FabSwingers.com forum: Red Arrows

By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

On Ch 5 now. They're doing a tour of North America, has anyone seen them before?

When I was at boarding school back in the 70's, they were stationed at RAF Brize Norton and used to practice in the valley behind our school. All lessons were suspended so that we could watch them

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They come to The Airshow at Swansea every year, absolutely awesome!

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By *a LunaWoman
over a year ago

South Wales

I saw them fly over my Nan and gramps garden once as I sat on the swing when I was younger. I think they were doing an appearance at the Air Show at St Athan. Back in the day when St Athan had air shows.

Either that or I was hallucinating.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Saw them all the time growing up, they were at all the local fairs/summer shows we attended. And used to practice over our village

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By *o_eye_deerMan
over a year ago

The South Near That London

"On Ch 5 now. They're doing a tour of North America, has anyone seen them before?

When I was at boarding school back in the 70's, they were stationed at RAF Brize Norton and used to practice in the valley behind our school. All lessons were suspended so that we could watch them

I lived at RAF Brize in the 70s - used to watch them from the footbridge near our house

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Until only a few years ago, we used to have a local airshow that akwats featured the Red Arrows - and they'd often land at Southend Airport

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"They come to The Airshow at Swansea every year, absolutely awesome!"

They are the best air display team in the world without a doubt

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By *eeBee67Man
over a year ago

Masked and Distant

Saw then practicing recently as I drove past their base.

Also saw them displaying years ago when i was a you lad.

Awesome

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By *aceandHimCouple
over a year ago

Essex

Saw them several years ago displaying in Qatar. They were flying below the level of the skyscrapers and was awesome!

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"Saw them all the time growing up, they were at all the local fairs/summer shows we attended. And used to practice over our village

It's amazing the amount of planning that actually goes into something that looks so run of the mill to us on the ground

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've seen them all through my life at air shows. Gives me a lump in my throat every time I see them.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Blackpool I guess mid 60s scared me sh**less

Amazing skills when you think some people cant even drive that close to other cars

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"Blackpool I guess mid 60s scared me sh**less

Amazing skills when you think some people cant even drive that close to other cars "

Some pilots have sadly lost their lives in the persuit of perfection

,but that what makes us the best in the world

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"I've seen them all through my life at air shows. Gives me a lump in my throat every time I see them. "

Same as watching a Lancaster and a Spitfire fly overhead

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I've seen them all through my life at air shows. Gives me a lump in my throat every time I see them.

Same as watching a Lancaster and a Spitfire fly overhead

They don't have that effect on me. Its just the arrows and their smoke

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

When you live in Lincolnshire you often get a free air show whilst the Reds practice their display in local airspace. A sight to behold I can tell you

They are currently based at RAF Scampton - former home of the Dambusters but are due to be relocated in 2022 in a controversial MOD decision to close the airbase

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By *hatYorkLadMan
over a year ago

York

My dad used to take me to RAF Finningly air show back in the early 90's (now Robin Hood airport) and the red arrows were always a feature there. They were impressive but not as much as seeing a MIG 29 hovering about 20ft off the ground with the nose straight up in the air! The noise at those shows with all the low flying jets and prop planes was incredible but good

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"I've seen them all through my life at air shows. Gives me a lump in my throat every time I see them.

Same as watching a Lancaster and a Spitfire fly overhead

They don't have that effect on me. Its just the arrows and their smoke"

Oh, it might be that the Merlin engines were actually built in Derby and quite a few of my family actually helped build them then

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Saw them all the time growing up, they were at all the local fairs/summer shows we attended. And used to practice over our village

It's amazing the amount of planning that actually goes into something that looks so run of the mill to us on the ground

Definitely! I could watch them all day

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

We also get a fantastic display of strike command Tornados practising their landing and take off technique at Coningsby - also home of the Battle of Britain memorial flights (Lancs/Spits)

Jesus does it rattle your eardrums but makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck

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By *hortarseWoman
over a year ago

Norfolk

"I've seen them all through my life at air shows. Gives me a lump in my throat every time I see them.

Same as watching a Lancaster and a Spitfire fly overhead

Seeing the Lancaster bombers reminds me of my grandad. He was a bomber. I love watching aircraft

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By *hangerMan
over a year ago

brighton

Before changes in regulations, they used to display every summer at Brighton.

The only warning you would get of their initial approach was when all the gulls and other birds would take off at the same time. Seconds later the Red Arrows would appear, flying in low over the town, heading directly out to sea between the two piers.

Times changed and after one crashed into the water, they did not come to Brighton for some years.

