your comments
mark singleton liverpool
fantastic programme, best for a long time, my mates in the pub would not believe how close those guys get (wing distance) can anybody confirm the 2 foot distance at some point?
Thu Dec 28 11:41:39 2006
Myrddin Jones,Brynsiencyn,Ynys Mon.
Spent 6 years in the RAF and I am very keen on aeroplanes. Your programme was fantastic I really enjoyed it.
Pity that the jets make such a noise when I'm playing golf at Anglesey Golf Club, Rhosneigr, perhaps they should use their 2nd runway more often.
Mon Nov 27 11:04:56 2006
jamie mason from manchester
i missed the series and regret it. i love aircraft and anything to do with pilots im curretnly in the army as an aircraft technician and have just been accepted for selection. please show more programmes my wife and i love it
Wed Aug 23 16:22:38 2006
Emily Johnson from Hampshire
I didn't see the series which was a shame because i really want to join the RAF as a pilot and it would of been a great way to see how they do some of their training. A repeat of the series, or a new one would be good.
I'm a pilot at my local gliding club and i am hoping to start my PPL asap.
Another good idea is to go and do some aerobatics so you can get an idea of the G forces.
Fri Aug 18 09:46:20 2006
fiona sedgwick from raf valley
yes it was rili gd my dad works as an engineer on the planes down there sum of u might know him sedge!
Fri May 5 15:59:58 2006
Trethdalwr, Gwynedd
Do you have a photograph of the plane used by Prince William to go home for his shoes?
Sun Jan 1 01:20:06 2006
Tim Fulfit - Plymouth
I was an air cadet for many years. Finally I'm coming to the end of university and im going up for the trials at RAF Cranwell in Feb. This programme best represented all my ambitions, reminding me that if you can dream it, you can do it!
Thu Nov 17 03:05:12 2005
Jeff Dowin - Miami
Great show! I was a U.S Pilot but now i have retired. I did fly the tomcat and was hoping i would go to top gun but i didnt make it.
Fri Oct 21 13:28:53 2005
Tony - Cardiff
This was a great series.
Does anyone remember a previous series from the 1980s, I think, where we followed a new intake of Pilots from ab-initio (Biggin Hill?) throught to Fast-Jet Buccanneers. I think only one Pilot made it a John Mcrea I think?
I would love to see this repeated.
Tony
Tue Sep 27 12:51:51 2005
DJ from Anglesey
Excellent programme, pity it finished when it did - there is scope for more from RAF Valley. Let's see how the Instructors get on, lets see how other personnel get on. Let's have updates on the trainee pilots careers. Lets see a sunny day in Anglesey! Well that last bit may be a bit difficult.
Tue Sep 20 19:42:14 2005
Bob Millen
Seen the series, excellent stuff---more of the same would not go amiss.
Sun Aug 14 22:17:24 2005
Adrian Esekody
I have been anxiously waiting for the series to come out on video or DVD for quite a while now. WHEN....WHEN...WHEN?
Thu Jul 21 19:43:26 2005
stacie dean from raf valley
It's so nice to see that raf valley was on telly and the pilots were so nice to talk too.
Fri Jun 17 13:36:52 2005
Dave from Corwen
No I didn't see it, sadly because I didn't know about it. I wish I had because we see the Jets going over here every day and it would be great to see more of them and how they train. I will be glued to the TV Times from now on in the hope that they repeat it.
Sun Jun 5 13:06:26 2005
John from Beaumaris
We often go to RAF Valley to watch the Hawks, takes me back to the late40s when I was an ATC cadet, and would often fly from Valley, we also had a gliding school there, somewhere near where the helicopter site is now,happy days!
Thu Jun 2 22:54:47 2005
Paul Jay from Altrincham
I'm in the air cadets and also have a static caravan in Rhosneigr, just at the end of the RAF Valley's runway. I always look forward to waking up to the sound of roaring hawks, or what every flies in!
Fri Apr 22 16:18:25 2005
Stu
I'm in the RAF as an airframe engineer and would love to further my career as a pilot, especially on tornado.
Mon Feb 7 13:08:54 2005
George Morris
I love the program and that is not because he is my dad.
