Tornado F3 Display Nav | Jon "Herbie" Hancock (In-Person Part 1)

In this episode, Jon "Herbie" Hancock talks us through his early beginnings in aviation, going through nav training, getting selected to be a nav on the Phantom and moving onto the Tornado F3.
Watch part 2 www.aircrewinterview.tv/#/f3n...
The main focus is on Jon's time as the Tornado F3 display nav and we get a great insight into what the display nav's role was, how you get selected, coming up with the routine, flying at airshows and much more!
Original thumbnail photo by John Dibbs www.planepicture.com/
Filmed at www.nelsam.org.uk/
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[@Aircrewinterview]

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[@petercoker807]

What a great interview! Herbie was so respected in both in the F4 and F3 world I was there as it all happened on 56 Sqn and I have to say that Herbie was the ideal candidate to take over from PB after his devastating and untimely passing that really rocked the Squadron. It needed someone with real empathy, tenacity and skill. Herbie was the right person for the role and he rose to the occasion which was a real tribute especially taking over from one of the best instructional young navigators we had in the the F3 Training environment. Well done Herbie for stepping into the most difficult situation. It takes a lot of courage and tenacity to do what you did and silently respect the RAF in the F3 display team. While we all miss PB immensely and they way you took on the role as F3 display nave should not be underestimated. Well done Herbie and God Rest PB!

[@davidsmith8997]

That's a really solid endorsement of Herbie! Good interview all round.

[@grinner2916]

Hello Pete, great to see a familiar name on here. Absolutely agree that its a great interview - Herbie, (and Mike) you did an awesome job. Really great tribute to PB - he was an amazingly talented bloke and his sudden death shook the whole F3 world - especially the QWI cadre where his contribution to making the jet better, was unmatched. Best regards - Grinner

[@JonHancock-go1tu]

How great to hear from you, and thank you for such generous comments. It was indeed a very difficult time, not just for those of us on 56 where your leadership set absolutely the right tone and support, but the wider community, beyond station level. When I was invited to do this, I really wanted to pay tribute to PB, it was the least I could do. It’s nearly 30 years now, and as Harrogate is just down the rosd from home, I must stop by and pay my respects to him.

[@incargeek]

Great interview. Talking of noise, the Lightning display at Greenham Common in 1984, yowsers.

[@machpants]

Great interview Herbie, I'm blown away by the number of blah jet ejections - the good old days! It's good to see you, last time was Lithuania :) Kiwi

[@TheLincolnshireFlyer]

I do believe our paths crossed twice during our service. Once at Leeming and then at Conningsby.

[@rogergreenwood1536]

Wow, not heard much before about the 3 days at Biggin, but I did that aged 15 (failed of course) late 70s so really appreciate what it took to get through to the next stage. A couple of years ago got the chance to be in a PA28 and even more appreciate the skill of the crew, especially the radio and nav workload.

[@alimack5489]

I love watching these videos, but it’s somewhat of a bitter sweet when you see the state of the RAF now and how few actual planes they have flying 😢

[@robertblay9179]

But vastly more capable

[@SworBeyE16]

@@robertblay9179Vastly more capable on paper, when serviceable and available. Currently theres no AWACs capability and we’re reliant on the US for most air refuelling duties.

[@SworBeyE16]

@@robertblay9179Air mobility force is definitely less capable

[@robertblay9179]

@SworBeyE16 With C17, A400, and Voyager. We are in a pretty good place

[@SworBeyE16]

@@robertblay9179 a400 has caused a lot of problems for the air mobility fleet. The C17 force is having to cover the tactical airlift capabilities that were lost with the scrapping of c-130 but they only have 8 aircraft that are badly overworked

[@mikeF111]

Must have been a fun tour. Herbie’s old mate Nick A helped give me a headache at a Williamtown Dining In when I was bograt. He kept passing the port!

[@jonathanperry4189]

I had a sixth form sponsorship he mentions fondly (1990-1991 the money and 30 hours flying). I was at a comprehensive school. Fantastic with the summer trips to Brecon beacons and grantown on Spey. Asked to join after and was told sponsorship had been cancelled due to defence cuts cutting numbers, a victim of "Options for Change " the cuts to the services Joined Yorkshire university air squadron and had fantastic 3 years at finningley. Made it to airlines later. Bring back the sponsorships ,

[@manuwilson4695]

Some people were just born for this job.

[@Back2TheBike]

Absolutely fascinating. I was a project manager on F3 at Warton for 2 years inc chaff/flare for Granby (in 10 days), running the major fatigue test too. Miss the smell of AVTUR on the breeze.

[@chrisj2848]

Hah this was great what an interview 👍

[@Aircrewinterview]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@shirleydrury5565]

Did you display at mildenhall air fete if so I’ve seen your display.😊 enjoyed and regards and thank you for your service😊 And thank you Mike for this upload regards to you😊😊👍👍

[@JonHancock-go1tu]

I flew the 95 Mildenhall display with Matt, always a fantastic venue and I think sadly missed from the display circuit