The crash occurred when the solo pair were doing the head on cross over manoeuvre. The cross over was conducted safely, exactly in the centre between the Palace and West piers. The eastbound jet was so low it actually had to climb to get over the Palace pier! Incredibly it then descended after passing over the pier. The bad news was that there was a yacht, sails down, between the pier and Brighton Marina. This area was a prohibited area for boats for the display, but obviously the people in the yacht had not seen this instruction.

The Red Arrows aircraft's wing hit the yacht's mast, taking off several feet of the mast.

The pilot obviously not only heard the bang, but very much felt the impact that had caused damage (understandably!) to the aircraft. The pilot made an instant decision to eject and he was recovered safely. The aircraft was also recovered a number of days later albeit in a slightly worse state than the pilot!

Obviously there have been a few other incidents, but they do not detract from the fact that the Red Arrows are one of the very best display teams in the world.

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

To be a Red Arrows pilot is coveted by many qualified RAF personnel and to be Red leader is a most prestigious title few are graced with

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"To be a Red Arrows pilot is coveted by many qualified RAF personnel and to be Red leader is a most prestigious title few are graced with "

Without Google, I think no matter what rank you are, you can only be a part of them for maybe 2 or 3 years?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Always loved watching them perform. The last 2 shows I went to, their displays were cancelled, due to crap weather.

I founded the virtual Red Arrows in Second Life, about 8 years ago. We had a lot of fun, flying displays & practicing new routines.

It took some negotiation with RAF & MoD, to get a license for using the Crown copyrighted livery etc but I was chuffed when they approved it

Since then, we've raised over £800 for RAF Benevolent Fund & Help for Heroes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Saw them just before they flew to the USA. Last display in the UK last year. Did the flat display because of low cloud.

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By *est Wales WifeCouple
over a year ago

Near Carmarthen

I'm probably not going to be popular for pointing this out. But it's all part of the PR campaign to make the military and expensive killing machines acceptable to Joe Public.

They want us to forget the horror of war and pretend that wars are nothing more than a jolly good lark. They brainwash children: not to mourn, but to strive to emulate. They want us to think that having a military (to invade god knows where next) is actually a ‘good thing’ and necessary. It is only necessary for the Military Industrial Complex where it means huge profits for the arms dealers and corporations.

This is what war and ultimately the Red Arrows are about MONEY. They want a guillable, jingoistic public who will swallow the next war and deaths of young people so that they can still make MONEY.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"We also get a fantastic display of strike command Tornados practising their landing and take off technique at Coningsby - also home of the Battle of Britain memorial flights (Lancs/Spits)

Jesus does it rattle your eardrums but makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck "

Standing on the top of Tattershall Castle is rather interesting when they roar overhead as they come into land at Coningsby

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"When you live in Lincolnshire you often get a free air show whilst the Reds practice their display in local airspace. A sight to behold I can tell you

They are currently based at RAF Scampton - former home of the Dambusters but are due to be relocated in 2022 in a controversial MOD decision to close the airbase "

DC I'm taking a ride up to Scampton in the spring, that place has always fascinated me since seeing the Lancaster's in Dambusters x

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"Always loved watching them perform. The last 2 shows I went to, their displays were cancelled, due to crap weather.

I founded the virtual Red Arrows in Second Life, about 8 years ago. We had a lot of fun, flying displays & practicing new routines.

It took some negotiation with RAF & MoD, to get a license for using the Crown copyrighted livery etc but I was chuffed when they approved it

Since then, we've raised over £800 for RAF Benevolent Fund & Help for Heroes

Absolutely brilliant, nice one

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They are usually the finale to Rhyl air show every year. They didn't come last year because they were in America when this documentary was filmed. It missed something special without them, they make it. We are very lucky, its completely free air show, some towns/cities have to pay admission. We usually have a picnic on the beach and make a whole day of it

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By *illy999TV/TS
over a year ago

Taunton

[Removed by poster at 08/01/20 23:05:09]

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By *hatYorkLadMan
over a year ago

York

"I'm probably not going to be popular for pointing this out. But it's all part of the PR campaign to make the military and expensive killing machines acceptable to Joe Public.

This is what war and ultimately the Red Arrows are about MONEY. They want a guillable, jingoistic public who will swallow the next war and deaths of young people so that they can still make MONEY."

We're not trained to invade countries, we're trained to defend this one from external threats and it is necessary. I'm guessing you've never served or have any experience of what being in the british armed forces is about? One day you may be thankful that others are willing to put themselves in harms way to defend your way of life.

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By *heekyFlirtyCoupleCouple
over a year ago

Stockport

"On Ch 5 now. They're doing a tour of North America, has anyone seen them before?

