Boris' Plane: the flag is correct!

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. The aeroplane used by the Prime Minister among other VIPs recently received a new paint scheme. The aircraft is a Royal Air Force Voyager Multi Role Tanker Transport(a military version of the Airbus A330) and before that wore the standard grey livery used by combat aircraft (the aircraft continued to be and evidently still is used to perform air to air refuelling operations when not transporting VIPs). Operated by No 32 (The Royal) Squadron who fly Royalty and Government members & officials it was though a paint scheme that marked the aircraft out as something more high profile would promote the UK better. The price tag has received some criticism in the media but I will not talk about that here as I generally like to avoid politics (although apparently the aircraft had other upgrades and maintenance performed on it as well as a new livery).

RAF Voyager VIP refueling a pair of F-35B Lightnings

 What I am going to talk about is the comments that many social media commentators picked up on is that the Union Jack pattern seems to depict the design upside down.  Firstly I am pleased at the number of people who apparently can tell if the Union Flag is the correct way up, as incorect Union Flags are one of my pet hates.  However I digress to my opening statement about a little knowledge. For the flag is displayed correctly. While it is true when drawing the flag the hoist side (the pole end) is generally depicted on the viewer's left this is not always the case. When painted on the side of a vehicle or aircraft the hoist is depicted in the forward direction. This is evident in the UK flag protocol. There is a fair point that the stylised paint-job implies that the hoist is at the rudder end of the tail but even in this the RAF (who I am sure know about aircraft markings) evidently decided the protocol still applies. If one looks at the port side of the aircraft you will notice not only is the hoist forward facing but appears on the viewer's left.

Despite statements pointing out the protocol the print media has picked up on the story and is recirculating the myth that the flag on the plane used by the PM, members of the Royal Family and other British representatives is upside down which is erroneous (this Red Top even shamelessly linked to the Flag Institute protocol page that states how the flag should be displayed on an aircraft while saying the flag was upside down. The journalist evidently not taking the time to read the whole thing!). So I hope this post corrects the record.