Military AircrewA forum for the professionals who fly the non-civilian hardware, and the backroom boys and girls without whom nothing would leave the ground. Army, Navy and Airforces of the World, all equally welcome here.
For once, the MOD/RAF have done a wonderful thing. The article on the site has fine praise and great tributes to the guys from their families, Staish, Boss, Flt Cdr and even the Def Sec; heartfelt and genuine praise from those people shows that yesterday, we lost 2 of the finest!
Awful. Kenny, you were an absolute gentleman and made me very welcome at Leuchars - your love for everything aviation was palpable and you were lovely with it. Nige - what to say - you taught me a great deal about how to do my job and you always set high standards and made sure we met them. Will raise a glass to you both - and again next week at Leu.
I flew with Nige a number of times when I was on 5 Sqn. I'd like to pass on my sincere condolences to his family and friends. A sad loss of a genuinely lovely bloke.
I am just devastated; god bless you both. I did not meet Kenny but it is clear from others that he was a real star.
I have known Nige well for a very long time and have never seen him hold a bad thought for anybody, nor avoid helping another in need. One of the nicest, most helpful and kind blokes I have ever known, I have greatly enjoyed the times we have worked together over the years and will miss him.
Romana, you have my greatest sympathy. I saw Nige last year and he was full of pride, as always, when he updated me on how the family were doing. If there is anything that you need you know that you can turn to any of us.
Absolutely gutted, I served with Nige on 2 Sqns and all the previous comments sum up what a top and nice bloke he was. As keen about flying from the first, this is tragic. Regards The Swede Family
I was on both 43 and 5 with Nige, and has been stated, he was the loveliest of men: Honest, professional and without a crumb of vice or malice. It was an honour, to know and fly with him. Sadly, I don't know his 'driver', but I'm sure by what has been said, I missed a great opportunity to meet an equallly fine bloke.
R- Our Love and thoughts are with you, and the family.
I had the pleasure of flying with Nige on V(AC) and 43(F) Sqns. It was a pleasure to work have worked and played with him. A true gent, he was a great guy to have on the sqn; I can only echo the previous comments and say what a genuinely nice bloke he was. Every time our paths crossed in recent years I was always struck by his continued enthusiasm for a job he clearly loved.
Our thoughts are with Nige's family and all at Leuchars
I remember when Kenny was about to start the OCU at Leuchars - word had passed up the grapevine that this was a good guy pitching up, wow they weren't kidding. Kenny- so many happy beers in St Andrews with you and the guys....listening to how excited you were about buying your new "cost effective" plane! Some great times.
Kenny was genuinely one of the best humoured people I have ever met in the RAF who enjoyed life and always had a smile and a laugh. We have lost such a great guy.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew him at Leuchars.
Had the pleasure of Nige's company on the air bridge to mpa last year and many times in the bar and on the squash court over the next few weeks. An absolutely genuine bloke who it was a pleasure to have known. Always lost for words on these occasions, now more than ever. Take care on your last adventure fellas
Two top blokes - Nige did a sterling job at the Rooster Cup just a couple of weeks ago and Kenny happily slummed it with us groundcrew on the football pitch of a Wednesday night.
Location: Out of the fold, but still on the system
Age: 40
Posts: 1
Never thought I'd write to this site although I keep a weather eye, but knew Kenny at Cranwell, and...well...sad days.
I'm maintaining from a desk a long way from the day to day, a loss like this just brings everything back into focus. Per Ardua Ad Astra or possibly Per Ardua Ad Alta.
Your loss is felt:
FLYING into the good stuff,
kicking the thunder with my
feet, backing away from saddness,
and learning to love the ones
we hate,
I write as the son of a former (sadly departed) FAA fast jet front seater..............that should give a clue as to the era!
I am a civilian, but have huge, huge respect for you boys at the front line. I have tears in my eyes as I post this.
I always find it a hugely sad day when aircrew go in. I think a lot of individuals who have no connection with the aviation world just do not consider - PPRuNe users exempt - work is one thing, family life another,yet in some ways strangely connected.
Yesterdays news was tragic. The flying community has again lost something special, but not as special as those left at home.
My condolences to the families affected and if there are children involved, always remember your Fathers, they will be thinking of you, where ever they are.
On another thread : Keep going Tappers Dad - the support is out there.
Had the pleasure of sharing a few beers with Nige in the bar & Goose at MPA. I know in these times we often write that lost aircrew loved flying but I got the impression Nige really did. Enjoyed hearing his stories of flying F3s down south. Godspeed and condolences to both families.
As a Pilot in Civvy street GA, but had an ex Fighter Pilot as my captain for a year, i could never step into your shoes, but mine would easily fit yours.
I dont know how you do it.
Just want to say sorry and not sure if this has been said, but, going in by the "Rest and be Thankful" beauty spot must say it all.
As an older git I didn't know Kenny but flew with Nige many times. As previous posters have said, you couldn't find a more professional guy out there with never a bad word for anyone.
Condolonces to both families at this terrible time.
I never knew Kenny personally, however I have met Nige many times down at MPA and chewed the fat over various issues. We all have a love of flight but as has been mentioned previously, it was clear to everyone who met him that Nige had an enthusiasm a league above most.
Will now go and have a quick toast to you both before bed.
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