Brize 19/20 Sep 2009

[Mackrick]

A few shots from this weekend...










Some one looks guilty ....



Maybe this should be in the caption competition thread (Sorry Toni) .....

[Xplumberlives]

Are the last three pictures in chronological order?

[Mackrick]

Are the last three pictures in chronological order?

Now that would be telling

[Tonijh]

OOOOOOO you are in soooooooooooo much trouble MR

[Mayfly]

Toni are you a volunteer engineer?

[Mackrick]

Toni are you a volunteer engineer?

Now I could answewr that in a number of ways most of which would involve me climbing out of a great big hole !!
Its probably better I leave this for Toni to answer

[Tonijh]

MR, there wouldn't be anything left to climb out of the hole

MF - I'm really the PR person for the groundcrew, looking after any visitors we get at the aircraft on flying days and at the away shows. As the tours have now expanded and include walking around underneath, I have had to do the full safety briefing. Oh and as I have an engineering background and they will not let me take '558 apart to find out how she works, I have sweet talked the guys into teaching me odds and sods when it's quiet, and sometimes help out when it's not!!!

Not sure how much Del enjoyed me playing with his helmet, though

[Mackrick]

Not sure how much Del enjoyed me playing with his helmet, though

So that explains the startled look....

[RLN]

Not sure how much Del enjoyed me playing with his helmet, though

So that explains the startled look....

That explains what a PR person does, too.

[Xplumberlives]

Toni

What were you pointing at?

[Sad Sam3]

Is there a hole in the roof of my Bomb Bay?

[Mayfly]

Hey XP I've discovered where we went wrong, we didn't have a PR person - (there again I don't expect we would have found any one to volunteer for the job)

[Xplumberlives]

:))

Hey XP I've discovered where we went wrong, we didn't have a PR person - (there again I don't expect we would have found any one to volunteer for the job)

Stumpy will be after one next!

[Tonijh]

Is there a hole in the roof of my Bomb Bay?

Nope, that's where MR will be attached round the neck, by camera strap on the next flight

[Xplumberlives]

Is there a hole in the roof of my Bomb Bay?

Nope, that's where MR will be attached round the neck, by camera strap on the next flight

He's been waiting for the chance of a flight!

[Tonijh]

Is there a hole in the roof of my Bomb Bay?

Nope, that's where MR will be attached round the neck, by camera strap on the next flight

He's been waiting for the chance of a flight!

But just where do I put the rest of the camera - loose objects and all that

[Saracenman]

........I'm really the PR person for the groundcrew, looking after any visitors we get at the aircraft on flying days and at the away shows. As the tours have now expanded and include walking around underneath, I have had to do the full safety briefing..........

excuse my ignorance Tonijh, but why do the groundcrew NEED a PR person?

knowing that at least one of the groundcrew, whilst a fully qualified aircraft engineer, is there as an unpaid volunteer, i assume you're there on a similar basis?

sm

[Smiler]

........I'm really the PR person for the groundcrew, looking after any visitors we get at the aircraft on flying days and at the away shows. As the tours have now expanded and include walking around underneath, I have had to do the full safety briefing..........

excuse my ignorance Tonijh, but why do the groundcrew NEED a PR person?

knowing that at least one of the groundcrew, whilst a fully qualified aircraft engineer, is there as an unpaid volunteer, i assume you're there on a similar basis?

sm

Do I detect a bit of jealousy

There is a lot that goes on when we are at the aircraft and to have someone who can defelect the show and tell people saves me a lot of time and effort.

[Saracenman]

jealousy?

no fear Smiler - I'd rather stand back and watch!

sm

edit: I'm still intrigued to know whether it's a voluntary role or not - if jealousy were my motive for asking, i know I'd offer to do it for free as being around 558 all the time would be payment enough!

[Tonijh]

Yes SM, I am a volunteer and have you ever tried to ask one of the engineers , 'how many Brunty Bears have flown in this aeroplane' or 'Why can't you paint it a nicer colour' usually done when they have their arm/head wedged in some particularly unfriendly place

[Squeak]

Well I for one know who I'd want as ground PR for this aircraft.

Someone who is bubbly, enthusiastic, compelling and above all, so knowledgeable that she never ceases to amaze me.

This aircraft is buoyed by so many different sorts of people; from the engineers who keep her going, to her organisation team who sort out her diary; to the people who sacrifice their weekends simply to infect the visiting public with their amazing enthusiasm for this aircraft.

I volunteer for 558 for my own reasons, and I can tell you all that I have never felt so humbled and so useless and so bumbling as when faced with someone like Toni.

I for one don't care whether Toni is in her bomb bay or has her head up 558's bum. I know who 558's friends are.

Aggy

[Saracenman]

Yes SM, I am a volunteer and have you ever tried to ask one of the engineers , 'how many Brunty Bears have flown in this aeroplane' or 'Why can't you paint it a nicer colour' usually done when they have their arm/head wedged in some particularly unfriendly place

i can imagine! the hardest part is answering the same questions over and over again, but ensuring every time sounds as if it's the first time you've been asked!

reminds me of what The Queen says was the best advice her father gave her - every day might seem the same to you, but each of those who meet you will remember that day for the rest of their lives - don't ruin it for them!

don't worry Toni - I'm not comparing you to a grey-haired 83 year-old!

sm

[Pujgnie]

I've met Toni on 2 occasions..

She does a wonderful job in all matters promotional and educational appertaining to 558. She is truly dedicated to the project.

Job description may go along these lines :

Many hours travelling between venues.
Team setting up VV (many hours before Joe Public arrive)
Preparing VV (with others) so it's ready for JP
Meet and greet.
Promote 558 endlessly.
Liase with Ground and Aircrew.
Entertain JP.. and answer endless repetative Q's.
Play catch up on forums after every event.

to name a few......... so let's not start knocking the PR factor please .

[Bubbles]

And add the numerous events Toni has attended manning the stand many with some seriously silly starting times (6 am at Blackbushe)

[Squeak]

And add the numerous events Toni has attended manning the stand many with some seriously silly starting times (6 am at Blackbushe)

Woulda been 5am but you got us lost on the way