I was very sad to see the notice about Dave's death.
Being a PPL holder, just starting my correspondence ATPL's and working at EGCC as a refueller, I asked a Britannia engineer about 2 years ago who I could contact about obtaining a jump seat flight with his company. The name I was given was Dave's with an internal 'phone number.
Building up enough courage to make the 'phone call - knowing Dave was the base captain and not wanting to sound an idiot - I contacted Dave to explain who I was. We chatted for a while before I asked if it would be possible for him to organise a jump seat trip. He could not have been more approachable and helpful.
My jump seat flight was organised with Dave himself for 18 September 2000 to Ibiza with a mid afternoon departure.
This day finally came and, making sure I was smartly dressed, I arrived at Britannia's crew room and was welcomed by Dave. He immediately got me a coffee, introduced me to his First Officer for the flight, whose name was Ian, and then began to go over the flight plans. Time was not an issue and Dave went into particular detail for my benefit. Once this was all done and a fuel figure was decided, we then made our way down to the aircraft, 767-300.
During the outward and inbound flights, the First Officer Ian spent quite a bit of time, without my having asked him, to explain how the computer and navigation systems worked.
During this time I noticed that Dave never contradicted or patronised Ian in any way whatsoever. If I did not know that Dave was the base captain I would never have guessed it. No offence meant to base captains.
On arrival back in EGCC I could not thank Dave or Ian enough, and hoped that I had not been an inconvenience.
It wasn't until about 3 or 4 months ago, whislt working on the apron, that I learned of Dave's illness. I was really shocked.
Since then when on the apron, if a Britannia pilot during his walk round came and chatted to me, I would always ask how Dave was. I could tell from the responses given that they were saddened by his deteriorating health.
I would like to thank "whitehat" - and the Britannia Chief Pilot for giving his permission - for posting this thread and bringing this sad news to everyones attention.
My thoughts are with Dave's colleagues and many friends.
[ 24 November 2001: Message edited by: EGCC4284 ]
[ 24 November 2001: Message edited by: EGCC4284 ]
[ 24 November 2001: Message edited by: EGCC4284 ]