TRC Wasn't G-SPEY 'lost at sea'? I seem to recall an engine failure en-route to the Channel Isles, ditched (no injuries, fortunately) and then sank. This was post our sale to Castle Air, I think.
NJT I remember with great affection CAA's Jack Clifton; super chap. At my interview he told me that he was going to go for an OU degree in History upon retirement. I hope he succeeded; if he's still with us he'll be an 'elder' of the tribe; if he's not, then he'll be imbibing the odd glass of red wine upon my (huge) bar tab up there. Cheers Jack!
As an anecdotal tribute, just so everyone knows, Jack was the CAA liason officer with the development of Concorde. Had all the French team going with the response "Mustn't grumble" to the frequent "Comment ca va?" Completely confused!!
He also endeared himself (to us, if not the French partners) by listening to a presentation by the Chief designer which everyone applauded. When asked what he thought of it he announced, loudly "Never heard such a load of bollox"............
This got him an interview at (then) Brabazon House, and the appointment as Surveyor-in-Charge at Weybridge.... !
Of such memories is the chequer-board of life fabricated. ~ VFR