Flight Staff Cadets and the routine wearing of Flying Clothing

Indeed, and I fear people here might have mistaken a gag comment for an actual criticism of policy. Bigger fish to fry, and all that.

And you’ll note that I have at least answered the question appropriately and reasonably earlier (based on experience too, I’ll add).

Oh…and we don’t see CFAV wearing MTP in their offices or on normal cadet parade nights do we??

If a flight staff cadet is on duty at an AEF or VGS I would expect them to wear flying clothing. Don’t see what the issue is with that?

Only that flying clothing is expensive, so if they don’t need it…

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If they didn’t need it they wouldn’t be issued with it.

It is expensive, but is worn as protective clothing and to be functional.

Protection from what? leaky pens?
If a FSC gets a jolly as part of their day then it is easy enough to go through kitting like all regular cadets being flown.

What part of a FSC’s duties requires a flying suit to be worn at all times? The only justification I can imagine is that of corporate image, which is barely a justification at all.

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So, when was ‘back in the day’ and who were these ‘posers’ you describe? Are you referring to staff cadets or senior officers?

Mostly staff - I suspect the cadets are just being dragged along in trail.
The issue isn’t limited to the cadet world either.

The same could easily be said of cadets at QAIC…

It has been. On here, IIRC.

And I still have no idea why it is done, or why it never attracts any serious comment elsewhere. JL got issued MTP before everyone else and everyone lost their minds!

If you mean non AEF/VGS staff then agreed, what is their reason to wear flying clothing? Unless they’re visiting a flying unit with the intention of aviating?

I mean specifically AEF and VGS staff.

If they are performing ground duties and admin then No2 should be the uniform de jour. Anybody crawling on the floor to attach cables, or running a winch, really ought to be wearing coveralls (come to think of it, No3 dress would probably be appropriate, though not scaled…) rather than an expensive, maintained flying suit :slight_smile:

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I can remember the days when that used to happen. VGS staff were made to travel in blue uniform and change at the VGS, then change again to go home. What a nause.

I understand what you’re saying, but people would be running about getting changed all day. Why don’t you like AEF and VGS staff wearing what their entitled to wear?

Because flying clothing is specialist clothing to be worn when flying.
If a person will not be flying, they don’t need to be wearing it.

AP1358C para 0702 even states “When employed on ground administrative duties or when a standard dress is ordered, VGS personnel should wear the standard RAF No 2 Dress.” (note: the AP only mentions VGS staff - though I see no reason that AEF wouldn’t be the same.)

For those who will have flying duties, there is still an argument for travelling in No2 then changing on site as it means the flight suit can be properly maintained by the squippers, though that is not as relevant for a VGS flying kites.

It’s not saying that they shouldn’t wear what they’re entitled to, it’s questioning why that entitlement exists in the first place.

In a world where we’re more conscious than ever of cost, why not look at all avenues for saving money?

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With Tutor flying, it’s worn to protect against the risk of fire and functionality.

Viking flying for functionality.

In both cases it’s considered survival equipment. I.e layers/jacket to keep the individual warm following abandonment etc.

What cost would you consider is appropriate to help prevent serious burns or to help somebody survive in the worst case scenarios?

So, the RAF/MOD/MAA tell us we have to wear the appropriate clothing.

Abandonment from a classroom or an office?

There is nobody arguing against the wearing of flying clothing whilst flying, but the practice of mooching around in a gro-bag at all times by personnel who are not engaged in flying duties (or flying staff who are nowhere near needing it) is rife even in the RAF.

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Some VGS may still do this? If the intention is to fly, which most of the time for AEF and VGS staff it is, then everybody wearing flying clothing is fine. This sort of stuff is managed locally and practically.

If I have an issue with my flying clothing, then a squipper will look at it and repair/ replace it. I don’t particularly want to have to get changed every time I go flying during the course of the day!

Guess you could write to att the AEF and VGS OCs pointing out the errors of their ways…

Would love to see their reactions…:thinking:

Totally missing the point. No-one is suggesting cadets and staff who are flying shouldn’t wear flying coveralls. But there is no need for someone who is not expecting to fly to be issued with them, and they are much more expensive than no. 2s (and the latter are provided already).

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