Ian Black - Flying the English Electric Lightning (157)

Ian Black is a former RAF Fighter Pilot with a passion for photography and motorcycles. He began his flying career with the legendary McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom in RAF Germany at the height of the Cold War.  After three years flying as a navigator Ian underwent Pilot Training in 1984-1986 during which time he was awarded prizes for flying ability , aerobatics and unsurprisingly navigation skills.  On completion of his flying training Ian was selected to fly the English electric Lightning in the Air Defence Role. Twenty five years earlier, Ian’s father had been one of the RAF’s first Lightning Pilots and his son was set to become the last. Serving on 11(F) Squadron.  Now I really need your help to allow me the time to continue producing and preserving these Cold War stories.  A monthly donation to help keep us on the air is only about $3, £3 or €3 per month (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. I am delighted to welcome Ian Black to our Cold War conversation… Check our Ian's great photography books here https://www.firestreakbooks.com/ There’s further information on this episode in our show notes,plus a book giveaway which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode157/ If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook. Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye. Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations 0:00 Introduction to guest Ian Black and his flying career 15:45 The use of IFF identification and challenges during the Cold War 28:09 RAF's vetting process and the lack of background checks in the 70s and 80s 33:19 Realistic training methods of the RAF and struggles with pilot training 41:32 Recommendation of Cold War TV on YouTube 43:32 Ian Black's experience flying the English Electric Lightning 55:23 Interception of a Russian bomber: a life-defining moment 1:00:20 Air refueling: strategy, coordination, and challenges 1:09:24 The responsibilities and challenges of flying a single-seat Lightning 1:12:28 Ian Black's photography, Firestreak Books, and future projects 1:17:44 acknowledgement of financial supporters 1:18:33 Closing remarks and continuation of the Cold War conversation on Facebook Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices