Alistair

Can’t recall the Ser No of this one, Rolls Royce took the picture as a PR job.

OK I’ll do my best but due to this being so long ago it will be sketchy and not very accurate.

Firstly It is me standing 3rd from the left, just after doing my bit and the No2 Avon was removed from its bay. Might I add that it was a real pain this one and also the fact it was not a 5 Sqdn kite made it even less exciting. This was not a normal activity out on Gun Firing practise in Cyprus, based at RAF Akrotiri on an annual basis.

As you probably know, the Engines on Lightnings are like under and over barrels on a shotgun, the No1 engine being the bottom one and a bit easier to remove. The aircraft is jacked up before anything else happens. So firstly the top hatch has to be removed, then all the engine services ie: fuel pipes, igniter plugs, firewire connections. Various couplings and fixings are then removed.

When all the preparation has been carried out, the Crane is called upon to do its bit and duly arrives at the site. the crane having been attached to the engine, the strain is taken up and the final engine mounting bolts removed. The hardest bit now follows and the crane very slowly begins to lift the engine. Lots of pushing and pulling follows as the engine has to be manhandled to clear itself from the front of the bay as the engine starter is located under the rest of the airframe and not just a straight lift out. When this has been done and the engine clear to lift further till free of the bay, this is where it is hoisted to a few feet above the bay and the only way for me to access the few remaining electrical plugs which of course are always relocked too.

So after cutting or ripping my hands on the wire-locking and unscrewing the plugs, whilst my arm is still in position under the engine and above the engine bay, all is free to hoist clear and eventually lower to an awaiting cradle on the ground, Phew that was hot work.

Do not quote this as gospel as it is so long since I did this job. I’m sure you are all totally amazed by now. And thanks for encouraging me in this venture.

cut

In my opinion, there is a threat and of course enough nutters in this world who could carry out such an attack.

I reckon a chemical type attack would be probably the first to materialize and it is just a matter of time before it happens and it most surely will. Where and when, well that is the question that nobody yet knows.

If the worlds most powerful and rich nations took a bit more interest in the poorer countries and gave help where needed then I don’t think they would feel so left out and isolated.

There that’s my view.

Gnats

Cracking pictures Gareth

Never thought I’d see a pair of Gnats in flight again. Excellent!!!

😎

Lightnings

Hi Alistair

Check out my website there are a few photos on there

😎