Thu Oct 28 16:31:50 2004
Griff, Leicestershire
I'm part of the Air training corps. This coupled with watching the series, helped me to understand more clearly the highs and lows of the journey to the top. Thanks for the insight.
Wed Sep 29 10:42:25 2004
Kate, Aberdeenshire
I saw one programme and thought it was brilliant. I think the guys are fantastic, it was very informative and I realized just how hard flying in the RAF is. I hope to work in the RAF = it would be a dream to fly.
Sun Sep 19 19:27:00 2004
George Graham, Newcastle
I didn't see the series itself but I am in the Air training core and hope to be a fighter pilot. I have recently been to a summer camp at RAF valley and took part in many activities the trainees do and they were very enjoyable. All I am saying is join a club or organisation like the ATC if your interested in the RAF. Take my word for it. It helps you.
Sun Aug 22 15:03:00 2004
Chaz from Aberdeen
I am a 14 year old pilot at the Aboyne (Deeside) Gliding Club. I have been flying for 5 years, and if there is anyone out there wanting to become a pilot - join your local club! It is the only way to experience proper flying! For many years I have been determined to become a pilot in the RAF, and the program helped me decide for definite. Just recently I visited RAF Lossiemouth with a friend - I was shown around the hangars and got to sit in a Tornado F3. This reassured my want to be a pilot even more! After reading some of the comments, I think its fair to say that a general assumption is that another series should be made, and each episode should be an hour long! Also, it would be nice if a video was made of the first series. Whatever, thanks for a great show!
Fri Jul 9 13:11:13 2004
Biggles "from the front"
There are seven students in the photo, one of them a naval student, we are only told what became of four of them why is this???
Wed Jul 7 09:01:56 2004
Jamie, Peterborough
I'm 16 and hope to become a pilot or navigator on fast jets in the RAF. I have just finished my GCSEs and am expected to get 11 A-C grades. If I fail maths or English first time, and re-take them and achieve required levels, will I be at a disadvantage compared to others who pass first time? Any advice would be great. I'm currently choosing my A levels, and the show has given a great insight into how tough it will be, if I make the initial tests!
Mon Jun 28 01:28:11 2004
Ian from Leyland
What a fantastic programme. Please do another one, those guys have my respect.
Sat Jun 19 09:13:32 2004
Bill Noble
Programme made me very envious, I struggle to comprehend the education, dedication, ambition, hard work and long hours it takes to make the grade. Well done to ex-trainees, now pilots and instructors.
Tue Jun 15 11:26:41 2004
Steve Stockford, Hemel hempstead
I really enjoyed the series. I did call in to valley one day, and was lucky enough to see two black hawks landing plus a tornado f3. I hope to visit the base again, let’s hope they have an air show soon.
Tue Jun 15 11:17:30 2004
Jean Pratt from Dumfriesand galloway
Watched the programme with my 82 yr old husband George E Pratt, D.F.C., who was a rear gunner and then a sqdrn/ldr (pathfinders) flying Lancaster bombers in war. He was fascinated and very envious of the speed and aerobatics the modern planes are capable of compared to "his".The pair of us loved the programme - a repeat woild always be welcome. Thanks a lot.
Mon Jun 14 21:10:30 2004
Paul Palin, Merseyside
I love Combat Pilot. I watch it every Monday. When it started my sister fancied Richard who didn't make the RAF in 19 Squadron. It should be on for 2 hours not half an hour so that you can enjoy watching it. Good luck Richard.
Fri Jun 11 10:36:48 2004
Leif from Tamworth
Well, what an excellent programme. I have always wanted to become a fighter pilot and it has given me an insight into how hard the training is. But the BBC needs to advertise the whole series well in advance as I have not seen the first few episodes. It would be a good contrast if the BBC could do a series about how USAF trained their fast jet fighter pilots. Any way brilliant series and all the best to the trainees.
Tue Jun 8 12:20:45 2004
Rebecca from Cleveland
I think the programme is brilliant, although I wish there had been more publicity. It has enabled me to see what it is really like to train as an RAF pilot, as this is the career I am aiming for. I hope it is shown again so I can see the whole thing.
Mon Jun 7 20:34:43 2004
Sue Moore, Manchester
Brilliant programme, interesting, informative and well made. I agree it should be longer. My grandfather served with 208 Sqn in World War I, it's great to see the squadron still going strong. It would've been nice to include a bit about the unit's history. Maybe there's scope for a series about the history of early squadrons which still exist and how their roles have changed.
