Sunday 26 May 2013

60th ANNIVERSARY OF THE "PATROUILLE DE FRANCE" - (Journée de la Base aérienne 701)








Amazing Alpha Jet. Nothing to say, everything to see...
Pictures: Armée de l’air 








30 comments:

  1. Great pics! I live them. Adrian

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  2. Amazing jets! Spectacular photos! Theo

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  3. Happy Anniversary! Lucy

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  4. Who can become a fighter pilot? What are the criteria? Sam

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    1. Hi Sam.
      In theory anybody from 17.5 and 25 years of age with 5 GCSEs (A-C) including Maths and English, 2 A-Levels and obviously a British Citizen from birth or hold dual nationality. Potential pilot candidates are sent to the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre for up to 4 days where they will face a number of selection tests.

      These include aptitude tests (numerical, deductive and verbal reasoning, spatial awareness, memory, work rate, mechanical and electrical comprehension). It is important to perform well in these tests as they will determine if you have the mental ability to be a RAF pilot.

      All candidates will be given a thorough medical. Elements tested include eyesight, body mass index, weight and medical conditions past and present + fitness test and an interview.

      Upon successful graduation student pilots will go onto Elementary Flying Training (EFT). During this phase students will learn all the basics of flying such as aircraft handling, manoeuvres, landings, take-offs, navigation, aerobatics and formation flying.

      It is after the EFT that Pilots with the highest aptitudes, fitness and who meet the strict body dimension requirements will be assigned to fast-jets. The remaining pilots will be assigned to rotary or multi-engine aircraft.

      Fast-jet students will be sent t for Basic Fast Jet Training which consists of around 120 flying hours on the Tucano (we trained on exactly the same in France…). Once student pilots have completed their flying training they are awarded their “wings” and will enter Operational Conversion Training.

      This is where students are taught to fly the aircraft that they will be operating on their respective front-line squadrons. For fast-jet pilots this could include the Tornado or Eurofighter (magnificent Typhoon). Rotary pilots can expect the Sea King, Puma, Chinook. Merlin or Griffin. Multi-engine assignments may include flying the RAF's transport aircraft such as the C130 Hercules, C17, Tristar or VC10.
      (Source from RAF).

      Maybe a new pilot on the F-35 then? Best, Sixte

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  5. Will this be televised, please? Ron

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    Replies
    1. Not in UK. Go to www.patrouilledefrance.fr and www.60ansdelapat.fr. Sixte

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    2. Thanks Sixte. Ron

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    3. You are welcome Ron. Hope you liked it. Sixte

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  6. Pics to die for! Robert

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  7. Sixte, thank you for these photos. Alan

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    Replies
    1. My pleasure. Anything with aeroplanes and I am happy... to share. Sixte

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  8. I want to be a pilot! What a life? Murray

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    1. Yes Murray. It is fascinating and extraordinary but so tiring. Those pilots’ attitude to accelerations or g-forces (linear, radial and angular) is phenomenal. It is aerobatic flying. I am in total admiration !! Sixte

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  9. Love your blog. Pauline

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    1. Thank you very much Pauline for your nice comment... Sixte

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  10. Wow! Amazing photos. More, please! Chris

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  11. Dear Sixte, I am afraid of flying the airplanes. Is there a cure for this phobia, please? Serena

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    1. Hi Serena. Oh, I am so sorry. BA hold a “flying with Confidence course”. It has been running for over 25 years and has helped more than 45,000 people overcome their flying phobias. I am sure it will help… Bon courage, Sixte

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  12. Very exciting photos! Edmund

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  13. Fantastic visual display. Beats any fast car! Adam

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    Replies
    1. Yes, for sure... Thank you Adam. Sixte

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  14. so, so good...

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BEING RED FOR 3 MINUTES...

I wish I could be RED sometimes... Enjoy this amazing back sitter. Aerobatic will have no mystery for you then...