was taking off at night without the flaps set for take off.
And that, I thought I was going to crash then.
But the airplane flew away.
I just carried on.
It was flying at the time and I kept flying it
and as it accelerated it performed normally.
But I came back, straight back.
I didn't write any safety reports
I think I just spoke to my instructor
and said what I'd done.
He said, "You won't ever forget that again." (laughs)
I don't think I did.
I thought I was going to crash
Edward Smith joined the RAF in 1976 and was selected to serve with the US Air Force, flying the F16 jet in a regular operational unit, as part of a long-standing exchange programme between both Services. After the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, he flew 26 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm alongside his USAF colleagues. He was subsequently awarded the American Distinguished Flying Cross and then the British DFC. On returning to the UK, his Tornado squadron was the first RAF fast jet squadron to fly over eastern Germany following reunification.
| Role pilot | Rank Sqdn Ldr |
I was shot at by a guy with a hunting rifle
Ed Smith
The F-16 was a remarkable aeroplane
Ed Smith
We'd see how fast we could make the Hawk fly
Ed SmithWe saw on TV what happened to people who'd been shot down
Ed SmithOnce you've flown the Phantom you never forget it
Ed Smith
Our families were getting most of their information from the TV news
Ed SmithA lot of planning goes into bringing the aircraft home
Ed Smith
