Captain Ron Hardy

Sadly Ron passed away on Monday 7th November 2011. I know that he will be sadly missed by many of us at bmi, but I am sure that his spirit is still alive and kicking in many of the pilots he trained and flew with.

Ron started his career as a Sergeant Pilot in the RAF and joined Derby Airways on the Dakotas at Burnaston, Derby.

He left to join Singapore Airlines flying the F27, Comet and B707.

Ron rejoined British Midland in 1970 on the B707, becoming Fleet Manager. He rose to the position of Chief Pilot, flying the DC9 and introduced the SD330/360 Fleets, B737 Fleet and the B737 simulator.

After retiring from flying Ron became the Training Centre Manager at Whitwick, housing the B737 simulator.

Ron retired from British Midland in 1991.

For those wishing to attend, Ron's funeral is arranged for next Tuesday, Nov 15th, 1545hrs at Bretby Crematorium.
Address for Crematorium is:-

Geary Lane,
Bretby,
Burton on Trent,
Staffs.
DE15 0QE.

For those requiring an approach chart, if you key 'Bretby Crematorium' into your domestic FMS scratchpad you'll find one.
There will be a social meeting at a suitable venue after the Service - details will be available at the Service.

As Ron was always a stickler for punctuality and took no prisoners from those who were not, he will no doubt depart at his scheduled STD. If you do arrive late I have little doubt that he's still capable of giving you a b******ing - so best be on time!

The family request that any pilots attending the funeral, wear their uniform.

Sad news indeed

Ron was chief pilot when I joined British Midland, and was the last person to properly fulfil that role. He did not suffer fools, but also had the balls to stand up to those above him; unlike all who have come since.
I can still remember the day when I got the call from Ron whilst in my previous job to say that I had been successful with my application to join Midland.

RIP Ron.

I flew with Ron on the Comet in Singapore (MSA) in the 60's. His partners in crime were John Blackman and Choon Choy. He was a good pilot and a good bloke-Blue Sky to you, Ron.

I met Ron many years ago when night stopping in Muscat as our F/E Terry Boone was ex British Midland and we were in the same hotel. British Midland had 3 B707's on wet lease to KAC at the time and he was an entertaining interesting character.

I knew Terry Boone when we were both in Eagle-He was a funny man

Sorry not to have been there to pay my respects yesterday but,"Keep attacking" Ron!

Sad news.

Speaking entirely from my own experiences, the man I met during my time at bmi was nothing like the man others described. He was straightforward, certainly firm, but always fair. The latter was an especially rare management quality in that particular company, in my experience.

I've no doubt one of his first actions on the other side will be to base himself where his favourite, the 707, operates. The current Fleet Manager had better watch out - here comes one of the best.

R.I.P., Ron.

Sad to hear the news.

He gave me the break we all need to get into this industry. Ron Was hard, but it was a different time to todays political correct BS. A few people around him & above him were hard too, but why not!! It worked & well too. it went wrong in BMA when it became to PC!

Times have changed & not not not for the best.

He wasnt called Hard Ron for nothing, but I & others respected him. As I grow older I see the softness of todays "cotton wool children" will ruin us.

Ron new this.

RIP

& thank you.

Jumbojet,

I do not know you, and i did not know Ron, but your comments are absolutely spot on...Too many "smiling" assassins these days.