UKMFTS Failing to Deliver...again
To me, the various posts here indicate that the different parts of delivering trained aircrew are stovepiped. Is there one person in charge of the whole, and does he/she/it have the authority to match responsibility? I wonder if the answer is it all only comes together at CAS's level, which would explain a lot.
I’m afraid that, due to commercial sensitivities, I am not at liberty to say anything on here. It’s also worth pointing out that my days as the resident Hawk hero are numbered. As of 20 Sep I’ll be a civilian and no longer flying Hawks. 3011 hours on type (T1/T2/115/165/166) is enough for anyone!
BV
BV
With what’s going on at the moment, you must be looking forward eagerly to the 20th. Good luck for the future.
I, for one have enjoyed your comment on here over the years. Please don’t stop.
Seconded, thank you very much.
Thanks gents.
I’m sure I’ll still pop up from time to time but I will try my best to only comment on things I feel qualified to.
BV
I’m afraid that, due to commercial sensitivities, I am not at liberty to say anything on here. It’s also worth pointing out that my days as the resident Hawk hero are numbered. As of 20 Sep I’ll be a civilian and no longer flying Hawks. 3011 hours on type (T1/T2/115/165/166) is enough for anyone!
BV
BV
Or had they gone by the time you got to the land of the 166?
Well done Bob, great job. Had a ride in the back seat of a Hawk in the mid 90s with a well known and very Scottish QFI as part of a concocted exchange scheme with the airline run by Britain’s favourite bearded entrepreneur to our hopefully mutual benefit and certainly as much fun as it gets. I was the guinea pig for the exchange but I was completely in awe of the competence I witnessed. Not for the faint hearted; really only for the most driven and motivated, certainly nothing to do with the presently lunacy wrt diversity targets.
Jacko
Olster.
That exchange was still going years later and I benefited from the return fixture when my wife and I got a free ride on a 747 to NY to purchase our wedding rings at a famous 5th Ave jewellers. We had some very nice seats as well, very near the front of the aircraft.
BV
And a radar!
I'd understood that most of the 103/203 fleet (2 103s and about four 203s) went VERY soon after the 166 came in, in late 2017 (contrary to the impression left by the 2022 IISS 'Military Balance', and the Flight Global 2022 Wolrd Air Forces) but that they kept a handful (1 Mk 103 and two or three 203s) as hacks and for senior officer currency until more recently - perhaps as late as 2020?
Like others, I unreservedly and enthusiastically wish you well with whatever you do next, but I have to confess that that's tinged with some sadness. It strikes me that you are EXACTLY the kind of officer that the RAF can ill afford to lose. Your input here has always shown you to be an intelligent, articulate, officer who is loyal but not unquestioning. I'm told by Valley mates that you're also a superb pilot, and a highly professional and coolly analytical instructor who is capable of delivering understandable, useful feedback and who is a great role model for his students.
I'd understood that most of the 103/203 fleet (2 103s and about four 203s) went VERY soon after the 166 came in, in late 2017 (contrary to the impression left by the 2022 IISS 'Military Balance', and the Flight Global 2022 Wolrd Air Forces) but that they kept a handful (1 Mk 103 and two or three 203s) as hacks and for senior officer currency until more recently - perhaps as late as 2020?
Like others, I unreservedly and enthusiastically wish you well with whatever you do next, but I have to confess that that's tinged with some sadness. It strikes me that you are EXACTLY the kind of officer that the RAF can ill afford to lose. Your input here has always shown you to be an intelligent, articulate, officer who is loyal but not unquestioning. I'm told by Valley mates that you're also a superb pilot, and a highly professional and coolly analytical instructor who is capable of delivering understandable, useful feedback and who is a great role model for his students.
Good luck BV, I am sure that you will prosper away from the RAF. It took me 2 years to get an airline job but then I enjoyed 19 fun years in the big red and white (sometimes silver!) birds. Great for strimmers and cat food, not to mention lazy days on the beach in the Caribbean.
Now just turn a bi-plane upside down for fun - and try to avoid the Lifetime Allowance!
Mog
Now just turn a bi-plane upside down for fun - and try to avoid the Lifetime Allowance!
Mog
Jacko and Mogwi
Thankyou both. And Jacko, I’m going to screengrab your post and save it. It’s as good as a valedictory letter! 🤣
Anyway, this thread isn’t just about me so I’ll let the conversation continue.
BV
Anyway, this thread isn’t just about me so I’ll let the conversation continue.
BV
BV
I echo the sentiments of the previous posters. As to valedictory letters your screen grab one may well be more accurate than the official one. I do not know who drafted mine but but it was very odd to say the least.
I echo the sentiments of the previous posters. As to valedictory letters your screen grab one may well be more accurate than the official one. I do not know who drafted mine but but it was very odd to say the least.
I didn’t get one. Not even a mention of my last SHAR trip, where I managed to struggle the jet back and land it with no pitch control! I also avoided the local school, church and old folks home.
Mog
Mog
You'll live mate!
My Draft Valedictory was sent to my (French Ex Jaguar exchange) boss for completion. He handed it across to me to add whatever I liked to it.
So into the bin it went.
So into the bin it went.
I left the CAF they way I joined it. My Commissioning Scroll arrived in a tube which was casually tossed to me by a Clerk as I walked by the unit Amin Office. My last official correspondence was a one paragraph PFO letter directing me to retire.
I am however not in the slightest bit bitter. At times I suffered under some truly toxic senior management, but they will never be able to take away my fond memories of the great people I worked with.
I am however not in the slightest bit bitter. At times I suffered under some truly toxic senior management, but they will never be able to take away my fond memories of the great people I worked with.
It gets worse -
https://twitter.com/GarethJennings3/...07492084842497
Just found the original link at https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans...ence#g49064.q0
https://twitter.com/GarethJennings3/...07492084842497
Just found the original link at https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans...ence#g49064.q0
Thank you for the link.
MoD says:
"A fault has been identified with the Rolls-Royce/Safran Adour 951 engine, which powers the Hawk TMk2. Initial assessments suggest the reduction in aircraft availability will have an impact on UK Fast Jet (FJ) training output over the next three years, but work is ongoing to minimise that impact".
3 years might suggest a defect, rather than a fault. Two entirely different things.
An MFTS problem?
I think not.
The Hawk T2 fleet is owned by the RAF, the 28 aircraft being a direct MoD procurement from BAE Systems.
Isn't this the supposed panacea that will solve all MFTS ills, RAF owned trainer aircraft as opposed to contractor owned?
Seemingly not..,
I think not.
The Hawk T2 fleet is owned by the RAF, the 28 aircraft being a direct MoD procurement from BAE Systems.
Isn't this the supposed panacea that will solve all MFTS ills, RAF owned trainer aircraft as opposed to contractor owned?
Seemingly not..,
An MFTS problem?
I think not.
I think not.
Because the RAF did such a good job on airworthiness with the Vigilants.........oh hang on...