When I was at boarding school back in the 70's, they were stationed at RAF Brize Norton and used to practice in the valley behind our school. All lessons were suspended so that we could watch them

Every year at an air show when we were kids and a few times in the last 15 years. Just amazing. I do love an air display

Mrs J x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As a kid, got to see them every year as part of the annual regatta... The sound is ear splittingly deafening

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm probably not going to be popular for pointing this out. But it's all part of the PR campaign to make the military and expensive killing machines acceptable to Joe Public.

This is what war and ultimately the Red Arrows are about MONEY. They want a guillable, jingoistic public who will swallow the next war and deaths of young people so that they can still make MONEY."

That military machine in all its forms has helped keep this country safer for a number of years...

Lest we forget....

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By *amissCouple
over a year ago

chelmsford

"They come to The Airshow at Swansea every year, absolutely awesome!

They are the best air display team in the world without a doubt

"
Love

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

C sat in a red arrow once. I wasn't there but have been envious ever since

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By *hatYorkLadMan
over a year ago

York

"I'm probably not going to be popular for pointing this out. But it's all part of the PR campaign to make the military and expensive killing machines acceptable to Joe Public.

This is what war and ultimately the Red Arrows are about MONEY. They want a guillable, jingoistic public who will swallow the next war and deaths of young people so that they can still make MONEY.

britland is no longer a military power full stop ."It" has elite units posted that keep the govt

informed of possible threats to oil supplies that's about all."

I'll bite on this, so the British military played no part in stopping the genocide in the Balkans? Or deterring Russian aggression in Eastern Europe as part of NATO? Or manning the fire engines when the firefighters were on strike? Or deploying in humanitarian roles at home and around the world including natural disaster relief? Or training national park rangers in Africa to protect endangered animal species?

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

"To be a Red Arrows pilot is coveted by many qualified RAF personnel and to be Red leader is a most prestigious title few are graced with

Without Google, I think no matter what rank you are, you can only be a part of them for maybe 2 or 3 years? "

Yes, it’s a secondment posting

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

"When you live in Lincolnshire you often get a free air show whilst the Reds practice their display in local airspace. A sight to behold I can tell you

They are currently based at RAF Scampton - former home of the Dambusters but are due to be relocated in 2022 in a controversial MOD decision to close the airbase

DC I'm taking a ride up to Scampton in the spring, that place has always fascinated me since seeing the Lancaster's in Dambusters x"

I’ll tell you where to get the best view!

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire

"We also get a fantastic display of strike command Tornados practising their landing and take off technique at Coningsby - also home of the Battle of Britain memorial flights (Lancs/Spits)

Jesus does it rattle your eardrums but makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck

Standing on the top of Tattershall Castle is rather interesting when they roar overhead as they come into land at Coningsby

Oh I bet!

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"That military machine in all its forms has helped keep this country safer for a number of years...

Lest we forget....

Absolutely

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By *9 kisses.Man
over a year ago

clacton on sea

They usually fly st the Clacton air show at the end of August, last year was the first one they have'nt flown in for years, always draws in a big crowd,

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By *o_eye_deerMan
over a year ago

The South Near That London

"To be a Red Arrows pilot is coveted by many qualified RAF personnel and to be Red leader is a most prestigious title few are graced with "

Don’t forget the often overlooked boys in blue overalls!

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By *lem-H-FandangoMan
over a year ago

salisbury

"I'm probably not going to be popular for pointing this out. But it's all part of the PR campaign to make the military and expensive killing machines acceptable to Joe Public.

This is what war and ultimately the Red Arrows are about MONEY. They want a guillable, jingoistic public who will swallow the next war and deaths of young people so that they can still make MONEY.

It's the internal threats that I'm more concerned about.

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By *hatYorkLadMan
over a year ago

York

"I'm probably not going to be popular for pointing this out. But it's all part of the PR campaign to make the military and expensive killing machines acceptable to Joe Public.

This is what war and ultimately the Red Arrows are about MONEY. They want a guillable, jingoistic public who will swallow the next war and deaths of young people so that they can still make MONEY.

It's the internal threats that I'm more concerned about. "

That's why UK Ops training for Temperer is done as well

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"When you live in Lincolnshire you often get a free air show whilst the Reds practice their display in local airspace. A sight to behold I can tell you

They are currently based at RAF Scampton - former home of the Dambusters but are due to be relocated in 2022 in a controversial MOD decision to close the airbase

DC I'm taking a ride up to Scampton in the spring, that place has always fascinated me since seeing the Lancaster's in Dambusters x

I’ll tell you where to get the best view! "

Nice one, thank you! X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"To be a Red Arrows pilot is coveted by many qualified RAF personnel and to be Red leader is a most prestigious title few are graced with

Without Google, I think no matter what rank you are, you can only be a part of them for maybe 2 or 3 years?

