Squadron Leader Paul Godfrey
Job role: Pilot

Joined the RAF: 1991

Overseas travel: Europe, USA, Saudi Arabia and Iraq

Career highlights:

• Being one of the first British pilots to fly the US Air Force’s F-16 CJ
• Flying the Typhoon over London during the Queen’s Birthday celebrations in June 2006, the first time the Typhoon had been used for this occasion

‘I joined the RAF in 1991 after completing a Sixth Form Scholarship. Following Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell, I took Basic Flying Training with twelve other trainees. During this time, we were streamed, and I was selected to go on to Advanced Flying Training at RAF Valley in North Wales.

‘From 1995, I flew Harriers and was based in Germany and then at RAF Cottesmore and RAF Wittering, where I was a Weapons Instructor.

‘I applied for an exchange with the US Air Force and spent just over three years at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. I was the only Brit there and it was a really challenging and exciting time. I was deployed on operations to Iraq and was involved in homeland defence following 9/11.

‘The exchange gave me useful experience of operating with a radar so I was able to get into the Typhoon programme when I returned to the UK. I’m now one of three Squadron Leader Typhoon Pilots on 3(F) Squadron at RAF Coningsby – the first Typhoon front-line squadron.’

Web Chat session with Squadron Leader Paul Godfrey - Wednesday 21 February 2007

J-R: Were you a qualified pilot before you joined or did the RAF train you to be a pilot?

Paul Godfrey: I got a private PPL (pilots licence) beforehand paid for by the RAF (because I got a 6th form scholarship.

Zak83: Was your work in the US like what you do in the UK?

Paul Godfrey: It was pretty similar to the UK. The guys that I worked with there were pretty much the same as here. Good bunch of guys really.

John Davis: Hi there, what was the most physically challenging thing you did during IOT? What was the longest “Run” you did?

Paul Godfrey: It was sixteen years ago so I'm thinking hard here! It was a race called "top dog". It was a 10k race carrrying all sorts of heavy equipment. That was tough.

Nicholas: Hello,how hard was initial training and how fit were you on joining?

Paul Godfrey: I was reasonahbly fit when I joined, but the physical training here actually bumped it up a lot.

islesy: How did you manage to be able to come back from america and join in on the rofighter programme?

Paul Godfrey: I was still in the RAF when I was in the states, and it was a posting when finished my time out there.

lutonlad: My A-Level results were not as good as i was hoping for. If i take the Aptitude test is it still possible for me to be accepted for pilot training.

Paul Godfrey: I'd think you still can. Check with the careers advice. But if it's what you want to do then keep trying.

beckie-mo: did you enjoy training?

Paul Godfrey: Yes. It was fantastic. but extremely hard work!

beckie-mo: what is it like the first time you flew a plane

Paul Godfrey: I was seventeen at the time, and it was before I could drive a car. So a fairly emotional experience.

Nicholas: Have you ever flown in a combat situation?

Paul Godfrey: Yes. I have.

John Davis: How long did you have to do the run in?

Paul Godfrey: If you're talking about the run on IOT, I really can't remember, I just remember being tired.

danni: hi, i have my OASC next month and was just wondering if there's any handy tips u could give me about the aircraft and equipment

Paul Godfrey: Just read up on the current RAF inventory. And have an idea of what each aeroplane is used for.

islesy: how old (if you did) where you when you joined a ccf or a atc?

Paul Godfrey: I think I was 13 when I joined the CCf.

Andy: What's the best way to become fit? Is it best to run atleast one mile or more a day?

Paul Godfrey: I was running two miles a day when I was training for IOT.

Sophie: What do you do in your spare time?

Paul Godfrey: Watch my kids play rugby usually!

barney: is th selectiom process is as tough as im told...only eva wanted to b a pilot. i do well in skool n am fit n healthy but jus wanna no how tough gettin in reeli is from sum1 wit 1st hand experience.

