Military Aircraft Markings 2023

[slogen51]

Great book

But just underlining the Spanish section in anticipation of TLP at Albacete and noticed the CL-215 Scoopers and super Scoopers are not in the book - are they out of service?

[Al dunn]

They are still in service, a couple have been noted at Malaga, and also in use near Gibraltar dealing with the froest fires to the North,

I have seen pictures of them landing in the Bay of Gibraltar collecting water to douse the fires with.

I aso believe a couple have flown to Tenerife to assist with the fires there

[slogen51]

Cheers

I do see them during TLP on maintenance with ? At Albacete, can't remember the contractor name.

[Unknown74]

I used to see the CL-215s a lot on holiday in Pollensa, Spain & never saw them in Military Aircraft Markings any Years so have they ever been listed in MAM?

[slogen51]

Ok ta

They are in my other rather out of date quick reference by Dutch Wings

Bit of a nuisance to carry two books around

[Tangopapa]

The introduction to the Overseas Military Aircraft Markings section of MAM states the criteria for inclusion : ' Aircraft included in this section include those likely to be seen visiting UK civil and military airfields on transport flights, exchange visits exercises or at air shows. It is not a comprehensive list of all aircraft operated by the air arms concerned.' - so there's your answer as to why the Canadairs are not included.

[Unknown74]

I thought it would be something like that Tangopapa, cheers.

[POL]

And this is why books are pointless in the current day and age.

[adderman]

And this is why books are pointless in the current day and age.

Think that is somewhat harsh.
We don't all have an encyclopedic knowledge of every airframe seen, well I certainly don't having been spotting since the 80's.
I tend to buy a copy of both the US Directory and the European one every 5 years and work off that.

[sschofield]

And this is why books are pointless in the current day and age.

Think that is somewhat harsh.

Me too!

[Evergreen 44]

Another vote for books
Great source of information and important to structure that information into a meaningful form
Serves as a useful source for historical reference too
Keep up the good work Stu

[Tiger 1]

Yes and another vote for books here... great book... eagerly awaited every year... a must for the pocket of every spotter I'd say... excellent work Stu... please carry on with the great work your doing.

[slogen51]

MAM is a super book and at least it's available - but I do travel a bit and need a light weight quick reference with all the active types ( I wish retired or w/o active types were included but I understand for space reasons they are deleted)

I went into the book shop at Heathrow to get a comprehensive quick reference/ pocket or hand luggage sized euro mil book and the result was zilch - scramble is out of stock - my last scramble European serials is 2018 and is basically redundant.

Gutted

[razzer56]

Being an OLD FART, I am also for books as I do not have or indeed want a smart phone or I pad thingy. MAM is an excellent book thanks to the years of dedication of Howard Curtis.
I do wonder if there is still a need to include the section on M numbers and Ships Flights identities anymore. I cannot recall ever seeing a Wildcat HMA.2 marked with anything other than its serial.
I have to say that I can never find the list of Irish Air Corps machines. I've had to search for it again today. It seems to lurk behind the out of service / preserved historic aircraft listings. I think it would be better inserted with the rest of the Overseas Air Arms i.e. before Israel.
I would also suggest that all the Replica Aircraft ought to be compiled in a separate listing perhaps at the beginning of the book.
I have not bought the 2023 edition as I have last years book but think that listing all the F-15E machines was a great idea. How about following this up with the inclusion of all F-18E /F /G aircraft as these are now the backbone of Carrier Air Wings at the moment.

The only criticism I would make is regarding the binding of the book. It is very difficult to line up. I did suggested to Howard a couple of years ago that to make it much more user friendly could it be produced with a wire spiral binding so that it can be laid flat when being used.
He thought that was a good idea and I believe he did ask about this but seemingly Crecy were not interested. I would be prepared to pay more for this binding and would buy the book on a regular basis rather than every 3 or 4 years.

razzer56

[Vulture 01]

I'm with you Razzer, it must be an age thing, as I find a book far more user friendly (to me) than anything on my Kindle. I don't have a smart phone (too damned expensive!), and rarely use my mobile.
Whilst this may make me sound like a reactionary old git, remember that a book will never lose connectivity, nor will it's battery run out at the wrong time. In this day and age, one size does not fit all, so please, show a little tolerance to someone who might have a different point of view.

[Rosedale7175]

Well-done Stuart for taking this one on - a great book for quick reference and people just getting into the hobby