Yes, it’s a secondment posting "

You have to apply to get the posting.

I applied along with a mate when I was in, I left 12 years ago, he's been in the arrows team for just over 2 years.

Best part of a 10 year waiting list.

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By *pursChick aka ShortieWoman
over a year ago

On a mooch

"I'm probably not going to be popular for pointing this out. But it's all part of the PR campaign to make the military and expensive killing machines acceptable to Joe Public.

This is what war and ultimately the Red Arrows are about MONEY. They want a guillable, jingoistic public who will swallow the next war and deaths of young people so that they can still make MONEY.

britland is no longer a military power full stop ."It" has elite units posted that keep the govt

informed of possible threats to oil supplies that's about all.

Unfortunately most only see the military as a killing machine and have no idea what other important roles they actually carry out. Respect to all past, present and future military staff who serve to protect and so much more.

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

"To be a Red Arrows pilot is coveted by many qualified RAF personnel and to be Red leader is a most prestigious title few are graced with

Without Google, I think no matter what rank you are, you can only be a part of them for maybe 2 or 3 years?

Yes, it’s a secondment posting

You have to apply to get the posting.

I applied along with a mate when I was in, I left 12 years ago, he's been in the arrows team for just over 2 years.

Best part of a 10 year waiting list."

Is there an age limit though?

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By *ENGUYMan
over a year ago

Hull

Back in the mid-80's when I was working in Eastbourne at a seafront hotel, the Red Arrows put on a display along the sea front.

From our viewpoint at the western edge of the sea front, there was a tower block of flats next door to where we were.

On the first fly past, they turned round near to us, but we thought at the time, the aircraft seemed a bit 'close' to the tower block!

It transpired later that the reconnaissance flight prior to the display did not include the tower block itself, but a similar nearby building, clad in similar coloured exterior panels. The pilots mistook the instructions on fly past #1; hurried new instructions went over their radios for the remaining flypasts!

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By *irenGuy70Man
over a year ago

Cirencester

"On Ch 5 now. They're doing a tour of North America, has anyone seen them before?

When I was at boarding school back in the 70's, they were stationed at RAF Brize Norton and used to practice in the valley behind our school. All lessons were suspended so that we could watch them

I've recorded this to watch and really looking forward to it. I see their display maybe four or five times a year and always impressed with the skill and dedication it takes to do what they do. They probably don't have the flair of, say, the Italian display team the Frecce Tricolori, but for precision for my money they are the best in the world. They definitely have the best radio-comms that's for sure!

I don't think they were ever stationed at Brize Norton. They were based at Kemble from 1966-83, before moving up to Scampton. I used to watch them practice and the displays back then were crazy! I don't think safety was a big concern back then.

To the poster with the disparaging view of them (and presumably all military), they are the figurehead for the RAF and represent and showcase the skills of that institution. The armed forces perform many peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, helping to prevent conflicts, as well as the defence of our land, sea and skies and that of our allies. Without them we would be living very different lives. As someone else quite rightly pointed out, Lest we forget.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Seen at Silverstone then at Ayr Scottish Air show of the last few years an there back again this year

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By *ifeandhubby400Couple
over a year ago

Arse hole of nowhere ,Scotland

My Dad was in the RAF in Hereford ,so we saw them a lot in practice and displays ,even met them as my dad was a Fireman on call when they were in the Air ,was awesome to see as a child ..

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By *ce Winger OP Man
over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

Part 2 on tonight at 9 o'clock

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I will record. Thanks for the heads up, really interesting

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By *lem-H-FandangoMan
over a year ago

salisbury

Enjoyed my time working on 'awks.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They were based close to my home when I was growing up. I used to cycle out and watch them. Folland Gnats then..

I saw them quite regularly since as I used to work at The RIAT show..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Enjoyed my time working on 'awks.

You fix 'em, we break 'em...

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By *lem-H-FandangoMan
over a year ago

salisbury

"Enjoyed my time working on 'awks.

You fix 'em, we break 'em...

If flying was difficult, we'd have to do that to...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Enjoyed my time working on 'awks.

You fix 'em, we break 'em...

If flying was difficult, we'd have to do that to...

Indeed. If you want to know what all those knobs in the cockpit do, ask them..

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By *lem-H-FandangoMan
over a year ago

salisbury

"Enjoyed my time working on 'awks.

You fix 'em, we break 'em...

If flying was difficult, we'd have to do that to...

Indeed. If you want to know what all those knobs in the cockpit do, ask them..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm an utter slut for the Red Arrows, love them!

I go to the Eastbourne Air Show every year and sometimes the Duxford one. The Red Arrows were really missed in 2019.

The Typhoon display is as good as well.....I've turned into such a plane geek!

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