Navy Hawks final fly past

[Doughnut]

The retirement of the Hawk T1 is sad but let's not forget the impact on the pilots and ground crews who will also now be facing an uncertain future. Where do the 736NAS pilots go ? Perhaps the earlier question should have been how easy for a Hawk pilot to transition to the L159.

[david2222]

werent several of them current airline pilots?

[Doughnut]

Don't know what the split between contract, full service and reserve aircrew is on the Royal Navy Hawks. Regardless they will be looking for new flying opertu ities.

[tj1978]

I've not been able to find any information about whether the Qinetiq Hawk T1's will also be going the same way as the RN and RAF Hawks. Or whether they'll still operate out of Boscombe Down for the time being. Does anyone know if they're also planned for the chop?

[Vulcanone]

Yes both CAM Hawks are going as well. From what I have read

[tj1978]

Yes both CAM Hawks are going as well. From what I have read

Thanks for that info, Much appreciated. I only asked as noticed that XX327, BDN02 is up from Boscombe Down this morning and it got me thinking as to whether they're going as well.

[DavieB]

Yes both CAM Hawks are going as well. From what I have read

Your source is 100% correct. Hopefully these Hawk guys will have the hours to fill their boots for the rest of March.

[Captain Haddock]

One of the Boscombe Hawk's up at the moment. Was showing a pair earlier.

[Hellicopter44]

CAM Hawks Nugget 01 and 02 on 292.275.

The last flight I suspect other than delivery to Shawbury.

Alan-Andover 1330

[Agent K]

The retirement of the Hawk T1 is sad but let's not forget the impact on the pilots and ground crews who will also now be facing an uncertain future. Where do the 736NAS pilots go ? Perhaps the earlier question should have been how easy for a Hawk pilot to transition to the L159.

I suspect those who want to stay fast jets will transition to current fast jets in due course. Didn't Babcock/BAES provide a lot of the support so I guess the ground crews will find their way into other parts of their business or look elsewhere. As for Hawk pilots transitioning onto the L159, unless they want to leave the service and join the civilian organisation operating the L159 then that isn't an option, however as for any flying career if a pilot was to convert to the L159 it's no different to moving from Hawk to Typhoon or whatever and actually I suspect it would be a lot easier given similarities in types.

[Hellicopter44]

It certainly used to be the case that many of the Navy Hawk pilots were civilian though with a military fast jet background.

I guess they will struggle to find another role, at least in the South West.

Alan

[BARON243.9]

The retirement of the Hawk T1 is sad but let's not forget the impact on the pilots and ground crews who will also now be facing an uncertain future. Where do the 736NAS pilots go ? Perhaps the earlier question should have been how easy for a Hawk pilot to transition to the L159.

I suspect those who want to stay fast jets will transition to current fast jets in due course. Didn't Babcock/BAES provide a lot of the support so I guess the ground crews will find their way into other parts of their business or look elsewhere. As for Hawk pilots transitioning onto the L159, unless they want to leave the service and join the civilian organisation operating the L159 then that isn't an option, however as for any flying career if a pilot was to convert to the L159 it's no different to moving from Hawk to Typhoon or whatever and actually I suspect it would be a lot easier given similarities in types.

Will be interesting to see the conversion syllabus given the civilian operator doesn't have a twin seat or sim. What are they going to do? Beg the CzAF for use of the sim? Use a L-39?

[Nighthawke]

This was a hypothetical debate - you may wish to re-read the posts above.

[Captain Haddock]

XX327 out of Boscombe at the moment, visual over Westbury.

[Agent K]

Will be interesting to see the conversion syllabus given the civilian operator doesn't have a twin seat or sim. What are they going to do? Beg the CzAF for use of the sim? Use a L-39?

As Nighthawke states here this is a purely hypothetical debate.......... However, given that Draken already fly variants of the type and I saw at least 4 of them flying a few weeks back at Nellis during Red Flag, then I don't think it's an issue!!!!

[Vulcanone]

And I believe planning permission for a new hangar at Teesside is in the pending stage ...