The FGR2 was, according to my correspondent, a Very Nice Aeroplane. Especially when it was 'clean'.
Picture the scene; a nice FGR2 has to fly to another airfield some few miles away. No external tanks needed, no weapons, either, for it's due some sort of service (Holme-on-Spalding Moor?). In order that the pilot burn off some fuel, he arranges permission to do a re-heat climb, and generally have a bit of fun whilst he's up there. He duly took off and confirmed OK for his climb.
ATC; Cleared for reheat climb.
There's a pause, then : Call when passing ten thousand feet, please.
Anonther, shorter, pause then:
Pilot, Level at Forty thousand. . . . .
There was a stunned silence......
Picture the scene; a nice FGR2 has to fly to another airfield some few miles away. No external tanks needed, no weapons, either, for it's due some sort of service (Holme-on-Spalding Moor?). In order that the pilot burn off some fuel, he arranges permission to do a re-heat climb, and generally have a bit of fun whilst he's up there. He duly took off and confirmed OK for his climb.
ATC; Cleared for reheat climb.
There's a pause, then : Call when passing ten thousand feet, please.
Anonther, shorter, pause then:
Pilot, Level at Forty thousand. . . . .
There was a stunned silence......