Paul Godfrey: It is tough, and I was only marginal for pilot. But look where it ghot me.

tom: did you get to choose what type of aircraft you flew, or does the RAF decide that?

Paul Godfrey: You get a preference, but it's how you are streamed through training.

John Davis: How many hours of tatol fixed wing fling do you have?

Paul Godfrey: Over 2000 hours.

lutonlad: What has been the most difficult moment in your RAF Career?

Paul Godfrey: Good question. Probably moving across to the states. And being the only brit on a unit of 6000 personnel.

Max: Did you apply for a Permanent or Short service commission?

Paul Godfrey: Permanent.

Cpl_Wilson: Hello Im very keen at joining as NC Air crew just wondering is it best to try and get as many qualifications as you can above the minimum i have 8 standard grades at the moment, 7 are Grade 3 or above and im sitting 4 highers. What Qualifications did you have to become a pilot?

Paul Godfrey: 5 GSCE's and 2 A Levels (got to have English and maths though I think) Check job selector on the website for more info on that.

barney: is it worth gettin a degree first, wil it make tht much difference?

Paul Godfrey: I didn't, but it would have been a good fallback option if I hadn't made it through training.

beckie-mo: How much free time do you get?

Paul Godfrey: Normally weekends are free - but it depends if you're deployed or on detachment.

nav2007: Im wondering about joining the R.A.F as a weapon systems officer and was wondering what qualifications i need i am in the cadets at the moment

Paul Godfrey: Check the webstie again - the jobselector area.

Max: Ho did you find family life in the RAF?

Paul Godfrey: It's good. often you're in a quarter with service people all around so you're surrounded by like minded families.

AndyS: Hi there Paul, what are the noticeable advantages of the Typhoon F2 over the Tornado and Harrier aircraft?

Paul Godfrey: The performance. It's awesome!

lutonlad: How do they decide between fast jet, multi engine and rotary aircraft pilots?

Paul Godfrey: It's a streaming process all the way through training. And some people have an aptitude for diff aircraft.

beckie-mo: which aircraft would you dream of flying?

Paul Godfrey: I'm flying it!

islesy: i joined a ccf but all i was learning was stuff i already knew, can it help in the selection process if you have down that you were in a atc or ccf? an do you think i should go back?

Paul Godfrey: I think it helps. It gives you more of an idea what hte RAF is all about.

laura88: hi, im interested in the admin/personnel side of the RAF, just wondered if you know where they are based, and what age i can sign up from.

Paul Godfrey: For non-commisioned you can join at 17. For commissioned you can join at 17 1/2,. And all Raf bases have some form of admin involvement.

LeeO: Hi Paul, I’m joining the RAF as a PTI, which starts from the 4th of April 2007 I would like to know how you have found the RAF way of life from a work and social aspect?

Paul Godfrey: Fantastic in both respects.

Polypythates: What plane do you fly?

Paul Godfrey: EuroFighter Typoon

Max: Do you intend to remain in the RAF?

Paul Godfrey: Yes absolutely!

AndyS: As an Officer, how many people do you currently have under your command and how many can a new Officer recruit expect to have after IOT?

Paul Godfrey: It really depends on your branch. Some guys can come straight out as a junior engineering officer and have up to two hundred guys under their command.

Aaron: What A- Levels would be prefered?

Paul Godfrey: I did physics, biology and geography. (That was for the map reading!)

barney: what do you think is the key things that the RAF personell look for dusing your initial interviews and officer training?

Paul Godfrey: A knowledge of the RAF and the outside world.

Territt: I have been looking at a number of jobs, both with the RAF and the other armed forces, but I have dyslexia and didn’t do well with my GCSEs at school, since then i went to college and University and now have a degree, I would like to be an RAF Officer but do you think the lack of GCSE will stop me getting in?

Paul Godfrey: It would be worth checking with the AFCO doctor regarding the dyslexia first. However, if you have a Degree it is likely the overcome the lack of GCSE's.

Carl: Had you been unsuccessful for aircrew at OASC but given a choice between fighter control and ATC, what would you have gone for? I'm in this dilemma myself.

Paul Godfrey: I'd have gone for Air traffic. I'd have had to think about it hard though.

John Davis: Are you going to be at RIAT 2007?

Paul Godfrey: Typhoons will definitely be there.

cal: what is the heght limit to fly the Typhoon

Paul Godfrey: It's diff measurements on different parts of the body. You have to fit in to the ejection seat (that's the real thing).

AndyS: What other roles and tasks are you regularly involved in as an Officer?

Paul Godfrey: Flying. But I do have other people working for me. And i have to look after their wellbeing and development.

Scott: I'd love to become a pilot, but I am short sighted. Some poeple tell me this shouldn't matter and others tell me it will prevent me from being a pilot. Can you give me any info on this?

Paul Godfrey: This would be assessed in your selection process.

WSO_INTERESTED: Have you ever worked with a WSO?

Paul Godfrey: Yes, but not in an aeroplane.

Polypythates: My friend wants to fly a tornado. His name is darcshadow, or Alex Wright. Please persuade him otherwise. He is here now

Paul Godfrey: Any fast jet you end up on - will be fantastic to fly!

Hazim: Hi Paul, and additionally, is there any possibility to get a Full UK driving license while in the RAF? is there any assistance for that.

Paul Godfrey: Probably not. But there are exceptions.

AndyS: Do all personnel have the opportunity to apply for USAF exchange programmes, or are these limited only to pilots?

Paul Godfrey: Limited to certain branches, but not just pilots.

Aaron: wha do you do on a normal day?

Paul Godfrey: Weather brief, fly, debrief, emails. (Work related!)

Darcshadow5: have u ever had a SAM on ur 6?

Paul Godfrey: I have been locked up by enemy radars.

TOM tranche1: do you still get a thrill and a feeling of pride each time you don the flying suit?

Paul Godfrey: Absolutely yes!

beckie-mo: did you dream of being a pilot as a small child?

Paul Godfrey: Yes. As long as I can remember, I wanted to fly.

barney: what aircraft did you fly in the states?

Paul Godfrey: The F-16CJ. An awesome platform.

Nathan: how long have you been flying the typhoon for now?

Paul Godfrey: One year.

Twedd22: If you were offered a helicopter to pilot would you have taken it?

Paul Godfrey: Yes as I always wanted to fly.

tom: how often do you get to fly? and how long do you spend flying each time?

Paul Godfrey: It depends. Normally we'll fly every day. And the duration can be from an hour to two hours whilst training. And up to seven or eight on operations.

Carl: What was your favourite tour, and why?

Paul Godfrey: I really enjoyed being in the states (USA) as it was so different. However, my current tour is fantastic.

scott walker: 3. Could you name anything bad or upsetting about the RAF today?

Paul Godfrey: I can't think of any right at the moment.

john: what sports do you do in the raf can you have time off for a sport you wanted to work on ?

Paul Godfrey: The RAF is great for sports. I used to play rugby and they will give you time off to do it.

kieran: do u have 2 do parade and stuff each day and wot time do u wake up in morings

Paul Godfrey: I last did a parade in March last year. I got up at 5am this morning.

tom: have you ever been in a real dogfight, with enemy fighters?

Paul Godfrey: No.

AndyS: Have you been involved in any Humanitarian Aid operations?

Paul Godfrey: Not directly. BUt I have been involved in peacekeeping.

Carl: Is the Typhoon your favourite a/c to date?

Paul Godfrey: They've all been great. BUt the Typhoon is a level above the others.

Electric-Noodle: have you ever shot down any planes?

Paul Godfrey: Nope!

AndyS: What's the accomodation like in the Officers' Mess?

