Aviation Truths!

Glider · 12-28-2005, 07:59 PM

A rule drumed into new pilots about going around if unsure about an approach before landing.
It's better to be late Mr Airman, than to be the Late, Mr Airman.

PS Doesn't work in a Glider, you just have to sort it out.

A Nanutical variation. I saw a Petty Officer giving a talk about watertight doors on a ship during an open day. He explained patiently that the ship was safe as the watertight doors would shut, and it could float with two compartments fully flooded. He was asked by a sailors mum, what if you were in the part being flooded. He just looked at the woman as if she was being very stupid and simply said 'your the wrong side of the door'.

Glider · 12-28-2005, 08:07 PM

Forgot one
When we were in Cyprus in 1974 we were evacuating civilians as Greece and Turkey were in effect at war over the island. An American was at the pick up point as as he got on the Wessex he asked me if the Helicopter was armed, I said no, at which point he looked a little worried. He then asked if it could carry guns and I replied that it could but we preferred not to. His look was saying why not, and I finished off by saying that they might shoot back and as I was such a bad shot we didn't want to provoke them. I am sure he still tells his friends how yellow these brits are.

Gnomey · 12-29-2005, 05:46 AM

Good ones Glider.

plan_D · 12-29-2005, 05:56 AM

It's a freakin' Wessex for gods sake ... plus, what was he worried about ...as if any of 'em would shoot at RAF aircraft ... they'd be slaughtered all over the place.

And Glider, I didn't know you were in Cyprus at the time. So was my dad!

Glider · 12-29-2005, 10:10 AM

Small world. We had just finished the aircraft handling part of our training and were shipped out to the Hermes as they didn't have enough to deal with the workload.
I may add that I was only 17 at the time and a very thin, pathetic, young looking 17 year old wearing geekish glasses, which probably didn't increase his confidence.

plan_D · 12-30-2005, 02:58 AM

I imagine he was thrilled to be dealing with you, in an unarmed Wessex. I can't actually remember why my dad was there, but I reckon it's something to do with Lightings - because he was with 11 Sqdn. at the time.