Hi Stally, having lived in Slough I can imagine the quality of the Aircraft on its return from Pakistan! We've also had experience of work done elsewhere and on it's return it spends a few days in the hangar getting stuff sorted that should have been done during the check!
No I don't get across to Dublin as often as I'd like to! I'm now living 100 miles from Heathrow and 80 odd from Gatwick, not too much of a problem on nightshift, 1 and a half hours driving each way, but also there's the hassle of parking,standby, etc. In September an Irish low cost airline, EuJet, started operating from Manston, only 3 miles from my house. PJ McGoldrick is the boss, ex Donner, and I flew across with them a couple of weeks ago for £25 all in, better than Staff Travel and a firm seat! And without the slog to LHR or LGW and back! I've sent a CV to them but they want Fokker 100 cover. 747s not good enough for them!
I spent a day in the 'Don with RSM Gr**n! Claudel showed me around the PC9s (thanks again, for that, Claudel!) Excellent museum in what was the old Heli hangar, then a bit of time in Dublin, not long enough, so I hope to get back again soon!
There was a real buzz in the city, so much had changed since I last went there, usually I just pass through if I'm on my motorbike, or spend time with the relatives/friends etc. I hope to fly over for the Skerries bike races, I could do that in a day!
Enjoy the Xmas barbies! JK