I was privileged to know Pip, to work with him at airshows from Victoria to outback Queensland over more than a decade, and to count him as a personal friend. He was the ultimate professional in his approach to flying and a thoroughly nice bloke.
He was also immensely proud of his son, a Hornet-driver in the RAAF.
I saw Pip fly on many, many occasions over the years. In later times, when he got his commentary system working efficiently, I was always amazed at how totally un-stressed he always sounded, no matter what crazy gyrations he put his iconic Edge through.
Pip knew there was an element of danger in what he did, but he always took care to be as safe as possible. He was really looking forward to taking the airshow circuit by storm with the presence of the big, noisy Samson, once he had it sorted out. What a tragedy, then, to be taken from us while working it up.
I can't believe he's gone.
Pip, Skip & Philthy. Bundaberg, 2007.
Goodbye Pip. Airshows won't be the same without you.