Pilot September 2017

http://www.pilotweb.aero Pilot September 2017 | 27

cowboy’s chaps and, topping it off, a
Top Gun-style helmet. Oh, and RAF Cape
leather gloves which should never be
worn when flying any Cessna or Piper.
Suited and booted, it’s out to the little
jet. It’s so low to the ground that no
ladder is needed. A foothold folds out and
then it’s a matter of grabbing the wing’s
leading edge, the cockpit surround with
the other hand, and hoiking yourself up.
As previously mentioned it’s tight in
the back of a Gnat. I slip my feet in and
thunk down into the seat on top of
several painfully sharp buckles. You need
help from the ground crew for what
comes next. Not only does the harness
have to be done up, but the G-suit’s air
supply must be connected and also the
air supply to the mouthpiece that’s part of
the helmet assembly and which contains
the microphone. Then there’s more
ejection seat briefing and a reminder of

Colin Goodwin | Gnat pilot

Clockwise from above: nose art and, built into the

engine intakes, cannon gas extraction ports of the

ex Indian air force single-seat fighter version of

the Gnat being readied for flight by the trust at

North Weald

Colin and Edwin strike a

team pose with the aircraft

before the sortie