Flight Sergeant Engineering Blog
Following the very sad events of the past months, it is a very difficult time for everyone on the Sqn. It has been comforting to see the incredible support extended to us all from all over the world. It is reassuring to know that we are appreciated, and we look forward to getting back in the air and displaying for you all to see.
Despite not being able to fly at the moment, there is plenty to do whilst the aircraft are on the ground. Two aircraft have completed an in-depth inspection and maintenance phase, which is like taking your car to a specialist dealer and it comes back 3 weeks later fully serviced with a new MOT, a third is part way through its inspection.
Planning for the Spring and Summer of 2012 has started; we have the location of our Spring Training to be confirmed, but the initial stages can commence. The ordering of dye is complete and the checking of all of the support equipment and tools is progressing to ensure we are ready.
We have looked at how we transport our equipment around the world and realised that there are some exciting opportunities available to us. A company makes containers that are licensed for air transportation, similar to the baggage trolleys you may see at airports but more robust. We have been to a US Air Force base to look at the various designs available, we have su
bmitted an application to buy 2 units, one will carry our spares and tools and you may see it packed onto the large articulated lorry we use during the season. You will recognise it as we intend to paint it in the world famous red, white and blue livery of our aircraft. The other unit will have extendable sides and can be used as a technical work space anywhere in the world.
This is a busy time with personnel moving on to new jobs, their replacements are arriving and the technical training for them is gathering pace; 4 have recently qualified as ‘Flight Line Servicers’ who are now authorised to complete the inspection and preparation of aircraft before and after flight. Other news is the promotion of 2 Corporals; both will stay with the team to ensure we have the correct level of knowledge and experience available. It is congratulations all round to Steve Forrest and Phil Holt on their promotions to Sergeant on 30 Jan 12.
On a more personal note, at the end of last season I was awarded a Commendation by the Air Officer Commanding No 22 (Training) Group, which was fantastic news. It recognises the pivotal role Flight Sergeant Engineering plays in the day to day running of the Red Arrows and the responsibility of planning the Display Season manning and equipment support; but it must be remembered I could not succeed without the outstanding and loyal support of all of my Senior Non Commissioned Officers.
The assistance I gave to Flt Lt Mike Ling, Red 6, following his incident in Crete in 2010 was only possible because I knew that I could temporarily remove myself from the Team, secure in the knowledge that all appropriate actions I would have initiated would be delivered by Chief Technicians Steve Peers, Jay Young and Sergeant Matty Costin.
On 5 March 2012 I will be leaving the Team to join No 99 Sqn, operating C17 Globe Master aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, as Warrant Officer Engineering. I will miss the Red Arrows, particularly the Junior Ranks, whose dedication and professionalism make our displays possible. The show will go on as my replacement, Flight Sergeant Barrie Ramsden, joins the Team on 13 February 12, to firstly lead the Spring Training phase and then the 2012 Display Season.
I will continue the planning of the 2012 Display Season to put the right people in the right places to support our aircraft in bringing you the Best of British, the best Aerobatic Team Display in the world.
I thank each and every one of you, the best supporters in the world, for the friendship you have given to me while I have been on this incredible Team.