A few new air-to-air shots...

[DispatchDragon]

Spectacular as usual Sir......Like Dave I do rather fancy the Typhoon on the turn ......something rather fitting about it


Merry Christmas

Leif

[Tomliner]

Some absolute stunners there,virtually publicity material!Thanks for posting them.Best Wishes EricT

[Hot_Charlie]

By some coincidence.. I'm about to change my avatar to something not unrelated to the shots above

So that's who nicked my seat!

No Harriers up on the areas? Must've all been doing formation practice!

[Tonks]

Just seen your new Avatar Dave... I remember hat day

HC... not seen you since Black Wed... Congrats...

Tonks

[DaveB]

Yes.. the look of fear I can almost remember JS about anything but that day was so special.. I remember it as if it were yesterday.. well, my muddled version anyway

HC.. not had a natter for a while so I've no idea what the congrats from Tonks are for. I'm hoping it's for your qual on multi-engine jets but if not.. congrats all the same I still have a shot here of one of the Tonkas we (the Royal WE) refuelled on the same day the new avatar was taken with the initials HC on the fin. I often wondered if it were destined to be yours

ATB

DaveB

[Paul K]

Love the one of the Tornado banking away. A very colourful set of pictures. Excellent stuff, Tonks.

[Hot_Charlie]

HC... not seen you since Black Wed... Congrats...

Thanks!

HC.. not had a natter for a while so I've no idea what the congrats from Tonks are for

Still having a flying job! Off to Central Flying School next year at some point, to attempt to become a QFI, once I've retired from the '10 in a few months. Would loved to have stayed on the '10 and done a captain's tour, but in the long term, the instructor tick is probably more valuable...

...although whether the RAF will still need to train pilots is another matter!

[DaveB]

Hiya HC

Rgr that mate I know things are getting tight for FE's.. probably Nav's too but didn't realise pilots were diminishing What IS this country coming to Ah well.. whatever aircraft we have left, someone will need to instruct on the type so good luck with that

ATB

DaveB

[Hot_Charlie]

Regarding Black Wed, Tonks may also be referring to my absence too; I've been off on paternity leave with Sprog Mk.II... I forgot about that. It's amazing what slips your mind when you're tired!

Hiya HC

Rgr that mate I know things are getting tight for FE's.. probably Nav's too but didn't realise pilots were diminishing What IS this country coming to Ah well.. whatever aircraft we have left, someone will need to instruct on the type so good luck with that

Sadly it's a diminishing, albeit very busy, fleet. Having said that, it'll be around more than long enough for someone to have to arrange a 50th birthday party in 2012. Ok, none of the airframes are that old anymore, but still, it needs commemorating.

[DaveB]

been off on paternity leave with Sprog Mk.II... I forgot about that. It's amazing what slips your mind when you're tired!

What a thing to forget! Let's hope SWMBO doesn't read these hallowed pages Under the circumstances, I'd volunteer for as much time in the air as possible

Ah yes.. the 10's 50th. Funny.. how the aircraft are parked at Brooklands.. I often point out to visitors that A4O in front of us flew the year after our Vanguard went into service.. this to emphasise how close the Vanguard was to jets (I also point out the Caravelle and Comet4B ) which was one of if not the biggest reason for the Vanguards lack of success as a passenger aircraft. I knew we are going to celebrate our 50th next year (2011) but had forgotten the 10 follows shortly after D'oh! It'll be nice for the 10 to have it's 50th celebrated while still in active service even though this will be the last major land mark of it's long and distinguised career

ATB

DaveB