For the Many Who Asked... by debbielove
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Description
So, after getting to sit in the Spitfire and heaving his frame into the ejector seat of a GR1 Harrier, barely seeing the HUD, (nearly pressing the gun button with the question 'Whats this do...), this brought frantic hand grabs from the nearby pilot.. The visit to RAF Wittering was continued..
A tour of the main hanger was given (that's the one you can see from the A1 with No 1 Squadron still on the doors), crew rooms, trophies etc..
Then into the control tower, this was now WAY off limits to moral man.. But the boy (and his Father were shown a Harrier landing, so very cool!), then the simulator!!! It all was too much to take in for a kid..
Why? Why would a child and his Father have this treatment totally against the RAF and MOD rules, because the pilots and crew of No 1 Squadron and the OCU drank at my Dad's pub! Simple as that..
Further more, word spread and the pilots from Alconbury soon started drinking there, the USAF base.. Thats another story.. Yes, I got on there as well
Have you sat in a Operational U2? Thought not..
Photos to follow..
This is from RAF Cottesmore Family Day the last remaining Harrier base.. These are Harrier GR9a's undergoing full service..
You wanted to see them like this..
More shots from here coming..
ZOOM please.
Rob
Comments (11)
neiwil
Great pub trivia question...."What do Rob Large and Francis Gary Powers have in common" ? LoL!! Just don't get talking to any Russians in the pub....... Fantastic post mate, with a 2 seater in the background too, love these behind the scenes shots....I assume you got these lovely clear shots while everyone else was cueing for the Spitfire....any more of these would be appreciated, great reference for the steps, roller cages, jacks etc.... all stuff it's handy to have around The Plant......
photosynthesis
I don't really know very much about aviation, but that's one impressive piece of hardware & your well-chosen POV emphasizes it even more...
bebopdlx
Nice shot Rob, sounds like a grand time.
jayfar
What a dream come true and something to savour for the rest of your life Rob.
T.Rex
THANKS Rob! I'm awed! And if possible, the arrangement of the engine in relation to the exit ducts. That's something that's always tickled my curiosity! But, any photo in this shop environment is more than welcome! Thanks again! :-)
Buffalo1
You are one lucky guy! The best I ever got to do was an A-4 Skyhawk and P-2 Neptune.
Tamarrion
Very cool! And one lucky kid! Awesome bird, the Harrier. Got to see a demo once... back in the 80's. Amazing... and loud.
Maxidyne
How cool is this !!!! Imagine having it in your garden, pure delight. Happy times for you back then mate :-)
flavia49
very beautiful
goodoleboy
Cool bare bones capture of the disencumbered Harrier, mate.
RodS
That's so cool, Rob - both the photo and your story of a young man's adventures with those amazing flying machines! I'm so glad, however, that you didn't do the "What's this do??" thing while yanking on that black and yellow striped handle between your legs....;-P I spent the first 15 years of my life growing up on Air Force bases.. I have fond memories of being lulled to sleep by the sound of engines, or drifting off watching the light from the runway beacon on the wall opposite my bedroom window. Good days... :-D