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Indeed, LOMCEVAK. Around that time we had some Boscombe people visiting the squadron and chatted with them in the crewroom about the JP replacement competition. During the chat, one of them asked "So which do you think will be chosen?". "Well", I answered, "my guess is that the Firecracker will be rejected early on, you'll recommend the PC-9 but the politicians will insist on the Tucano to keep Northern Irish aerospace jobs, now that the Lear Fan has finally gone tits up!"

"Interesting", was all he replied.....with a 'how did you guess' smile. But he did say that the best of the contenders was "...almost as good as the Harvard" :\ .

Quote:

Somewhat amused to see that RAF pilots will train on a version of the PC9 some 30-odd years after it was rejected in favour of the Tucano

You lost me there - are you suggesting that the Grob 120TP has some connection with the Pilatus PC9?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 212man (Post 9479843)

You lost me there - are you suggesting that the Grob 120TP has some connection with the Pilatus PC9?

I think he may be referring to the Beechcraft T-6 which will replace the Tucano for BFJT 212 man?

Definite similarities.

Beechcraft T-6C - The Texan - Affinity Flying Training Services

Thanks - missed that bit. Yes, there is more than a little irony there!

I have been following this thread with some interest, but find it hard to be sure I have understood how many aircraft and how many bases - but to my tiny mind it looks like not many aircraft thinly spread around several bases. Am I missing something - might be my age..........

I'm presuming that we are ordering so few aircraft for the FJ stream that the majority of F-35 pilots will be coming from the Tornado/Typhoon forces?

Its sad to think that the youngsters of today who have dreamt about being a FJ pilot in the RAF for many years are looking at a bleak future with very limited prospects to fulfil their dreams (I'm sure there will be some ab initio pilots making it to the F-35 squadrons in due course).

Treble One.

I know doom and gloom is the order of the day on this site but I must respectfully disagree with your viewpoint. I would say that for a youngster joining now things haven't looked so good for a long time. The FJ force is expanding and the two choices are both world class FJ platforms.

I doubt the training will take any longer than it has in recent times and they'll fly new, gucci aircraft in the process.

Cast aside your views of 'how it was in the good old days' and try to look at it through the eyes of an aspiring youngster.

It's probably not as bad as you think.

BB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Viking (Post 9479933)

BV I am delighted to hear that!

Many years ago I dreamt of being a FJ pilot-Tornado GR1 was coming in and there was that great advert-something along the lines 'Drivers wanted'.

Unfortunately, I chose to pursue an alternative career which is where I decided I had a better chance of success (sadly, I didn't make that either!)

Its extremely heartening to know a young man/woman in the same position as I was in the late 80's still has a chance of achieving those dreams he will have had for years. Especially as a fairly recent conversation I had with someone (apparently in the know) was that most/all the FJ training slots were taken up by UAS students.

Appreciate you putting me right Bob.

Best Regards
TO

23 Prefects serialled ZM300 to ZM322, 10 Texans serialled ZM323 to ZM332 and 5 Phenoms serialled ZM333 to ZM337.

And spread over how many bases...................

The previous holder of the name "Prefect" in the RAF.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv273/WZ793/ZH2.jpg

Why T-6 II and not PC-21? Was it considered too advanced/complicated or did it provide a duplicate capability to Hawk T.2?

In a word. Yes. To the second question.

BV

Thanks for the photos chopper2004.

Its a bit different inside to a Chippie (last 2 seat trainer I sat in) :-)

And over how many bases is this small fleet to be spread?

Embraers at Cranwell, T-6s (please can we call them Harvards?) to Valley alongside the Hawks. Bye bye Linton-on-Ouse.

Pretty thin on the ground (or in the air) then

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin the Martian (Post 9483084)

T-6s (please can we call them Harvards?)

I suspect not as long as the Boscombe aircraft is in service. Might confuse people :-)

Problem solved; Boscombe Harvard has been retired from service!