Trust by an RAF Engineer “Please ensure your body armour and Helmet are fitted securely.” T
he last words over the intercom before all the lights go out, and your plunged into an eerie darkness. The cabin which only a few moments ago was a hive of activity is now relatively quiet, only the incessant hum of the engines and the rushing of the outside air are noticeable. Everyone is seated, seat belts fastened, tables stowed and electronic equipment turned off. This is it. Here we go…
Outside, the flaps are extended to give us extra lift at these low speeds and the engines react to keep us aloft. I’m now painfully aware of how vulnerable we are. Once again, I have put my life in the hands of someone else. I’ve put my trust in guys out on the ground, directly in harm’s way, that they have cleared my flight path into theatre. RAF Regiment Gunners and RAF Police patrol the ground below, clearing a path for me to fly through. My safe landing depends on them risking their lives to sweep the area below me of the enemy who’d love the opportunity to send a rocket- propelled granade through my aircraft. Their work is dangerous, absolutely crucial and appreciated.
The noise noticeably increases, and before the engineers have time to process whether or not this is a problem, the massive undercarriage connects with the runway. I personally feel a rush of relief. I’m not a bad flyer, but I do prefer my feet on the ground, I prefer to be in control of my own destiny.
The nose pitches down and all the wheels are now on the ground. The
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brakes apply, the engines roar as the reverse thrust systems deploy and we’re pushed forward in our seats as we slow.
It’s over, we’re down. We are now in Afghan.
Author’s note: It’s times like these that I’m painfully aware of how much cooperation goes into what we do out there. How dependent we are on other trades in order that we can do our job properly. Just to put this particular Chinook engineer on the ground where he can do his job, relies on so many other trades doing their jobs, and doing them well. From the pilots of my
aircraft, to the Air Traffic Controllers, from my aircraft engineers, to the Regiment and Police. Everyone must play their part, often in very dangerous circumstances, just to allow it to function.
I’ve scratched the surface here, there are many more trades involved that allow this to happen. Too many to mention all with a crucial role to play. What we take for granted, comes from our ability to expect the best from those around us. Expect though, is not the word that should be used, in my opinion. The word that should be used, is Trust.
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