snip “Test pilots” and their experience. They can have all the experience in the world, but if its not on type, they’re no better than the rest of us, a number of very experienced test pilots have bent some very precious aeroplanes over the last 15 – 20 years or so, lets not put them on a pedastal.

snip

mick

Someone has already said that it has nothing to do with the CAA….I never put Test Pilots on a pedestal (and I, as a FTE, work with them!). However, a true test pilot has been through a recognised flight test school (Such as ETPS, which as you may know, is the oldest test pilot and flight test engineer school in the world). You are right, there is no substitute for experience on type, however, if an aircraft needs a flight test or check out, who would you prefer to put in it, a pilot with little or no experience on type or a test pilot? Put simply, if a job needs to be done that requires a calibrate pilot, the test pilot is the chap for the job. Dont forget the FTE though! Aeroplane Monthly’s memorial to test pilots does not seem to remember the countless FTE/FTOs that have been lost too….rant over!

It is a nice sign….sure it is quite new, but in the 1970s there were some pretty exciting and historic aircraft flying for the RAF and at Tangers….

I’ll give your Debden sign a home old fruit!!

early swift? it is certainly supermarine with the white ‘tape’

Wot time did you arrive Stu?! Did not see your country bumpkin red cheeks and fair locks at all!!

I enjoyed the event (as always) good opportunity to meet up and chat….good amount of stuff for sale…a few bargains…roll on the next one!