sad state of affairs
 

22 squadron rescue seakings at valley.problems with 122.they have 3 airframes but have to use spares from the spare airframes.cant the raf order spares for them?.or is it down to cost cutting.?

Good question G, from experience the easiest way to keep spares is to put them into the shape of another aircraft. Saves on hunting around in supply for bits.

To the untrained eye it looks like they have 3 frames, to the Ground Crew it's 2 flyers and a neat pile of spares.

Its not a sad state of affairs....its how it is supposed to be.

I always wondered if this quote from Action Stations 2 regarding Binbrook (page 46) is slightly wrong:

Perhaps it should read:

"The seven Lightnings on the subsidiary runway are Christmas trees"

Not just for Christmas
 

Doesn't the saying go something like - "an Aircraft is for life not just for Christmas"!? :confused: ;)

LogieBear
 

G, V good question indeed. Aircraft spares, regardless of type, are often difficult to resource at short notice. The procedure of "robbing" is an unpopular,yet often necessary option in order to ensure aircraft availability. This is an accepted engineering practice whilst awaiting a spare. In your case, there may be a Sea King at Lossiemouth say, who are down to one airframe and need the same in order to have available assets for their taskings. The spare will then be prioritised and hopefully,delivered to the most important requirement.