Paul Godfrey: It depends from Mess to Mess. But generally they're pretty good.

Hazim: Hi Paul, what is the speciality about Electronic Warfare Systems on Eurofighter jet ?

Paul Godfrey: Classified sorry.

Darcshadow5: do you ever poass-out when pulling g's, and how many g's do u regularly pull?

Paul Godfrey: It's very easy to. A guy was killed when I was out in the USA pulling too much G. The Typhoon has some great kit that allows us to pull a lot of G.

alan rae: is it true that in the typhoon you only have to look at your target and you will lock on to it?

Paul Godfrey: We can speak to the aeroplane and it will do certain things.

Alex: Does the typhoon contain a radar jammer? or does it rely on an Awacs?

Paul Godfrey: Classified again! I'm starting to sound like James Bond.

Max: Once you are trained on one aircraft, how easy is it to move onto another like you did with the Typhoon?

Paul Godfrey: It's fairly straight forward. As most aeroplanes are similar to fly.

Electric-Noodle: What is your favourite aerobatic manoever???

Paul Godfrey: The split S! I did one yesterday when we were flying.

Aaron: how long was your tour to the USA and what do you have to do?

Paul Godfrey: 3 and half years. And I was on an operational F16 squadron.

Leanne: how long did it take you to settle in to RAF, as it is such a big change from civilian lifestyles. Did you ever have second thoughts?

Paul Godfrey: I was 18 when I joined. So coming from school, it wasn't too much of a shock. I've never had second thoughts.

MattL: Hwere have you been around the world and where was the place you found the best

Paul Godfrey: Yes, but I got stuck in Bermuda for a week. That was quite nice.

Mike: do you have to be up early every morning? i love early starts but how early

Paul Godfrey: It really depends on the day. It varies from week to week.

Nathan: are you going to try with the red arrows after your tour on the typhoon

Paul Godfrey: No I'm too old.

Alex: Do you have to live on base in a mess or can you own a house?

Paul Godfrey: You can choose to do either.

AIM120: have you ever attacked a ground target with your cannon? if so, how hard was it?

Paul Godfrey: We used a strafe on the F16, and it is quite tricky.

AndyS: Would you choose to fly the F35 Lightning JST over the Typhoon, if and when it comes into service?

Paul Godfrey: I'm sure the JSF will be fantastic when it comes in to service. Until then, I'm happy with my Typhoon.

Nicholas: is it true the typhoon can lock on to aircraft at its 6?

Paul Godfrey: Classified.

Electric-Noodle: what is the fastest speed you have went at in a Typhoon?

Paul Godfrey: Mach one point six, but I haven't tried that hard yet!

Electric-Noodle: what sort of things do you do while your flying?

Paul Godfrey: Spend a lot of time practising our tactics against other aircraft.

Martin: how heavily weighted is the physical compared to intellectual during IOT

Paul Godfrey: In my experience they were equally weighted.

Kieran: Being sent to war aside, how much say do you get in where your posted and how often do you get moved around?

Paul Godfrey: You get posted every three years or so. You do have a say in where you go.

Benny: Do you have to study nearly everyday as well?

Paul Godfrey: The learning never stops.

Gavin: how different is the typhoon to pilot compared to the tornado?

Paul Godfrey: I don't know, I've never flown a Tornado so I couldn't tell you - sorry.

Gav Drysdale: Hi, do you get many opportunities to exchange with other air forces around the world?

Paul Godfrey: There are lots of opportunities out there.

Polypythates: what is your favourite missile?

Paul Godfrey: The one that misses me!

scott walker: wat do you think about the new U.S raptor ??? and what would you preferr the typhoon or the raptor?

Paul Godfrey: It looks pretty good to me. But I'm pretty sure I could beat anything in my Typhoon.

Benny: what would you have done if you couldnt become a pilot???

Paul Godfrey: I would have been a vet.

kieran: how often do you go abroad, for example, in any given week?

