TV programme

My recollection of the programme (FWIW) – is the interviews at the Aircrew Selection Centre(?) at Biggin Hill.

As each candidate was wheeled in they were asked a series of questions – culminating in “Why do you want to be a Fighter Pilot”?

The answers ranged from ‘”because it will help me pull the girls” – to – “I think I’ll look good in the Raybans and red sports car”. 😮

Needless to say, the guys giving those answers failed the interview :diablo:

The one answer that stood out from all the others (and I forget who gave it) – was the one candidate who said “because I want to FLY“

He was the one who showed a passion for the job – and was duly accepted for training.

Ken

This thread brings back memories….lol
I had this link saved on my bookmarks: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northwest/sites/holyhead/pages/chrismorris.shtml
as I have already left my own comments on there, stemming from my little involvment with the series. I have the book (purchased only recently from ebay after finding it in my local library)….
There’s also come chat on the PPrune Forum about this series: http://www.pprune.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-48559.html
so it would appear that there’s still a lot of interest in it.
I really wish somehow that the BBC found themselves able to release it on DVD as I’m sure it would sell a few copies?
A follow up programme would be nice too of course!

I also loved the series “Sailor” with it’s Rod Stewart theme – happy days when mainstream TV followed the Armed Forces behind the scenes to give an insight – something which undoubtedly helped their recruitment process along the way too?

Some of the trainees in “Fighter Pilot” did find careers in the RAF, Rhod Smart trained as a navigator and went onto No.100 Sqn. flying the Canberra,
Robbie Low also remustered as a navigator, Martin Oxborrow gained his wings and went multi engine, his first tour was with No.30 Sqn. flying the Hercules. The only one to pass out as a fast jet pilot and to end up operational was former milk man John McCrea who joined No.XV Sqn. at Laarbruch Germany flying the Buccaneer S.2b, he later served in the first Gulf War flying the Tornado GR.1.
The ones who failed or gave it up were, Trevor Lewis who went to university and Al Stewart who gained his wings, past TWU at Brawdy on the Hawk and went onto the Buccaneer OCU. with John McCrea then gave it all up!!! (silly boy) he left the RAF to become a wine merchant. What a waste of tax payers money!!
It would be good to know what they are doing now does anyone know?

TV Program

Hi

Many thanks to you all. I’ve now got my hands on a copy of the book and this should bring back some memories. I’ve also found a BBC web-site that has some information about this excellent series, plus you can add your comments about the series, if you so wish. The site is BBC North West Wales Holyhead-Combate Pilot prod

Cheers

Freebird

I remember the programme from my youth, what stuck in my mind was them all waiting in the ante-room in Biggin Hill during selection, and then about 10+ years later I did my first of 3 trips there (Flying Scholarship, Pilot, ALM) and whilst they had computerised the Aptitude tests, the bright orange and green sofas where still the same….as was the tension whilst awaiting your name to be called and the speculation about the order of names called and what it meant…..

Hi

Thanks to everyone who went to the trouble of answering my question.
I would like a copy of the book in question. Where is this book shop and have you a contact phone number?

Freebird

the book shop is in bury st edmunds in suffolk, i’m popping in there this morning, so will see if its still there and get contact details, price etc.

I would like a copy of the book in question.

I have a copy somewhere but now can’t find it. Anyway, if you have trouble tracing it, try www.abebooks.co.uk. Title Fighter Pilot, authors Colin Strong and Duff Hart-Davis. You’ll find some hardback copies for a few quid.

TV program

Hi

Thanks to everyone who went to the trouble of answering my question.
I would like a copy of the book in question. Where is this book shop and have you a contact phone number?

Freebird

the book of that series (fighter pilot) is in my local second hand book shop in good condition and cheap!

Fighter Pilot?

Broadcast about 1981 – I can’t remember the channel.

Included a student who looked exactly like a fighter pilot – handlebar moustache and driving a sports car.

Tony Andrews

BBC1? Fighter Pilot? Or was that the later one?