Apache in storage

[Wagstaff]

Do you think the apache is likely to be taken out of storage for a war with iraq and re-stocked with crews from other helicopters such as the wessex which are being finally removed from service. It's record in the gulf suggests that it would be completely invaluble in another war, so would it not be worthwhile to sacrifice crews from other helicopters and to put them in apache's.

[flygunz]

Grand idea in principle but I dont think Wessex pilots or any RAF utility aircrew for that matter have the right stuff, sorry!

[rivetjoint]

Tis the problem with the Apache so I've come to read, its just so different from anything else we've got.

[knowitall]

Erm

Would you send a Hercules Pilot with no extra training to war in a Jaguar (or indeed the other way round, after all their both fixed wing aircraft? ... I think not

I'm sure given the training he could probably fly the other aircraft, but training is the problem with the Apache (which has been talked about elsewhere in depth)!

[Scorpy]

Nice idea, but obviously not quite so simple. However, the majority of Wessex crews will be trained up on 84 Sqn's new aircraft the Griffin, which is also late coming into service - and slipping.

[Wagstaff]

oh, ok, i thought that the wessex was aac

[flygunz]

Wagstaff
An easy mistake to make, Wessex crews tend to be of a higher standard than other RAF SH aircrew therefore to mistake them for the AAC is understandable!