David and I were on basic training at the same time as he was on the course after mine. I well remember when we were on HMS Bulwark off Cyprus when he got the news that he was finishing his tour early to go and become a QHI. He'd always been a good aviator. He was due to fly out from RAK Akrotiri the next day, but his leaving party was so good that he didn't do any packing, left late and had to leave most of his kit behind. At one time we were drinking a delicious mixture of ouzo with Old Spice aftershave!!
I didn't see him for many years until I was on the Bristow Training School and he came down to demonstrate the R22. He told me that despite any misgivings I had, I'd grow to really like it and he was quite right.
Please pass on to him my very best wishes and I hope he manages to beat it.
Bob