I'll start with apologies if it seems long-winded but I guess that to enthusiasts outside the industry they can only dream of what it is like to fly a fast jet. To people inside industry it is still a very rare event and I count myself very lucky. My chance came when I had completed a 3 year secondment to RAF Valley in Anglesey to provide technical support to the RAF‘s fleet of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers. So I was authorised to go onto the very long list for Air Experience and it was eventually arranged with cooperation from 208sqn, who carry out Advanced Flying Training for the RAF and Royal Navy.
First of all was the kit fit – long johns, roll neck sweater, standard green flight suit, really good boots and anti-g pants. These are connected to an air system to inflate at onset of “g” (g is the number of times heavier than normal you feel under turning forces) to slow down the flow of blood to the legs, to save your brain functions, especially eyesight, from drying up, Then the helmet - very awkward to adjust and fit, an oxygen mask (including intercom) and finally the life preserver. This last item was held by the squadron, as it contained beacon and pyrotechnics. Next, the essential safety brief and finally, the medical. Apart from health checks, I was advised on the effects of g and functioning of the g pants, effects on the ears, hypoxia and hyperventilation and given medication to help prevent airsickness - all OK so far.
So at the allotted time - after a short panic when I may have been cancelled but they adjusted the schedule - I went over to meet my pilot "Freddie" (ex Tornado F3 fighter pilot and now an instructor) and discuss the sortie. Seeing as it was for staff continuation I had a chance to do what I wanted! We discussed all the "Engineering" stuff I was interested in as a designer (effects of controls, buffet etc). Then where do you want to go? South Yorkshire (my families’ home) was in restricted airspace, the Mach Loop in mid-Wales is famous for its excitement and tight turns, but I chose instead to go to the Lake District as I knew the area well, then try a few aerobatics myself and finish down the A5 pass in North Wales - a well known highlight for all trainee flyers.
I got myself ready and made sure that sick bags were easily accessible and my camera could be stowed safely.
Walking out across the apron in the sunshine was a real “Top Gun” moment
Then it was strapping into XX185, a Hawk T.Mk.1. Even though I'm quite slim, the cockpit is a snug fit. The kit itself makes you feel really trussed up and the straps and connections to the aircraft seem to encase you. But it is all very neatly designed and got sorted with the help of Freddie and the lineman.
After briefing on a few technical bits in the cockpit.... all ready to go. Then came the worrying bit - after the canopy was closed you have to remove the 2 main safety pins (for the canopy detonation cord and ejection seat) and put them safely in their holders....a bit of a tremble there, but OK and we could taxy out.
We taxied out and I adjusted the seat and air conditioning settings while Freddie ran through the take-off safety brief especially in case of an engine failure what happens at different speeds, with the ultimate call being “Eject Eject Eject”! And then....after clearance from ATC....we were off!. As you can see from the photos, I was blessed with glorious weather.
The take off was brisk but really smooth, and we settled into a steady heading away from Snowdonia, northwards over Menai straights with glorious views of the North Wales and Anglesey coast.
The cockpit was comfy and not too noisy except for the sound of my breathing and background RT over the intercom. I was soon confident enough to take my camera out for a few snaps. Over the Irish Sea, we tried a few turns and things to get the feel of g, so 2g (60 degree banked turn) is like a good fairground ride but I really felt the g-pants kick into my stomach above 3g and sustained 4g was quite hard work. 4.5g is the limit for a non-aircrew passenger but the aircraft is cleared up to 8g. Trying them myself, I found the controls felt really light and responsive, until you started pulling g.
We continued steadily over Barrow-in-Furness, and then descended gently to low level into the Lakes at 400+ knots (450 mph). At all times we stayed well above the minimum altitudes declared for the area (250 feet), in order to minimise disruption and also make the ride a bit easier for me. We seemed to float along the length of Windermere admiring the scenery and the boats,
we passed Ambleside with Loughrigg Fell ahead
followed by a hard turn left over Rydal Water, quickly reversed over Grasmere
then flash through Dunmail Raise and push down towards Thirlmere.
I didn’t see them, but we were caught nicely by Mike and Ian.
note my gloved hands holding the camera about to take this shot of Thirlmere
A couple more turns following the A591 heading towards Skiddaw, approaching Derwentwater then towards Bassenthwaite and I was beginning to sweat, also feel queasy. We picked up over Bassenthwaite then turned gently towards Cockermouth where I regained my breath. It took less than 3minutes to get from top to bottom of the Lakes! Turning south into Ennerdale we dropped down again (recognising the "coast-to-coast" walk) and my pilot said "let’s go mountain climbing" - at the end of this is Pillar, a steep-sided huge block of granite - at this point he pulled sharply, rolled past 90degrees and zoomed upwards with the rock face whizzing just above the canopy ! Where we went afterwards I don't know (probably towards Wastwater) as all I recall was a blur of green, grey and blue in all directions and all I could think about was not being ill and where the heck was I ! Anyhow, it only took a few moments to compose myself in a steady climb out, by increasing the flow of oxygen, while Freddie turned up the air conditioning, with particles of ice blowing around the cockpit.
Steady again over Barrow heading south, then descend to 500kts at a couple of hundred feet over the Irish sea - right past a wind farm (looking up at the sails !) and hit the coast again at Colwyn Bay. There we zoom climbed with a twinkle roll through the cloud layer about 3000 feet (I would have said "Go get ‘em Mav", except for the huge pull on my stomach !). Again, after a few moments to recover my sense of direction, at about 10,000 feet I tried some more flying of my own, powering up into a loop (I couldn't keep it into buffet but the wings were level on the recovery), some rolls and turns.
By now it was time to head back, so we descended over Betwsy Coed, down into the Ogwen Valley and through the A5 pass over Llyn Ogwen (as can be seen on the GPS) with a few more hard turns
Then we pulled up over Anglesey, with lovely views of Bangor, the Island and Valley itself.
Freddie warned me over Holyhead but I was still surprised to get circuit height by a snap half roll and pull through,
run in over 4 Mile Bridge, with a good view of the base and break into the circuit
before settling into a gentle landing. 50 minutes of sheer excitement.
After unstrapping, the obligatory photo with the pilot and swagger back to the crew room, I then felt as if I'd done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson! The legs were like jelly, sweat was pouring down my chin and I was soaked underneath, but at least I hadn't been ill, just really queasy. I'm especially pleased to have managed the kit and the safety pins and even managed some switches in the cockpit when required.
There's an old adage amongst engineers that any pilot can break an aeroplane but it takes a highly skilled engineer to fix it. Well, my hat goes off to the skill, dedication and effort these guys put in. To fly up to 8g and train to fight several times a day takes a special breed. It goes to show how constant training is required to maintain the skills. I went up to learn some design/engineering type things but came back with a totally different impression - and a grin from ear-to-ear that will last a lifetime !
Note I have edited the pictures not to show faces to protect the guilty, ie me !
Now then, Fingers X'd this will all work (it's only my second photo post)
