A Welcome Evening..

Again today was consumed largely with classes. The Squadron Leader today taught the value of the eyesight to pilots. I also learnt the failings and limitations of this sense.

The Sqaudron Leader, being a man who enjoys his drink, also began to explain the effects of alcohol on vision. This topic soon progressed onto the discussion of pilots losing their licenses to alcohol intoxication. The limit for pilots is very low and very strictly punishable; this also tied in very heavily with medication and the stringency of the industry with regard to drugs tests. It seems that whilst on duty a pilot must only use medication which has been certified and recommended by an AME (Aero Medical Examiner); even hayfever pills have been the cause of disciplinary action..!

At the end of the day however there was a little something to help us unwind; every month as a new class arrives, a 'Welcome Evening' is arranged to welcome the new cadets. All cadets and members of staff are invited for some free food and drinks.

The evening was a very civilised one, with Canapés, wine and a selection of beers and juices; not to mention an array of other finger foods.

It was a great chance to mingle with the Instructors et al, in a more casual social environment. The dress code for the evening was Flight Attire as per usual. All of the usual suspects were there including The Skipper, The Tux and The Squadron Leader..

It turns out that alot of the instructors mentioned are not ex pilots, but were RAF or RN engineers. Regardless, being part of the aviation world at that time, allowed the same debaucherous lifestyles as their airborne commrades..

Apparently it is the best lifestyle ever..