ARmy Rumour SErvice

It seems like the Coroner has jumped to conclusions and pre-judged the case. Surely he should wait for all the evidence to be heard before throwing accusations around.

Quite happy for pilots to be hung out to dry if they are found to have been cowboying or exceeding their abilities and qualifications but wait for evidence first.

I'm suprised its taken the press this long to learn about the shockingly low standards surrounding helicopter etiquette in this day and age.

I remember being infuriated, as a passenger flying over Az Zubayr in a Chinook, that the pilot wouldn't slow down so that we could wave at the friendly locals by the 2 Mosque roundabout. After being told that there were no refreshments available on board I was ready to join the Jaish Al-Mehdi, I can tell thee.

Conversely I was once on board a Russian Mi8 in Mozambique checking for landmines along the power pylons that run the whole length of the country (yes, yes I know that it's not the best way to see landmines, but the UN insisted), when the pilot decided to hover for about 5 minutes at low level over a lake literally seething with crocodiles and take photos. F uking nutter. And this was the chopper that left a black line across the sky wherever it went.

Funny that as every time I flew with 33 Sqn they were completely anal about sleeves being rolled down, being strapped in & all sorts.

None of these rules applied to fellow Crabs or birds with big norks, though...