Grant Shapps hitches ~1,000km ride in RAAF F/A-18F

[AnotherFSO]

Posting this FWIW, as these sorts of things sometimes stir up confected controversy or outrage.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-...-jet/103622472

• "In short: The ABC can reveal that after meeting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Thursday evening, Grant Shapps flew to Adelaide in the back seat of an RAAF Super Hornet.
• The Department of Defence said it was "delighted" to offer the fast jet experience to one of Australia's key defence partners.
• The jet was selected to "demonstrate one component of Australia's air combat capability", the Department of Defence said."

[stevef]

Lots of snarky comments but I bet most of you would sell your favourite auntie for a Super Hornet backseat ride.

[stevef]

Lots of snarky comments but I bet most of you would sell your favourite auntie for a Super Hornet backseat ride.

[skua]

Presumably he will add Maverick to the many names he has traded as in the past!

[Expatrick]

Is it possible for the pilot to eject the rear seater?

[SOPS]

He might try to flog the aircraft on the internet…under another made up name.

[Bob Viking]

Expatrick

Originally Posted by Expatrick

Is it possible for the pilot to eject the rear seater?

Sadly not. But if the pilot could talk him into pulling the handle between his legs…

BV

[Traffic_Is_Er_Was]

The UK's visiting defence secretary has hitched a ride on a $100 million Royal Australian Air Force fighter jet

(My bolding & underline)

Unfortunately, he couldn't reach the handle from the outside.

[601]

The ABC can reveal

Ho hum.
Next Aunty will get their "investigative jurnos" on the case to see if any fringe benefits tax is due and if Shapps reported the free travel as a gift.

[Ninthace]

Originally Posted by Bob Viking

Sadly not. But if the pilot could talk him into pulling the handle between his legs…

BV

But that would damage the canopy and the ac - he isn't worth it!

[chevvron]

Originally Posted by Expatrick

Is it possible for the pilot to eject the rear seater?

Yes if 'command eject' is selected but the front seater would go too in that case.

[Expatrick]

Pity...

[Expatrick]

Hopefully not too far off topic (from 2021) -

"Some 120,000 spectators visited the International Air Show and Military Display in Kecskemet, central Hungary, over the weekend, the defence ministry said on Sunday evening. In addition to presentations by the air forces of Hungary and several foreign countries, the programme included surprise events including a parachute jump performed by the defence minister, the army chief and other army leaders from a helicopter."

Perhaps Mr Shapps could have a go!

[stevef]

Lots of snarky comments but I bet most of you would sell your favourite auntie for a Super Hornet backseat ride.

[Expatrick]

Originally Posted by stevef

Lots of snarky comments but I bet most of you would sell your favourite auntie for a Super Hornet backseat ride.

Sounds a bit too much like the Shapps modus operandi!

[Video Mixdown]

Originally Posted by Expatrick

Sounds a bit too much like the Shapps modus operandi!

Wishing harm on a politician because you personally disagree with his policies is disgraceful and not funny. Take your childish remarks to JB.

[Expatrick]

Originally Posted by Video Mixdown

Wishing harm on a politician because you personally disagree with his policies is disgraceful and not funny. Take your childish remarks to JB.

Just a little fun.

Behaviour & performance, rather than policies.

[Video Mixdown]

Originally Posted by Expatrick

Just a little fun.
Behaviour & performance, rather than policies.

It is not fun whatever lame excuses you make. The man was there for talks with an important friend and ally of the UK.

[Ninthace]

Originally Posted by stevef

Lots of snarky comments but I bet most of you would sell your favourite auntie for a Super Hornet backseat ride.

I don't have a favourite auntie, would you settle for one of my children?

[Herod]

I assume it cost the British taxpayer nothing. win-win

[Ninthace]

Originally Posted by bugged on the right

Then you will apply the sense of humour failure to those criticising Frank Hester then Chips?
Training flight Herod.

If it was a Training Flight, who was teaching whom, what?

[bugged on the right]

Pilot carrying out navex. Teaching himself. Versatile eh? Never took a jet away for a weekends golf?