Paul Godfrey: It depends. I was away in Belgium for the last two weeks.

barney: how does th typhoon compare to the F-16...how much better is it in all aspects?(cos the F-16 is still up there with th best)

Paul Godfrey: It's like an F-16 on steroids!

AndyS: Do you find that most of your evenings can be taken up with sports and other clubs around base?

Paul Godfrey: It's up to you what you do with your evenings. But there is plenty going on.

AIM120: how quickly does the fuel get used up when using the afterburner?

Paul Godfrey: Quicker than when you don't use it.

Electric-Noodle: have you ever landed on an aircraft carrier?if so was it scary??

Paul Godfrey: No I haven't. But I have several friends who have. And they were scared. (Especially at night).

Benny: do you go flying everyday your on duty for practice?

Paul Godfrey: Almost every day.

Polypythates: have you ever flown a spitfire? And if you could, would you?

Paul Godfrey: No. But I'd give my right arm to fly one!

tom: do you get your name and rank written on the side of your plane?

Paul Godfrey: Yes you do. I've got photo's of me with all of mine. It makes you very proud.

John Davis: do you ever do live fire Air To Air and Air To Ground exercises?

Paul Godfrey: Yes.

Nicholas: what is the lowest alttitude you've flown at ( appart from landing ) ?

Paul Godfrey: We're cleared to fly to a hundred feet in certain parts of the UK.

AIM120: when you light the afterburner, does the seat nudge you in the back as you speed up? or is it a smooth transition? and how does afterburner flight vary from normal flight?

Paul Godfrey: Yes. In the Typhoon it really pushes you back in to the seat. Once the afterburners are lit, it flies normally.

AndyS: What is the most competitive aircraft you have practiced against?

Paul Godfrey: The F-16

MattL: How different do you feel the interface between the harrier and the typhoon is and which do you prefer?

Paul Godfrey: They're both good.

tom: have you ever had to eject? do you get taught how to use it?

Paul Godfrey: Fortunately no. And yes you do get taught how to.

Aaron: how far do you ever fly in the typhoon?

Paul Godfrey: We do a lot of training in the North sea and up by Scotland on a daily basis. But you can cross oceans.

beckie-mo: what is it like flying at night over the sea?

Paul Godfrey: Dark!

Carl: Have you ever ended up in a really grotty location? If so, what was in place to make your time more comfortable and entertaining?

Paul Godfrey: Yes. You find your own entertainment.

Hazim: Is Cricket a regular sport in the RAF?

Paul Godfrey: Yes it is.

Max: Where are you currently posted?

Paul Godfrey: I'm at RAF Coningsby.

Electric-Noodle: Do your ears hurt when you land cos i went flying with the ATC and when we were landing my ears hurt

Paul Godfrey: I went flying with a cold once, and my ears really hurt when landing. You have to make sure that you can clear your ears before you fly.

beckie-mo: What type of engine and system in the typhoon fitted with?

Paul Godfrey: 2 eurojet 200's.

MattL: How often do you get to practice with live weapons?

Paul Godfrey: Fairly regularly.

TOM tranche1: i live in the country and love seeing the gr4's fly by just above the tree tops, do you enjoy low level flying in the typhoon?

Paul Godfrey: You're normally too busy to enjoy it!

Electric-Noodle: what would you say is the worst thing about flying?

Paul Godfrey: Landing!

beckie-mo: How any hours have you flown?

Paul Godfrey: Over 2000.

Benny: Do you have a call sign (like on Top Gun)?

Paul Godfrey: Yes. But I'm not going to tell you it.

Electric-Noodle: what is the scariest thing about flying?

Paul Godfrey: Being shot at.

beckie-mo: have you ever flown past amazing landmarks?

Paul Godfrey: Well I've flown over the top of Washington DC and London. And there were fairly amazing landmarks there.

