Hawk Flight For Top Cadet

BY CDT FS CHRISTOPHER MOORE
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As a reward for being awarded ‘Best Squadron NCO’ for 2006, Flt Sgt Christopher Moore (17) of 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron recently got the opportunity of a flight in a hawk aircraft.

‘On Tuesday 21^st August I travelled to Boscombe Down. Several hours were spent being shown my kit and the pilot took me down to the aircraft and explained what I would be during the flight the following day. The equipment included a flying suit, flying jacket, helmet with oxygen mask and G-trousers.

These trousers were particularly interesting as during the flight they inflate when the aircraft pulls ‘G’ to move the blood from your legs to your head to prevent you passing out. The only trouble was trying to find some to fit me!

A quick medical on the morning of the flight included a hearing and eyesight test. Afterwards, I was taken over to the building where I put on my equipment. It was then time for a briefing by my pilot who explained full details of the sortie.

Following that we walked out to the aircraft, strapped in and took off! The flight lasted just over one hour during which we flew a pre-planned route and carried out a mock bombing run on a building at a very low level. After this the aircraft climbed and I then had the opportunity to help fly the aircraft.

Flying in a Hawk aircraft was very different to any other flying experiences I have had. Mainly this was because of the aircraft’s speed, its complexities and the fact that the seating is tandem style which meant I had to do a lot more for myself.

It was really interesting to get a close look at this complex aircraft and the flight was a fantastic experience. My thanks go to my pilot and all the staff at Boscombe Down for their assistance during my two day stay. Also, to Flt Lt Tony Cunningham of 2F (Watford) Sqn and fellow cadet Cdt Sgt Lewis Stockwell for accompanying me and to my Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey for securing the flight for me'.