That was suggested but why is that the only 1 with it on & why would it be on in such glorious clear weather conditions? Also in all the years I have watched the reds the only light I have ever seen on even in dark grey skies is the nose light?

BK,
The nose lamps are on whatever the weather, and the only time they’re turned off is to “match” one that may have failed when they’re switched on.

The call from the Boss before the take off roll is “Lights,Poweeer” at which point whatever lights that are required are switched on (ALWAYS the nose lamp) and the HP Fuel C0ck (throttle) advanced all the way, with the engine t and p’s monitored. IF a nose lamp is out on a jet, the boss will call “Match, X” (insert your position number here) to synchronise the 9 Arrow (from the head on perspective). The bank of light switches are in a row and IF the strobes weren’t required that day, it will be that Flt Lt Egging may have accidentally knocked his on when turning his nose lamp. IF that was the case, it’s not a safety issue and no other team member would break into the radio to call it…the Boss is the man who does the talking, the others listen. On landing and debrief it would have been noted and a small fine paid ito a kitty. Alas, that was not to be and a very talented aviator is no longer with us.

Most are sold and they have all been kept in long term storage conditions since retirement.

What relevance does the Airspeed Ambassador hold to the IWM?

Pucara

I concur that the Pucara is a worthy museum exhibit, but maybe we need some clarity on the policy at Duxford as I believe they said that the two Bronco’s couldn’t be operated from there as they didn’t have a role in any 20th century conflict…

Is the operational side differently organised to the museum side?

Its in the latest Aeroplane mag. It has a very different colour scheme.

I have special memories of XV240. It was the aircraft that trailed us to Canada and back when the Red Arrows visited in 2002. Looking over the Arctic Circle and it’s all too small icebergs, knowing that a Nimrod with it’s MS10 liferaft was nearby did a great deal to settle the nerves. I decided in Sondestrohm on the return leg that having a look inside a Nimrod was long overdue, so went for a gander. The crew made me a lovely cuppa and I surprised at how roomy it seemed…well, it was compared to the back seat of a Hawk whilst wearing a full immersion suit, nav bag x2, food box, rucksack, Tupperware, CD player and disc case!!!!