Characters in aviation
Talking to a few people involved in the display circuit a month or so back and the subject got onto the reduction in the number of characters or personalities involved in aviation. The primary point concerned displays and display pilots where the scene has become more closely controlled (not always a bad thing). There is however a wider point here. Are we failing to create replacements for the characters of old?. There remain idiosyncratic individuals as anyone who has heard the Ogilvy display commentaries at Old Warden or who has met James Gilbert (the 'father' of PILOT magazine as we know it) can testify. The likes of Brian Lecomber would also count. But by and large we are talking 'Meldrew plus' on the age spectrum. I don't see too many young pretenders. Brendan O Brien is mid way.
I'm now in my (early) forties and have been actively flying for 15 years so I am not remembering the far distant past through a decayed layer of fuddled brain cells. Nor, however, am I fully connected to the new entrants. Perhaps I am missing the emerging characters.
Maybe we should instigate a 'hall of fame' for 'aviation personalities'?.
Thoughts on this and names (with details) for this 'fantasy fun flyer fame game' by return please.
James - now I know you read this I have already voted for you!.