Euan: Did you always know you wanted to join the RAF or did you consider the other forces? Also, what made you decide to join th RAF?

Paul Godfrey: I always wanted to fly. And so I only wanted to join the RAF.

AndyS: Have you spent time at RAF Akrotiri?

Paul Godfrey: No! It's on my list of places to go.

wsowannabe: Have you ever flown in a Nimrod and if so what was it like?

Paul Godfrey: I haven't flown in a Nimrod, but I've seen around one.

Polypythates: What was evasive training like? was it scary being a hawk versus a tornado?

Paul Godfrey: It's a lot of fun. Not always scary. But it gets the adrenalin going!

WSO_INTERESTED: Have you ever been posted to the Falkland Islands?

Paul Godfrey: No not yet.

sam van der Lee: What are the promotional oppertunities in the RAF like? Do you think a gunner is a good career in the RAF? Is it easy to gain extra qualifications in the RAF like A levels and a degree?

Paul Godfrey: There are lots of promotional opportunities. And you can get extra qualifications.

Benny: Do you get to use your rank in everyday life, i.e. Lt Joe Bloggs when applying for car insurance?

Paul Godfrey: Not really.

Benny: Do you have to communicate a lot over the radio when flying?

Paul Godfrey: Yes.

wsowannabe: What's the longest amount of time you've spent away from home??

Paul Godfrey: Four months.

Martyn Tobin: Do you Find that you would rather fly with the computer technolgy or 10 years ago when it was more hands on ?

Paul Godfrey: Interesting question! It's still hands on now. The computers just give you more situational awareness.

WSO_INTERESTED: Have you ever gone into a flight simuator to assess your flying capabilities under various conditions?

Paul Godfrey: We go in the flight simulator all the time.

John Davis: when you cant fly any more in the RAF what would you do? Stay and progress up the ranks or become an airline pilot?

Paul Godfrey: Stay and progress up the ranks. You can fly up until you're 55 I think!

Brett Stevens: Hey paul, why did you pick military flying and not commercial?

Paul Godfrey: Because I always wanted to fly fighters.

kieran: have you ever been in a really bad crash

Paul Godfrey: I have crashed a Harrier, but I walked away from it.

Benny: Did you choose your call sign or is it appointed by your friends...?

Paul Godfrey: Definitely given to you by people who pretend to be your friends!

Electric-Noodle: Have you ever had to use your sickbag??

Paul Godfrey: Fortunately no. But you do carry one early on in your career just in case.

tom: if you are on tour in the USA would they still use the British ranks, or would they convert them to the american ones?

Paul Godfrey: You still wear you British rank, it has equivalence in the US forces.

Twedd22: Is the simulator harder than the real aircraft?

Paul Godfrey: No. It's the same.

Tombleson: how long did it take you to become a top pilot?

Paul Godfrey: I'm still working on it!

Martyn Tobin: After you retire from the air force as a pilot. Does the Qualifaction give you a better chance of becoming an airlne pilot ?

Paul Godfrey: You still have to get your commercial pilot's licence. But you are exempt from some of the exams.

WSO_INTERESTED: Can you actually work along side US Military and have acccess to their aircraft and relevant information?

Paul Godfrey: Yes. I flew the F-16 on an operational squadron.

Evan: Are people that friendly then in the RAF? Considering ur "call sign" is given by people who pretend to be your friends?

Paul Godfrey: I was joking sorry! I have lots good friends. The banter is very good.

beckie-mo: Do you think that the typhoon will still be the best aircraft in service in 10 years?

Paul Godfrey: It will be to me.

Benny: How did you cope in the G-Force test?

Paul Godfrey: It was hard work, but I managed not to pass out.

Conall MacAllister: Are you aiming to become the display pilot for the typhoon?

Paul Godfrey: No, because I'm on an operational squadron. And they pick the display pilot from the training squadron.

Views expressed during the web chats are those of individuals and do not necessarily reflect RAF policy.