Fri Jun 4 21:44:19 2004
Karen from Surrey
Love the series. Fantastic to see behind the scenes and the views from the Hawks are amazing. Just seen episode 4 and it brought tears to my eyes when Dave passed - I was so, so pleased for him. Only 2 episodes to go and I don't want it to finish. Hopefully the BBC have more programmes like this in the pipe line.
Very proud of all our guys and gals in the forces.
Mon May 31 22:15:52 2004
Rob Harvey from Essex
Great show and Valley looked as good as my time there, shame about the publicity as I only caught the last episode. This programme would be ideal for my ATC students. It's been too many years since the beeb did their first fighter pilot documentary.
Mon May 31 20:50:50 2004
Matthew Shepherd, Shropshire
The programme was amazing. I've wanted to become an RAF combat pilot for a very long time now. I'm 12 years of age and 13 this September. I have been to many RAF shows, this has interested me a lot. I was not surprised at all when I saw the training and qualifications needed to become a pilot. I thought that I would be good at the training tests because I've never thrown up on any rollorcoasters, boats or planes before, only when I've eaten too much. The only problem is that I've had difficulty in finding out where to first start the job (training).
Wed May 26 21:52:46 2004
Andrew Richards, London
I would just like to say I love flying and this programme has convinced me to join the RAF. (I was deciding between the NAVY, RAF and coast guard).
Mon May 24 20:45:44 2004
Martyn Bristow
Excellent programme.
I didn't know how hard the training is for a pilot.
Tue May 18 09:39:50 2004
Brian of Chester
Show excellent, as ex-ground crew we always used to say you (The Jockeys) have the a/c for a couple of hours but we had them for the other 22. Nice to see a good show.
Mon May 17 23:57:53 2004
H
The BBC has really made a programme not only about such an interesting subject such as being a combat pilot but they have really done it well.
On writing this I have seen the first two episodes and have really enjoyed the programme.
Being a combat pilot is a very demanding job which also has its rewards. Although family life is very hard.
Good luck to all the candidates in the programme and hope to see them in the RAF.
Mon May 17 20:26:52 2004
Matt from Hartlepool
Great programme by the BBC agan. It really gave me more reason to become a pilot. Thanks and well done.
Thu May 13 13:53:45 2004
Rebecca from Buckinghamshire
I really enjoyed the programme. I have always dreamed of being a pilot and I thought it was great to see how they really trained RAF fighter pilots and like one of the pilots I'm in the air training corps. The programme gave a real insight to it. My family think I'm nuts wanting to do it but now I want to do it even more. Thanks BBC!
Wed May 12 13:08:41 2004
John Leworthy from Wickford, Essex
Superb, it's simply a superb documentary! It's great to have an insight into the training of an RAF fighter pilot. I'm soon to finish my GCSEs and hope to become a pilot after my education.
Wed May 12 12:14:00 2004
Dan from North Yorkshire
My brother is at RAF Valley at the moment and went solo in the hawk the other week. The documentary enabled me to gain a slight insight into how intense the course is.
Tue May 11 17:00:40 2004
Martin Davies from Wigan
Programme was excellent, only thing I was curious about was why the naval pilot wasn't featured? I was a bit gutted as I'm hoping to train as a fast-jet pilot in the Navy and only got a slight glimpse of the Navy. Good job though, well done!
Tue May 11 11:55:39 2004
Metellus Tom, Antwerp (Belgium)
Another super production by the BBC! In the same category as SAS! Please, continue making super quality stuff. I enjoy watching BBC more and more.
Tue May 11 08:50:01 2004
Iain Moody, Studley
Another great aviation documentary in the making. Took me back 25 years or so, well done BBC - this is what you're best at!
Brilliant photography and sound throughout, but what was the backing music for the Flight Simulator sequence?
Tue May 11 00:29:53 2004
Anna, Oxford
Hi everyone! I also agree that the programme should be longer - It's GREAT! Anyway, I am just coming towards the end of my GCSEs and hope to become a pilot in the near future. I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on which steps I should take next to become a pilot. I would be very greatful for any advice. Thanks!
