Hawk
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Anticipation is good too.
The book "Combat Ready" by David Mason gives a factually accurate account of the fast-jet training system as it stood in 1999. It gives a good insight into some of the mental processes required of pilots, and some excerpts from the appropriate course manuals. The only criticism I would have is that the (journalist) author writes up all of the 'mid-air discussions' and post-sortie debriefs in the forgiving tone that he would have experienced on his demonstration flights, and never alludes to the somewhat harsher tongue-lashings that can be handed down from time to time.
A good book for wannabes to read, and for student pilots to buy for their families (to save endless answering of questions like "Do they let you fly on your own yet?" or "Are you going to war soon?"). Having said that, I now get grilled on transonic handling characteristics, maybe I should've left it alone...
The book "Combat Ready" by David Mason gives a factually accurate account of the fast-jet training system as it stood in 1999. It gives a good insight into some of the mental processes required of pilots, and some excerpts from the appropriate course manuals. The only criticism I would have is that the (journalist) author writes up all of the 'mid-air discussions' and post-sortie debriefs in the forgiving tone that he would have experienced on his demonstration flights, and never alludes to the somewhat harsher tongue-lashings that can be handed down from time to time.
A good book for wannabes to read, and for student pilots to buy for their families (to save endless answering of questions like "Do they let you fly on your own yet?" or "Are you going to war soon?"). Having said that, I now get grilled on transonic handling characteristics, maybe I should've left it alone...
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If the book that the good chap was referring to is the one I think it is then I thought it was OTT. It is written from a passengers point of view and doesn't portray the lifestyle or the way the training system works. That aside, there are few other books that get close so it's probably better than nothing but I'd take it with a pinch of salt!
Just wondering what you wanted the details on the Hawk for. I'm not sure people will be that willing to hand over operating manuals and the like as most are 'Restricted' i.e not for gereral perusal by the public. Is it for a flight sim or something?
Ray
Just wondering what you wanted the details on the Hawk for. I'm not sure people will be that willing to hand over operating manuals and the like as most are 'Restricted' i.e not for gereral perusal by the public. Is it for a flight sim or something?
Ray
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Matt Black -
Am a qualified Hawk pilot, which makes me an FJ type! Hope no insult was intended. Ray is correct, the aircrew manual and FRCs are "RESTRICTED" so will not find their way onto this public forum. Janes' will tell you all you need to know (which, incidentally, is all that should be given out by crews at airshows or in presentations).
chromate-
I agree with Ray about the tone of the book, it is wrong, particularly in the conduct of airborne sorties - every training sortie is pressed for time, and the relaxed "have another go at that, Bloggs, there's a good boy" will only carry on for a couple of sorties (or for 5 mins at Valley) before you are in deep doo-doo. Equally, as the training gets more advanced, inputs from the instructor become fewer and fewer - they expect the student to manage the sortie from start to finish; students are certainly not talked through a sortie manoeuvre-by-manoeuvre (as portrayed in the book). However, my original point about the straightforward factual content stands - it is pretty good.
Am a qualified Hawk pilot, which makes me an FJ type! Hope no insult was intended. Ray is correct, the aircrew manual and FRCs are "RESTRICTED" so will not find their way onto this public forum. Janes' will tell you all you need to know (which, incidentally, is all that should be given out by crews at airshows or in presentations).
chromate-
I agree with Ray about the tone of the book, it is wrong, particularly in the conduct of airborne sorties - every training sortie is pressed for time, and the relaxed "have another go at that, Bloggs, there's a good boy" will only carry on for a couple of sorties (or for 5 mins at Valley) before you are in deep doo-doo. Equally, as the training gets more advanced, inputs from the instructor become fewer and fewer - they expect the student to manage the sortie from start to finish; students are certainly not talked through a sortie manoeuvre-by-manoeuvre (as portrayed in the book). However, my original point about the straightforward factual content stands - it is pretty good.
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Thanks chaps.
Reason for the request is I need to do a backseat trip in one for work related purposes ( MoD ), and since my flight time is all multi, I want to get a heads up on what to expect from a practical point of view.
The FJ tag was no insult BTW, wish I had the privilage of being a Hawk pilot!
Regards,
MB
Reason for the request is I need to do a backseat trip in one for work related purposes ( MoD ), and since my flight time is all multi, I want to get a heads up on what to expect from a practical point of view.
The FJ tag was no insult BTW, wish I had the privilage of being a Hawk pilot!
Regards,
MB
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Matt, If your work in the MoD would benefit from a back seat FJ trip, an application for one through the formal channels should see you OK, at least at Valley.
19 Sqn in particular has many backseats going in dedicated lead sorties where for the purposes of the Tac Wpns course the stude is the wingman led by another instructor (whos backseat is free!). Station personnel apply to go on a list and slots are set aside otherwise other studes/staff take them for the extra experience. It appears that the limiting factor for non-aircrew is a medical examination which is valid only for 7 pico seconds, and the resources of the safety equpiment section to kit people out.
With respect to your original request, you will be properly briefed on the day and escorted and strapped in by an instructor or student on the course. FRCs for example would be of little use in the air as all checks are done from memory unless there is an emergency. However, you will have plenty time before hand to familiarise yourself with them or the Aircrew Manual.
Should you not want/get a ride, an arrange a visit for the day and you will be more than looked after.
'STUDE FOR A JOB'
Hope this helps you out. Good luck!
Ray.
19 Sqn in particular has many backseats going in dedicated lead sorties where for the purposes of the Tac Wpns course the stude is the wingman led by another instructor (whos backseat is free!). Station personnel apply to go on a list and slots are set aside otherwise other studes/staff take them for the extra experience. It appears that the limiting factor for non-aircrew is a medical examination which is valid only for 7 pico seconds, and the resources of the safety equpiment section to kit people out.
With respect to your original request, you will be properly briefed on the day and escorted and strapped in by an instructor or student on the course. FRCs for example would be of little use in the air as all checks are done from memory unless there is an emergency. However, you will have plenty time before hand to familiarise yourself with them or the Aircrew Manual.
Should you not want/get a ride, an arrange a visit for the day and you will be more than looked after.
'STUDE FOR A JOB'
Hope this helps you out. Good luck!
Ray.
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Ray,
Thanks for that. I already have a slot arranged in a Hawk, precisely because my MoD work requires it. My aim in becoming more familiar with the procedures is to maximise the benefit from the trip. I'm afraid I can't go into more detail than that on this forum, for obvious reasons. Don't mean to go all secret squirrel on you.
BTW, I understand trips at Valley are only if your have a darned good reason for requesting one!
Regards,
MB
Thanks for that. I already have a slot arranged in a Hawk, precisely because my MoD work requires it. My aim in becoming more familiar with the procedures is to maximise the benefit from the trip. I'm afraid I can't go into more detail than that on this forum, for obvious reasons. Don't mean to go all secret squirrel on you.
BTW, I understand trips at Valley are only if your have a darned good reason for requesting one!
Regards,
MB
