To keep on thread;
I flew with the pilot in question on numerous occasions on AOC work both in the same aircraft on line check or positioning and in formation on film work and multi aircraft taskings.
He always had an opinion, sometimes a loud one, usually made me giggle and often brightened the passengers day. An entire day sat at Barton aerodrome awaiting pax springs to mind and it flew by. A good wind up merchant, ever heard the story of the Ops Inspector who while ramp checking him in a 206 actually believed him when he was told he absolutely never held a licence....
Quality. You'd definitely hear him before you saw him.
A loving husband and father. Sincerest condolences to family and friends.
And yes he did know NI very well and may have been avoiding Irish airspace as he flew off a UK issued license but that doesn't matter now.
A character who will be missed.
H