RAF VIP flights
Discussion
Apparently the Foreign Secretary had to make an unscheduled stopover
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-36820756
Would that be the former royal flight now 32 sqn? I thought they were usually used for flights to potentially risky destinations rather than ferrying politicians to Belgium, or do they run a semi scheduled service to places like Brussles these days as presumably there's a fair few people shuttling back and forth?
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-36820756
Would that be the former royal flight now 32 sqn? I thought they were usually used for flights to potentially risky destinations rather than ferrying politicians to Belgium, or do they run a semi scheduled service to places like Brussles these days as presumably there's a fair few people shuttling back and forth?
el stovey said:
RWD cossie wil said:
BAe 146.... The best 3 engined aircraft ever invented according to a few former pilots that I know!
Don't forget the toxic cabin air. I can't think of many aircraft less suitable for VIP transport really. I've travelled in the RAF's 146 fleet a few times. Rather pleasant if dated little jets with nice wood tables and crew who let you sit in the cockpit for landings.
I've been in them when they have been supporting exercises - moving people lsuch as exercise observers/civvy people like me - involved in what's happening from A-to-B. The contrast between the VIP flight one minute and helping unload the jet on arrival at some remote airfield is quite fun, One hold I was in was I was told the place where Lady Di's coffin was put in on it's return from France. I've a memory they carried a spare wheel too.
They earn their money working as regional jets for HMG's various needs.
I've flown in a couple of executive jets but nothing boosts your ego more than an RAF146 turning up at a regional UK airport to pick you up.
(Things may have changed in the 10 years since I did stuff like this.)
I've been in them when they have been supporting exercises - moving people lsuch as exercise observers/civvy people like me - involved in what's happening from A-to-B. The contrast between the VIP flight one minute and helping unload the jet on arrival at some remote airfield is quite fun, One hold I was in was I was told the place where Lady Di's coffin was put in on it's return from France. I've a memory they carried a spare wheel too.
They earn their money working as regional jets for HMG's various needs.
I've flown in a couple of executive jets but nothing boosts your ego more than an RAF146 turning up at a regional UK airport to pick you up.
(Things may have changed in the 10 years since I did stuff like this.)
el stovey said:
Don't forget the toxic cabin air. I can't think of many aircraft less suitable for VIP transport really.
Think they are OK. STOL capability useful for all those pokey European airports and HMG own them. Look at the fuss when any of the leaders pitched up in a private yet. Daily Mail readers went barmy !From looking at the register of ministerial travel, these jets are used a lot for European hops. It also looks like the hourly rate charged to departments for their use is comically low...so much so it can cost the department less to take an RAF jet than Eurostar for some trips!
(Though if you've got them anyway, it makes some sense to sweat them as much as possible. But the rates are nowhere near commercial levels)
(Though if you've got them anyway, it makes some sense to sweat them as much as possible. But the rates are nowhere near commercial levels)
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