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ATR42300
19th Apr 2006, 13:57
Could anyone please assist on Test Pilot – Martin Walton, he was with Armstrong Whitworth testing Meteor NF 14s at Baginton in the early 1950’s. I am looking for details of his career and if possible a photograph.
Any help much appreciated

Kieron Kirk
19th Apr 2006, 16:50
Info from Air Britain UK Flight Testing Accidents 1940-1971(published 2002 ISBN 0 85130 331 1).
Sqdn Ldr P M R Walton test pilot 1957 Sir W G Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft Ltd.

ATR42300
20th Apr 2006, 07:42
Kieron

Many thanks for that, this is a good first lead.

Much appreciated

spekesoftly
20th Apr 2006, 09:51
Very hazy recollection here, so please forgive me if my memory is playing tricks. I think that Martin Walton was at one time an HSA Hatfield test pilot - (possibly connected with the HS125). I've a feeling that he subsequently emigrated to the USA, to start his own aviation related business.

Kieron Kirk
20th Apr 2006, 16:49
More info from the Air Britain book UK Flight Testing Accidents 1940-1971.

On 14th August 1954, Sqdn Ldr P M R Walton was engaged in an engine test flight in Hunter F.2 WN905.

During a high speed run over Bitteswell the a/c lost part of the stbd u/c causing damage to the flaps and loss of hydraulic fluid.

Uncertain as to the extent of possible other damage to the a/c and the high approach speed without flaps, the pilot put the a/c into a spin and ejected at 8,000ft near East Langton, north of Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

The pilot and the a/c landed in adjacent fields.

Sqdn Ldr P M R Walton R Aux AF.

ATR42300
20th Apr 2006, 18:26
Kieron,

Thanks again, the term "clucking bell" springs to mind.

spekesoftly
22nd Apr 2006, 01:07
Did a little checking, and I can confirm that Martin Walton was at Hatfield, mainly involved with training customer pilots on the HS125. Prior to that, he was involved with the Argosy programme at Armstrong Whitworth.

After moving to the States, he set up his own very successful business offering type conversion training on the 125. I understand that he now enjoys his retirement, living in Connecticut.

ATR42300
22nd Apr 2006, 10:19
Spekesoftly,

Many thanks for that could you please contact me off forum at : [email protected]. Many thanks