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Fighter Pilot
Just rewatched the TV series from 1981 "Fighter Pilot" which follows the travails of 6 RAF pilot hopefuls. Rhod Smart, Robbie Low, Alistair Stewart, Martin Oxborrow, Trevor Lewis and the inimitable John McCrea,the only one in the programme to make fast-jet pilot (Buccaneers).
What became of these men? Anyone? |
Flight Lieutenant Robbie Low, reservist aircrew, has clocked up his 4000th hour flying in the RAF’s Tornado. Serving on No 12 (Bomber) Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth, Robbie navigated through this amazing milestone whilst being piloted by Squadron Leader Dave Gallie. Initially serving as a pilot in the 1980s, Robbie re-trained as a Navigator on Tornado in 1983. A long and distinguished career has seen him first become a Qualified Weapons Instructor and then become the Commanding Officer of No 31 Squadron during the Kosovo Campaign. He left regular service to join the reserves in 2001. Robbie flew missions during Operation TELIC in 2003 and was crew on the longest combat mission flown by the RAF since World War II. Recently returning to No 12(Bomber) Squadron after a period as an instructor, it is fitting that he clocked up his 4000th hour whilst deployed on operations in the Middle East. Wing Commander James Linter, Officer Commanding No 12 (Bomber) Squadron said, “Robbie’s experience and wisdom are invaluable on the Squadron, he has added so much to the whole Tornado Force and continues to do so daily.” Photographs: Sgt Pete Mobbs. Image one: http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafi...DECFC5EC4B.jpgFlight Lieutenant Robbie Low returns after completing 4000 flying hours on Tornado. |
Sten
I had 5 minutes to kill and just happened to pick one name that came up in Google. Not sure if it is the same Martin Oxborrow but dates look right and he was a RAF Pilot. Wales This Week, Social Insecurity | Wales - ITV News |
Rhod Smart trained as a navigator and went onto No.100 Sqn flying the Canberra, he went on to fly F4s on 74(F) Sqn.
Martin Oxborrow gained his wings and went multi engine, his first tour was with No.30 Sqn. flying the Hercules. I think he left a couple of years ago. John McCrea who joined No.XV Sqn. at Laarbruch Germany flying the Buccaneer S.2b, he later served in the first Gulf War flying the Tornado GR.1. I think he might still be a QFI? The ones who failed or gave it up were, Trevor Lewis who went to Reading University and Al Stewart who qulaified to a Nav, went to TWU at Brawdy on the Hawk and went onto the Buccaneer OCU with John McCrea then gave it all up!!! He left the RAF to become a wine merchant. Robbie's most recent story is above. |
Fighter Pilot has been discussed on here at some length. I believe Martin Oxborrow is currently writing a book about the series, putting a few myths to bed and telling the true story, rather than the one the series would have us believe. Can't wait to read it!
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500N - yes, that's Martin. He retired with a med issue. Lovely chap and I think he does PPrune occasionally.
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Just looked at that picture of the 4000 hr celebration. I delivered that jet from Warton on my last week of flying Tornados in June 92. How sad!
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Jetstream (2008) - RCAF F-18 Pilot Training
By contrast, "Jetstream" (2008) - a fly-on-the-wall documentary about RCAF pilots undergoing training on the F-18 - seemed accurate and balanced. The entire series used to be on You Tube but was taken down when a DVD was produced. Occasionally, an episode reappears - here is Episode 1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep1SvM5aVLA |
Fighter Pilot
Sad to see Martin Oxborrow's problems, I hope things work out for him. Yes, Martin was streamed onto multi-engines and flew Hercules.
One of the students that was sharing the house with John McCrea in the last couple of episodes was none other than Louis "Mad Dog" McQuade, who went on to fly Phantoms and was last heared of flying Hunters at Scampton. Look at the choices they had as TWU came to an end...Harrier, Phantom, Lightning, Buccaneer, Jaguar, Victor, Canberra et al Slightly less choice today methinks. |
By contrast, "Jetstream" (2008) - a fly-on-the-wall documentary about RCAF pilots undergoing training on the F-18 Re instructional methods, I was taught to fly (PPL, not military) by an ex mob QFI who would have been in the RAF at the same time as the series was filmed. I know where he got his laid back and gentle manner from now...:) |
Fighter Pilot - BBC TV
Hi guys,
Just to accurately update everyone, I was Medically Discharged sadly with Phobic Anxiety and related Severe depression in December '97. I was extremely well looked after by the RAF and MOD, and until last year DWP. I then had to endure a lengthy battle about Employment & Support Allowance, rescued only by the actions of my MP, and Alastair Campbell(!). I have been contacted by many people in the Aviation world with a view to writing my Autobiography, and this is a long process, involving trying to contact my old compadres from the series(including Mike Jamieson!). I've now spoken to them all, except John McCrea who doesn't seem very keen to talk about it! I had a wonderful aviation career with tours as a Co- Pilot on 30Sqn, and as a Captain on 47& 24 sqn ending up as Flt Lt Specialist Aircrew and I wouldn't have changed it for the World; apart from being tarnished by that TV series (which the general public loved - the Book was a best seller!) I have no regrets. Regards to everyone who remembers, I'm now living quietly with 3 dogs, 3 horses, 3 Children, 3 Grandchildren, and my wonderful wife in West Wales. Martin Oxborrow |
Fighter Pilot
Obviously you blokes would have viewed the series from a different perspective, but I loved it. All the best, Martin. Good luck with the book. I'll definately buy a copy.
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Martin, we crossed paths at Gutersloh in the late 80s when you worked in the COC. Best regards.
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Oxo,
I was an avid viewer of the Tv series and it was an utter pleasure to fly with you on XXIV many years ago now - I have just replaced my copy of the book that I lost many years ago for my son to read!! Glad to hear you are OK! Amusingly, I met John and Alex Mcrea last week. Both are still Barkston QFIs. |
Nobody has mentioned Howard Davies - thought he was in the programme too. Worse driver than John McCrea :)
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Rhod Smart picked up the nickname 'Lord Lucan' in later years. He was 100% reliably the last to briefings/meetings, which was actually quite convenient since you knew if he was there, everybody else must be.:ok:
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Published on 22 Feb 2016 We interviewed Martin Oxborrow, he is an ex RAF C-130 Pilot and one of the stars of the 1980 BBC documentary 'Fighter Pilot' He talks about his life flying the Hercules, filming 'Fighter Pilot', the Falklands and also mental health. |
He left regular service to join the reserves in 2001. Robbie flew missions during Operation TELIC in 2003 and was crew on the longest combat mission flown by the RAF since World War II. |
airpolice beat me to it.
But whether or not Black Buck was longer, could some kind soul please elude to the specifics of what other mission was in mind re that statement? Still remember as a boy trying to beg borrow or steal video copies of that series at a time when not everyone had one. Inspirational it was |
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