Oh, and just a question that's been on my mind... can women be fast jet pilots?!
Mon May 10 22:54:28 2004
Alistair, Leicester
I have been to RAF Valley and been in the simulator first hand, it is a great place and this programme is very accurate.
Mon May 10 22:22:49 2004
Adrian Walker, Cumbria
Nice to see the pilots training in one photograph then at low level in the Lake District.
Mon May 10 22:13:10 2004
Michael Phillips from Richmond, N.Yorkshire
I am currently in the air cadets and the programme made me even more determined to become a pilot. My friend Stephen flew there, he is also great in helping me with my career. Basically a great programme.
Mon May 10 21:48:21 2004
Bob England from Shropshire
Great stuff. Should be an hour long - like the programmes on Channel 4! Everyone needs to know about the commitment these people make and the level of responsibility involved. Well done everyone at Valley, you can fly your nice shiny black Hawks over my house any time you like - especially Jules! Just keep an eye open for the Harriers, Tornadoes, Griffins, Squirrels and Hercs. Keep up the good work.
Mon May 10 21:28:10 2004
Richard from the Netherlands
I saw the episode while searching for CNN. I am still a student, but preparing for the Dutch airforce. I expect it to be as hard as this RAF course. And seeing this series, I realise that it's really a lifestyle. These pilots do their course only in Wales I presume? For the F16 MLU I have to go to the USA for two years.
Mon May 10 21:21:23 2004
Edward Gardner from Stebbing, Essex
I am 16 years old and near to getting my PPL and have thought about following in my dad's footsteps, who's also a pilot, but not sure which way to go, e.g. RAF or Commercial. I found the programme very informative and it has made me think harder whether I would be good enough to fit in the airforce and if I would enjoy it. Can't wait to see next week's show.
Mon May 10 20:31:12 2004
Eric Stuart from London
Great programme, and pretty amazing to see Les Garside Beattie as a Group Captain when I remember the days back at Henlow and Linton On Ouse, back when we started together in the late 70s. The programme reminds me of the "Fighter Pilot" made when we were training, how come it took so long to do it again? But well done.
Mon May 10 20:25:39 2004
Adam, Birmingham
I have been to Valley with the air cadets - brilliant base. I recognised a lot of the places and I can't wait till I am training there.
Mon May 10 20:13:27 2004
Andy, Bristol
Excellent series. In 1981 there was a
series called Fighter Pilot along the
same lines but showed them from
selection to the front line. I'm sure
that would be a hit if that could be
shown again. PLEASE!
Mon May 10 20:11:18 2004
Caren Hyde, Isle of Man
I always wanted to be a fighter pilot and enjoyed RAF (part of CCF) at school. In 1994 I went to RAF Cosford along with several other school friends and was placed in a group with Lewis and Richard who featured on Combat Pilot. Couldn't believe it when I saw their names and pictures! So thrilled that they are still pursuing their dream. Go silver sovereign forever...
Mon Apr 26 20:38:18 2004
Dan Ellis, London
To all of you not in Wales who have Sky Digital, you can watch any of the regional Beeb 1 & 2 channels via Sky. They are up in the 900s somewhere. Being an exile myself I watch them quite a bit for news and rugby! Haven't seen Combat Pilot yet - but will look out for it now, looks excellent. Well done BBC - long may the licence fee continue to provide excellent value!
Thu Mar 11 10:52:27 2004
Rhod from Cardiff
I really enjoy the programme, it gives you a sense of pride for what our pilots have achieved and do day to day. They truly earn our respect. Well done lads!
Sat Mar 6 18:54:59 2004
Jac, Holyhead
Pride of Britain, that's our armed forces.
Sun Feb 29 16:52:29 2004
Sheena from Yorkshire
Great series, I am biased as Dave is my husband. Good to see exactly what his training involved, and even better to see the tension go from his face on the day he passed his final trip.
The programme really helped me see how hard the training had been, now I'm just amazed at how all the trainees have become so accomplished in so short a time.
My son, who also wants to be a fast jet pilot now, looks at his father with new respect, and realises what a long and difficult road it is going to be.
Fantastic job guys.
Tue Feb 24 18:47:18 2004
Did you see Combat Pilot?
