Lincolnshire is very proud of its RAF heritage, its known as bomber county. Since the end of the second world war bases have gradually closed but we still have many airfields and RAF bases.
Today was the final flight from RAF Cottesmore in Rutland for the Harrier jump jets based there, but to say good bye the squadron took a final flight over Lincoln and the Lincolnshire airbases and towns.
Unfortunately I missed the fly pass but did manage to catch there practice flight yesterday. It was an impressive flight, and an impressive demonstration of formation flying. As a part time pilot myself (wish I had more time to fly!), I certainly appreciated the fly past.
The Harrier jump jet was a truly great demonstration of British technical achievement, but was retired early due to the financial crisis and the need for defence cuts to save money. The Navy is also losing its Harriers and its aircraft carriers.
Lets hope we have no war, or major humanitarian disaster that needs a British aircraft carrier. I know we need to save money but sometimes the choices made, do seem potentially fraught with danger.
Good bye Harrier, you proved your worth, in the Falklands, Iraq and the Balkans to name just a few. I salute you, the designers, engineers and aircrew that worked with you. Its the end of an era.
