Harrier GR3/5 | with Mark Zanker *Part 1*

[@gavinmackay]

Re the airshow in Czechoslovakia that Mark talks about from 39:00. I was his station commander, and (as he mentions) I accompanied him flying his spare jet. I didn't often pull rank to bag a good deal, but this one was too good to miss! We had a wonderful weekend, hosted by the Czech Air Force, and it was made extra special by meeting some old gentlemen who had escaped the German invasion in 1939 and flown with the RAF during WW2. Having returned home after the war, they had had a very hard time for many years under the Communist regime which the Soviet Union had imposed on their country. To see them finally being given the respect and recognition they deserved from their nation was marvellous. And the Harrier, as always, was the star of the show!

[@bensmith7536]

A great many of us non flying types hugely appreciate reading accounts just like this.... sincere thank you for your update, perhaps we can see your interview in the future !

[@gavinmackay]

@@bensmith7536 Thanks, Ben. But be careful what you wish for. I can bore for Britain, talking about the various aeroplanes I have flown....

[@GrumpyAustralian]

@@gavinmackay "I can bore for Britain, talking about the various aeroplanes I have flown...." Go for it.

[@mdkcjtl5523]

Gavin Mackay the F-15E has to be one the best Airplanes it’s won 104 dogfights and lost 0 dude

[@uwekonnigsstaddt524]

In the Marine Corps we used to call it the “ScareRRIER”. Back when the U.S.M.C. flew the A and C versions. Anytime they would take off or came back for a landing, we kept our eyes on them…..quite a few crashed. The “B” changed all that. My fav version was the FRS.1, Sea Harrier, love the profile, with its a pointed nose one, pitot tube on top. Great interview!! Look forward to part 2.

[@markwilson8299]

What a super interview, Mr Zanker seems like a top bloke- Single seat fast jet was the pinnacle and his talent must have shone through. Can't wait for part 2!

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks Mark!

[@johntreanor812]

I remember Mark when I was a chef on 3sqn in 1992. Managed to bag a back seat jolly in a T4

[@Aircrewinterview]

Nice!

[@louwvandermerwe178]

Met him at SAAF 75!

[@para7843]

Mark zanker or sir to me back in the day. We were both on the harrier ocu at wintering. He was very quite now listening to him on this he is a very nice guy. I was a squipper on flying clothing so I got to know the jocks very well. Good to see him

[@johnfisher7143]

Where did the RAF find these wonderful pilots? Truly the golden era of RAF recruitment and training.

[@uwekonnigsstaddt524]

Disneyland…..DUH!!!!

[@multibucker]

Brilliant interview, love the Harrier, thanks so much.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers.

[@GT-sl7wg]

Nice interview Mark! I remember you pitching up at Valley with George F to do the UK/ Europe Convex!! Later of course we crossed a few times in the course of our careers! Cheers Throb

[@mkmdexplorationparanormal5610]

This guy has to be up there on my favourite interviews ! Cracking interview 😊 well done buddy 👍

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers mate!

[@Swaggerlot]

Wittering had the same simulator in the early 70s. The map had model buildings, many of which were hinged to fall over and save upsetting the camera when it collided with one.

[@toady5843]

He went to the same school as me, just 2 years above me. Same ATC squadron, we produced 4 officers in 3 years

[@leethomas6624]

What a dude!

[@RaduB.]

Brilliant story! One of the best. Looking forward to seeing the second part.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers mate!

[@julianneale6128]

Such an interesting and underrated channel! Please keep up the great work you do, as it's always so interesting to hear what the crews of these machines talk.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thank you for your kind words, Julian!

[@darrenhillman8396]

What a great bloke! Cracking interview! Off to watch part 2 now..!

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers Darren!

[@oleran4569]

Great interview!

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks!

[@Aeronaut1975]

Great interview! I love hearing about the Harrier (My fav DCS World module). I look forward to part 2!

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers.

[@andrewm852]

Nice one Mark

[@hondansx1000]

Very interesting, can't wait for part 2

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks.

[@RawPower7]

I love theese interviews, thanks.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Glad you’re enjoying them.

[@RawPower7]

I enjoy them immensely! Thank you for making and sharing theese spectacular stories!

[@RawPower7]

MichaelKingsfordGray what you mean?

[@RawPower7]

MichaelKingsfordGray LOL not sure what your problem is and i dont care

[@RawPower7]

MichaelKingsfordGray so many strange people around theese days

[@stewsretroreviews]

Really interested stuff!

[@grizzworld]

As Always a great Interview with a great pilot i really enjoyed it ! :)

[@Aircrewinterview]

Great to hear you enjoyed it!

[@will9357]

LOL, Texas is not entirely flat, nor are all of our lakes dried up... but this state is so big that it can certainly seem that way. 😂

[@georgesheffield1580]

Brown or green water may look like dirt or grass

[@74p]

Great interview with Mark. Interesting for a civilian to hear about. It's hard to hear the interviewer, though: Consider to add in another microphone or dub the questions over again.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Noted :)

[@azurty]

Great point, defo extra mic required.

[@SimDeck]

Superb interview. Mark sounds like a top bloke. Train hard play hard :)

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks very much.

[@GrayPixelMorning]

Hi! I love your channel. I just wanted to know if you could put a mark in the thumbnails to indicate if an interview is live or skyped. Thank you very much for all what you are doing

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks very much! Do you mean “live” for in-person interviews?

[@GrayPixelMorning]

@@Aircrewinterview Yes! That's exactly what I meant. It' just that I prefer the in-person interviews.

[@Pedro8k]

Should have kept the harrier it was battle tested and could flown from anywhere was our best ground attack aircraft the us marines version is still in use

[@uwekonnigsstaddt524]

In the Marine Corps we used to call it the “ScareRRIER”. Back when the U.S.M.C. Fleet the A and C versions. Anytime they would take off or came back for a landing, we kept our eyes on them…..quite a few crashed. The “B” changed all that. My fav version was the FRS.1, Sea Harriers.ove the profile, with it a pointed nose one, pitot tube on top. Great interview!

[@nevilleedwards6346]

😅

[@jessiejameshair5189]

WHY DON'T YOU SHOW MORE OF THE FUCKING PLANE ???

[@richardbradley1532]

There may be a clue in the channel name?