I was amusing myself this evening watching a program about French Pompier (firefighters).
My thoughts were with these splendid people (men and women) throughout the world and the risks they take on our behalf every day of their working lives.
Then I remembered Douglas Alexander talking about how good it will be for the country to make these heroes work until they are 70 to be able to get their pensions.
Then I remembered why I hate politicians so much and why the image of a huge funeral pyre with DC on the top - Guy Fawkes style - is so alluring.
i am waiting for mr notts to say this is only because of over zelous council officials and is not lawful.
if this old soldier fell whilst getting into the planes cockpit, and broke his hip, who would pick up the bill for his compensation?
I gotta be honest if 91 year old eric asked me if he could sit in my x million pound spitfire I might possibly try to put him off. Wouldn't you? And its pretty certain the museums public liability or stock insurance don't cover allowing punters to clamber all over the planes.
So it isnt Elf n Saferty is it. Its just common sense.
Phone up the museum and ffer to cover any potential damage and liabilities. I reckon 300 quid would insure him.
I owned my own plane.
I flew a retired war time pilot of a glider who flew troops to the European continent during the war to a reunion which is held each year in the UK.
It was the most humbling experience ever of my flying career.
I received a letter from him after that flight which I treasure to this day.
I didn't care a shit whether he could climb the wing into my airplane. He did. He didn't stumble and the constant grin on his face was worth a million quid.
The grin lasted the whole flight (and back). He was amazed at the new technology available to pilots today when they had virtually nothing on board to help them in their task.
Would I care about the insurance... never.
He was a hero. I was totally in awe of him.
Fuck the H&S people. What have they ever achieved?
Absolutely nothing.
If it were my Spit I would be honoured to have him sit in it and listen to his tales.
Good God, what is wrong with UK society today?
Good call if you ask me. On top of that, 9o odd years old, no access...........but it was a shame he wasn't allowed up? The people who think it is shameful, please do not look after the vulnerable.