RAF Flying Instructor Interview | Tug Wilson (In-Person Part 1)

Former Phantom pilot, Tug Wilson, shares what it was like going back to the Hawk T1 to fly as an instructor and teaching the RAF's future fighter pilots with some great stories along the way!
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[@markotango54]

I really enjoyed reading Tugs Phantom book, he's such a humble gentleman, and l love hearing his anicdotes

[@bobg1069]

I was an avid climber in my younger years, so my posting to Valley as an instructor was perfect for me, Also, my wife was born and educated on the Island. Sods law, my posting there only lasted 2 years and then it was back to Lossiemouth and Scottish mountains!

[@robertsonjam]

Another brilliant interview Mike. Tug is a great guest (and nice guy), a natural at telling his stories, so interesting and honest. Great insight into RAF training at that time.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers Robert.

[@markotango54]

He comes across so well and is very modest, l guess that's quite unique to find in a Fighter Pilot so we're all fortunate to be able to share his experiences

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

Tug reminds me of F/L Alan Taylor when he was RAF/USAF Exchange tour in a T-38A. Posted to ATC duty as a non-volunteer from the left-seat of a B-52G. When Tug calls Valley as “the far end of nowhere”, well Del Rio, Texas was our version of Valley. Wonderful interview. Keep ‘em coming.

[@Twirlyhead]

I've had some great nights out in the pubs of Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey. Usually following some excellent fishing trips to the island.

[@JagdgeschwaderX]

Yeh, that's way over on the other side of the Island. Going out near Valley is a whole different experience and not one that most of us want to see lol

[@Twirlyhead]

@@JagdgeschwaderX Rhosneigr, Treaddur Bay pleasant enough.

[@mikeF111]

Top interview Mike. Tug nails what it’s like to be a military instructor. Had many of the same experiences. Thanks Tug

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers Mike, great to hear you enjoyed it.

[@cageordie]

I read Tug's book over the last few days. I always loved the Phantom since I read Robert Prest's book and this just added more to the whole story. Blowing up three Speys on the Phantom has to have been really bad luck, he made it sound like most of the time it was mundane. But I am surprised they all survived the drinking. It's funny that a Yorkshireman refers to Valley as 'up there' when he comes from way north of there, though as a Geordie I still think of him as a southerner ;-)

[@jasonwebb7574]

I loved Robert Prest's book "F4 Phantom". I've still got the paperback I bought as a teenager, plus a hardback copy & one on the Kindle!

[@davidsmith8997]

Arrogance is ultimately toxic in almost every arena. Interesting to hear it was the same in the RAF. Great interview.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks David.

[@billolgaau]

I did lots of training in Cival Airlines & had two very nice guys that everyone in the Airline liked & were quite good as First Officers but hopeless as Capt candidates.
As Tug hinted to we called it Platous of learning (during training & I told all them they will usually stuff up 3/4 through & get passed it).
There were Platous of type were pilots were fine on piston engines & turbo props for instance but no way jets.
BTW After I retired years later I got the only complement I really appreciated from an ex WW2 Lancaster pilot with a DFC ( And ex Chief Airline Pilot) now in his 90's who said when he rang me to go to a Réunion- "We never had any problems with you". :o)

[@bill8784]

Great interview. Lovely to hear things from the instructor’s perspective having been taught by various QFIs in the UAS.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers, Bill.

[@daveh1081]

Mike, I've said it before but Tug is such a self effacing guy. Had I gotten through OASC, I like to think someone like Tug just might have pulled me through........but I didn't so it's academic. He just comes across as a top guy. Your questions were brilliant too by the way.
Best
Dave

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks Dave.

[@moochoman9948]

Amazing interviews. So interesting, could listen to Tug for hours and hours.

[@jjsmallpiece9234]

How to start a Hawk
Batteries on
Engine master switch front and rear cockpit on
Ignition switch on
LP fuel pump on
LP fuel cock open
Check HP cock closed.
Press Gas Turbine Starter button.
Wait until GTS indicator shows green
Then select main engine switch to on - forward position.
Monitor main engine gauge - check for main engine rotation
Once engine gauge reach reaches15-20% open the HP cock to idle
Check for engine ignition - rising turbine temperature and increasing engine rotation speed
Check GTS cuts out at 45% Nh - green indicator returns to black
Open HP cock to increase speed, check engine bleed valve closes at 60%
Throttle back and engine stabilises at about 55% Nh, turbine exhaust temp 350-360 deg C

[@williamwinsor7376]

The arrogant pilot who got cut sounds like maverick. Makes you wonder.