Sunday Times

[beaky]

That will look really swell wrapped around a fish in a few days...

Just kidding; that's something to be proud of. Congrats!!

[Hagar]

I assume this is the article. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2604027.ece

[C]

I assume this is the article. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2604027.ece

Much as I hate to say it, it's a sensible decision to lose a couple of GR4 Sqns - one or two of the alternatives I've heard discussed wouldn't have been quite as good - and the FJ fleet are a lot less busy than anyone else (the GR4s have 8 squadrons to cover one operation in rotation!). In some ways its a shame there aren't more Typhooons/the Saudis have taken up our production and training capacity - it would have been just as easy then to cut the F3 fleet altogether - why have two frontline air defence types?

As for the closures, rumour has surrounded Odiham and its prime location for years. Not too sure about the providence of the report that Linton will be closed considering the infrastructure improvements made in the last year (in fact I think its come out of a cow's bottom if you get my gist). The runway has just been resurfaced (a reason that they'll probably close Scampton, as the resurface costs so much), a new tower is being made and several improvements have recently been completed on the base. It's also one of the busiest airfields (3rd busiest IIRC) and airspaces in the UK. I doubt a single airfield could cope with the traffic.

[61_OTU]

Given the improvements at Linton, what are the chances that the traffic moves the other way, and Valley loses the fast jet training?

I've no idea how big the operation is at Valley, but with Linton, Leeming etc etc all in fairly close proximity would it be more efficient to move all of the training to Britain's North East?

[Mictheslik]

If I purchase the Times today I'll happily scan it in for everybody

.mic

[C]

Given the improvements at Linton, what are the chances that the traffic moves the other way, and Valley loses the fast jet training?

Wales. Jobs. Votes.

I've no idea how big the operation is at Valley, but with Linton, Leeming etc etc all in fairly close proximity would it be more efficient to move all of the training to Britain's North East?

Not a good idea at all as the airspace around there (busy as it is) is getting compressed (Leeds, Newcastle, Durham and Doncaster all expanding and wanting more and more space). I doubt Leeming would have the physical space either without significant investment...

[61_OTU]

Article is on page 7 rather than page 21, and the photo is mini!

[ozzy72]

Wow fame and recognition at last, well deserved IMHO

[FsNovice]

So you didnt sit on that hillside in the freezing cold and windy for nothing!!!! Joking, brilliant recognition, and a nice perspecitive shot they used of the plane, didnt go for the boring ground shot they could have done.

[Roughrider]

[quote]Article is on page 7 rather than page 21, and the photo is mini!

[Willit Run]

Now that is Awesome!!!  Congrats again, Steve!!!!!!!!!!

Like Mark said, you made us all proud!!!!

Cory

[MWISimmer]

Well done, I bet you're as proud as!
8-)

[TSC.]

Excellent news!! I woouldn't worry about the pic being 'mini' in the paper, I'd be well stoked just seeing a picture I took printed in any paper, let alone the Sunday Times.

Well done old bean!

TSC.

[Clipper]

Aren't we entitled to some kind of royalties.. Superb Steve, congratulations..

[61_OTU]

Aren't we entitled to some kind of royalties.. Superb Steve, congratulations..

No, but contractually I do have to say that Craig spotted them first and if he hadn't have said something I would have been taking a pee instead of a picture, and he drove  ;)

Thanks for all the kind comments chaps, once in a lifetime experience no doubt  ::) lots of fun though  :)

Cheers

Steve