WORK EXPERIENCE AT RAF MARHAM

II (AC) and 31 SQUADRON ENGINEERING
5 - 10 June 2006

Name : Daniel Clark
School : King Edmund School
Dates : 5 - 10 June 2006

Section of placement : II (AC) and 31 Squadron Engineering

Day 1 - 06/06/06
I got to the base at 8.40am and reported to the Main Guardroom where I met Denise Foggett and was given a pass to allow me onto the base. Denise took me to get my protective clothing required for the job and gave me a health and safety brief telling me where the fire exits and assembly points were etc. I was then taken to my placement (II (AC) / 31 Sqn Eng). Today I spent time with the airframe tradesmen known as riggers, changing a under-wing stores pylon on a Tornado, and also got to help service a Tornado by sitting in the cockpit and putting the landing gear up and down while the aircraft was on jacks and controlling the flaps, slats and rudder, etc. Today was very interesting, enjoyable and everybody was very friendly. I was looking forward to tomorrow.

Day 2 - 07/06/06
Today I got into work at 7.50am. I got changed into my overalls and boots in the training cell and was sent over to Rectification Control. I spent time with the Armourers, they were disarming ejector seats to be taken to the bay for servicing, again this was very interesting and gave me another insight into another trade in 2/31 squadron. Again I couldn't wait for tomorrow.

Day 3 - 08/06/06
I got into work at 7.50am and got changed in the training cell and was sent over to Rectification Control as yesterday. Today I spent time with Avionics and Propulsion tradesmen. In the morning I learnt about a piece of equipment called the RAPTOR, a photo-reconnaissance pod which is a piece of equipment both Squadrons are trailing prior to pending acceptance to the RAF. It is absolutely amazing and very interesting being shown how it worked. I then got to watch the Tornado with the RAPTOR attached being seen off. It was excellent and I really enjoyed learning about how it all happens. I then went and spent time with the Propulsion trade, here I got a look inside the engine of the Tornado and watched the air intake being cleaned as essential checks following an air incident (a bird had been sucked into it and through the engine during flight) to prove the engine is still serviceable for flight. This was brilliant and again got to learn about another trade. I then went back with Avionics and saw the RAPTOR Tornado back in. I got to sit in the navigators seat and was shown how the mapping system worked and spoke to the pilot and navigator about their flight. I had another brilliant day and was sad that tomorrow was my last day with II (AC) / 31 Squadron.

Day 4 - 09/06/06
I spent early morning in the training cell writing out my report on work experience and completing relevant paperwork. I then went over to Rectification and Line Control and did some general engineering work, this involved carrying out high lift and wing sweep functional tests on the aircraft which includes range of movement on the trailing edge flaps, leading edge slats, and wing sweep systems. I then said goodbye to all of the friendly staff that I had met during the course of my work experience at II (AC) / 31 squadron. Overall I have had a brilliant time at II (AC) / 31 Squadron, it has made me want to join the RAF even more and given me an insight into my chosen future career. Everybody is very friendly, helpful and has made me feel very welcome. I have really enjoyed my time at II (AC) / 31 Squadron and am sad I have to leave.