A a frequent visitor to Thruxton (as a spotter) I met & built up a rapport with Neville & Ian over the last couple of years. As fate deals its hand, I went to school with James & only bumped into him again a few months ago after his return to the area.
I cannot explain how bad tempered & ill mannered the helicopter industry is generally to "the enthusiast" - there are a few exceptions. These three men WERE part of the exception, willing to share thoughts & knowledge with me & take the time to chat about a common fascination with the helicopter.
Visiting Thruxton for the first time on Tuesday, a week after the crash, it seemed a very different & lonely place. One cannot imagine what loss is felt by the colleagues & families at this time.
As everyone else who knew them has said in this thread already, I can only echo my own personal thoughts. Ian, Neville & James were truely professional, genuinely kind men who will be sadly missed by many, many people.
May they rest in peace.
Mike Rice