I feel even more sad now that the names have been posted I have known one of the pilots for over 30 years.
When I first pulled on the hairy blue uniform of an ATC cadet well over 40 years ago I knew exactly what I wanted to pursue as a career. After nearly 28 years in RAF uniform I left to pursue a second career in the civil sector. Aviation is in my blood and I could not contemplate working in another industry.
My Dad was an AEF pilot and CO of my ATC Sqn. He was killed in a Chipmunk crash many years ago, but fortunately his passenger survived.
Nevertheless, I still remember my elder boy putting on his ATC uniform for the first time and his beaming face when he came home after his first trip in a Tutor. So the aviation theme continues in the family.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families and the friends and colleagues of the deceased. My thoughts are with you at this awful time.
RIP