Opportunity Flight - Brize Norton to Akrotiri

In May Flt.Lt. Boyd asked me if I would like to go to Cyprus for a day. At first I thought he was joking especially when he said the whole trip would cost virtually nothing.

Lo and behold five weeks later on 22 June I was on my way via London Heathrow to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire - the largest RAF Station in the country.

After arriving at the Gatehouse Hotel (one of the RAFs very own) at 2300 hours, 1 was rather surprised, if not shocked, to hear that I was to receive an early morning call at 0430 hours in order to be down for breakfast half an hour later and ready to leave at 0600 hours.

The flight, aboard a Tristar, adapted for the ferrying of service personnel and their families who were either going on holiday or being posted, was to be captained by the Station Commander, Gp. Capt. Vass. One could say I was suddenly rubbing shoulders with a relatively powerful man.

After being introduced to the crew as another "Space Cadet" I was seated in what was described as the best seat in the house - an elevated seat behind the Captain. As the passengers began to board, the Co-Pilot and Navigator drew my attention to some of the female passengers, and with due cause I might add! However, everything wasn't going as smoothly as it should have been with the engines. A problem had developed with the hydraulics and it was not possible to take-off in that aircraft. A change in aircraft was required and 'unfortunately' it meant we would have to make an overnight stop in Cyprus - as you may think, l was gutted that we couldn't fly back home that afternoon! I was subsequently made to fulfil my role as a supernumerary air crew member. My role was to help prepare the new aircraft; but mainly to distribute sick bags and cups of tea!

Four hours later we finally took off from Brize. During the flight I wasn't permitted to work in any capacity but was tutored in aircraft procedure and given a headset to listen to air traffic control, of which the international language is English.

The flight soon flew in (if you'll pardon the pun) whilst I was being plied with beverages and food that would be comparable, if not better than that, served in first class of a civilian airline.

Nearly five hours later we landed in Akrotiri. The first stop was the NAAFI and much to my delight the Loadmaster brought out a crate of light refreshment to compliment the hot dusky air. Things seemed to get better. I was put up in the officers' accommodation for the night . Dinner that night was a very typical affair for the forces. It is not usual for officers, especially senior ones, NCOs and cadets to share such an informal meal together in a kebab house. It was an experience hard to describe but was an occasion that made me proud to be a part of.

The next day was yet again another early start and by 0900 hours the temperature was 80F, just slightly too hot for the heavy uniform I was wearing. The aircraft had to prepared however, and later that day we arrived back at Brize. Unfortunately, I had missed my flight from Heathrow but strings had been pulled for me to hitch a lift with a VC10 crew going to RAF Aldergrove. The Loadmaster of this aircraft was initially a bit unhappy with the arrangement but after a good square-bashing from the Airmovements Warrant Officer my presence was justified.

The whole trip was a great experience especially the banter with the crew. I would like to thank Flt.Lt. Boyd for giving me the opportunity to go, the RAF and the crew of flight RR3490 and RR3491 for their hospitality.

Robert Agnew