Thanks MendEm, my memory is sometimes a little random but I was certain it was VAT. And it wasn't just spares etc, we had to find a significant chunk of VAT on the simulators!

Madness.

I did the MRA4 manufacturer's course as a blue suiter back in 2000 - well that was a waist of time. I then worked on and off with BAE at various locations over the next 10 years. I can honestly say that the majority of them were really decent chaps and chapesses, HOWEVER, they always managed to drag the arse out of the job by constantly pushing everything to the right. Frustrating...oh yes! At one meeting I remonstrated about the test equipment they had sold us, that after 18 months still didn't work as advertised. Needless to say they went bleating to my boss who then ripped my arse out.

C'est la vie!

PS. 2 years after that meeting i understand the TE still fails to work and low and behold - the warrantee has run out...never mind the MOD will pick up the over inflated bill.

Soap box away!! :ugh: