Originally Posted by
Wig Wag
Very sad news.
Some years ago I posted a message on Pprune asking for help with a project and John Farley kindly responded. I had the pleasure of lunch with him and Mrs Farley. He was quite the most naturally intelligent and unassuming character. One of Britain's finest aviators and a true English gentleman.
RIP a very great man whose quietly stated contribution to British aviation was enormous.
John Farley's ability to translate the complicated into the simple left a lasting impression on me. He had made an art of explaining situations, issues and technical matters in a way in which a layman could understand. Obviously that is part of the skill set of the test pilot by JF clearly wanted everyone to understand what a clever project the Harrier was.
I think 'A View from the Hover' should be required reading for anyone considering a career in aerospace be they a pilot or an engineer.
There was another side to JF too. Aviation abounds with impressive characters but JF stood out as a caring and principled man. He was a great role model and that is something else than be looked to.