What's the hole in the top of the fuselage for, in line with the trailing edge of the wings?

Cheers,
ASI

I've sent you a PM.

I think it might have something to do with the auxiliary power unit. Is it the vent/exhaust?

Yep, starter exhaust.

When I did the Flying Supervisors' Course, they made a big issue of the number of accidents/incidents when pilots were 'showing off' to the camera.

So perhaps it's best not to advertise your presence by wearing a road-digger's yellow coat or whatever - just in case some fun detector should say "Hmm, don't like the idea of the chaps posing for snappers - someone might go a little too low or do something silly. Best we stop this sort of thing....."

I would suggest you just lurk in the weeds with your cameras - and don't tell people when you're there.

Excellent photos, by the way!

Thanks! Points noted BEagle. I personally don't wear any high viz, but some of the guys also do it for safety reasons. Sometimes you can be the only person on that whole mountainside and some of the locations are pretty remote. The last thing they want is to go rolling off a crag, hit their head go unconscious, and not get found quickly after they go overdue. I would certainly advocate that if there is a group of people on the hillside then they shouldn't use them.

Ex Reds
 

Was browsing websites about Red Arrows aircrew and am aware of the 3 year tour. Looked at 1990 and saw a Flt/Lt Paul Rogers who completed 1 year (according to the stats). What happened to him and why did he only do 1 year, just curious....

Thanks

Reds' New Paint Scheme
 

What do people think of the new paint scheme, which can be seen on the RAF website? To quote Jas Hawker:

“We needed to keep a careful balance between making our famous aircraft unrecognisable and reminding people that we are proud to represent the Royal Air Force. This is especially important when many Royal Air Force personnel are away from home, serving overseas in front line operations such as Afghanistan and Iraq. We are a visible way of reminding people of our colleagues’ hard work and professionalism in the line of duty. The change to our aircraft paint scheme will help us to do this more effectively.”

I think it looks too busy. Preferred the old one.

That mirror writing on top of the wing is pretty clever though...

What's the difference?

The big ROYAL AIR FORCE written along the side of the fuselage?!?!

Is it just me or does anyone else hate the stupid slope on the As and Y? So corporate, so naff!:ugh:

They did this on the Gnat, albeit under the forward fuselage. IMHO it looks naff:
http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafi...C192BE7C5D.jpg
If any change was needed at all, I would have prefered the royal blue to extend below the white go-faster stripe full length.
The Gnat version:
http://www.militaryairshows.co.uk/ne...g_1059exp6.jpg
What goes around etc etc obviously somebody was due promotion!!

I thought the Gnat went out years ago.

Fantastic bit of politicking by Red One there.
To make a connection between "Red Arrows" and "Operational Theatres" via paint schemes and the corporate logo deserves an AFC all by itself. :yuk:

It looked good on the Gnat, whereas this abomination looks horrible, and the silly font on the As and Ys looks silly.

Bloody corporate logo.

I do find the 'Y' and 'A' slope rather annoying.

True... very politically correct!

I will so laugh if somebody at an airshow changes the 'O' of Force to an 'A'

Priceless

Anybody a 'Photoshop' geek?

the new version probably cost a mint in 'consultancy' fees....

the old Gnat version was done on a fag packet by station painters.:}

http://www.ukmams.co.uk/red.jpg

Sure other will make a better job but...

and not a geek will have you know!! :=