without further incident. It was the longest Belize LOX run I ever did, eleven days in toto, but one of the best routes I ever experienced. I'm sure many have "tits up" stories, I'm sure this is the forum to publish them on. Fergi, don't mention the Tomato Ketchup please.
Smudge
I apologise to all for the long post, like many Ex GEs I operate on the principle of why use two words when thirty will do
smudge,
apologies if I have pinged you incorrectly. Must be the exitement of the upcoming trip to Perth !
Another view of the RAF camp at Mombasa during Op Vigour. It was rumoured that the arrival of the RAF caught the Kenyan Government by surprise. Allegedly they called the High Commissioner in for a bollocking and told him they were no longer a colony and needed to be consulted first !
I had originally put myself down to go as the ALM on one of our crews, but the boss put paid to that. I could go alright but as his deputy. All my protestations of 'me Spec Aircrew' were to no avail. But I would be allowed to fly on an ad hoc basis. Which is what happened.
apologies if I have pinged you incorrectly. Must be the exitement of the upcoming trip to Perth !
Another view of the RAF camp at Mombasa during Op Vigour. It was rumoured that the arrival of the RAF caught the Kenyan Government by surprise. Allegedly they called the High Commissioner in for a bollocking and told him they were no longer a colony and needed to be consulted first !
I had originally put myself down to go as the ALM on one of our crews, but the boss put paid to that. I could go alright but as his deputy. All my protestations of 'me Spec Aircrew' were to no avail. But I would be allowed to fly on an ad hoc basis. Which is what happened.
smudge,
I have just looked back at the posts and in post 762 you do mention a friend with a tale of someone going out with an airdropped load. Or have I misunderstood ?
I have just looked back at the posts and in post 762 you do mention a friend with a tale of someone going out with an airdropped load. Or have I misunderstood ?
AA62, thanks for that, it must be one of those "senior" moments
well, you may well remember the incident I'm referring to, when a para jumped and remained attached to the aircraft by his strop. I have heard rumours, but an old GE mate told me that it had happened during his time on the fleet and he knew the whole story. Im sure there must be others who know of it. Let's hope so. Thanks again for the reminder, I will be seeing him again in around three weeks, and will interrogate him thoroughly.
Smudge
well, you may well remember the incident I'm referring to, when a para jumped and remained attached to the aircraft by his strop. I have heard rumours, but an old GE mate told me that it had happened during his time on the fleet and he knew the whole story. Im sure there must be others who know of it. Let's hope so. Thanks again for the reminder, I will be seeing him again in around three weeks, and will interrogate him thoroughly.Smudge
smudge,
I had assumed from your post that your friend had personal knowledge of someone going out with the load on a heavy drop sortie . I have earlier described how you could be dragged outside the door on a paratrooping sortie. And someone has described the HUPRA use for real during a paratrooper hang up.
Look forward to your post on the matter when I return from Perth.
I had assumed from your post that your friend had personal knowledge of someone going out with the load on a heavy drop sortie . I have earlier described how you could be dragged outside the door on a paratrooping sortie. And someone has described the HUPRA use for real during a paratrooper hang up.
Look forward to your post on the matter when I return from Perth.
Coff, I suspect far superior ex GEs than myself might have schemes on that theme. I once toyed with a book title designed to show respect to the heroes of titles such as Jaguar boys, Victor boys, Vulcan Boys, Lighnting boys 1 and 2. Yes, you must have guessed Hammock boys. I'm sure I could garner a few juicy memories from some of the lads who have proudly emptied elsans around the world and suffered the deprivations the Golden Sands in Malaysia
Smudge
Smudge
Smuj me old mate you will have people coking on their beers thinking that I could ever be Commisioned not me I am afraid was still in Oman in 92 not having fun!!!! Think you GEs should write a book about what happened in your days as long as you don't name names, you can name me I have no problems there. Hope all is well there enjoy Winter we are just coming into summer here!!!!
Fergineer, my sincere apologies, you are quite correct, it wasn't you. I think when I left the service, what was left of my brain was retained for test purposes Have a good summer.
Smudge
Have a good summer. Smudge
Another view of the camp at Mombasa. The daily routine was for the USAF to determine the flying program, LZs and loads to be carried the next day. This was fine BUT. They then had to send it to HQ at Scott AFB for approval ! This approval would only turn up after we had gone to bed as all the trips were early starts and long days. So we (and the USAF) worked on the assumption that it would be ticked as requested. I cannot recall an instance when it was not approved or even amended. Micro management of which we in the UK are now 'skilled' practitioners.
Initially the USAF wanted us to move some of their kit around, especially the bits the USAF did not want to move. The Boss quite firmly but politely put a stop to that as, rightly in all our opinions we were there to carry out the humanitarian aid task. Which is what we did.
Last edited by ancientaviator62; 20th Sep 2014 at 08:00. Reason: word
I see the Arnhem tribute drop is taking place. According to my log book, on 20 September 1975 we went to Northolt in XV 297 to pick up the paras. We then landed at Deelen and then took off and dropped them at what my log book says is 'Arnhem DZ'. We did three runs and I have a vague memory of most of the troops being reservists.
I also seem to recall that the wind was 'marginal' but we dropped anyway as the paras were very keen to jump.
After a nightstop we took them back to Northolt the next day.
Two days after that I was off to Jacksonville NAS via Gander etc in good old 'trembling two'. Variety certainly was the spice of life in those days.
I also seem to recall that the wind was 'marginal' but we dropped anyway as the paras were very keen to jump.
After a nightstop we took them back to Northolt the next day.
Two days after that I was off to Jacksonville NAS via Gander etc in good old 'trembling two'. Variety certainly was the spice of life in those days.
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AA62 ...
Someone has to ask ... might as well be me
So I recognise the W/C Pennant, Union Jack and the Ensign... But the lower one is confusing me ... is it either (1) the Standard Explosives Red Diamond or (2) the Signal Flag Foxtrot meaning "I am disabled; communicate with me".
Coff.
Someone has to ask ... might as well be me
So I recognise the W/C Pennant, Union Jack and the Ensign... But the lower one is confusing me ... is it either (1) the Standard Explosives Red Diamond or (2) the Signal Flag Foxtrot meaning "I am disabled; communicate with me".
Coff.
Last edited by CoffmanStarter; 20th Sep 2014 at 12:57.
Coff,
'tis the 30 Sqn pennant. If you look back at my collector's item 30 Sqn tea towel pic you will see a rendition of that.
'tis the 30 Sqn pennant. If you look back at my collector's item 30 Sqn tea towel pic you will see a rendition of that.
Coff,
your comment about the explosives flag could easily apply to us out there.
Most of us suffered from Jomo's Revenge and we flew in towels as nappies when our internals exploded.
The RAF lady doctor with us wanted to ground us all. But we explained this was how it usually was and we always just got on with it ! We did put a black poly bag in the Elsan to make the job easier for the unfortunate soul who had to empty it.
your comment about the explosives flag could easily apply to us out there.
Most of us suffered from Jomo's Revenge and we flew in towels as nappies when our internals exploded.
The RAF lady doctor with us wanted to ground us all. But we explained this was how it usually was and we always just got on with it ! We did put a black poly bag in the Elsan to make the job easier for the unfortunate soul who had to empty it.