Ray - Again blast from past no not above ground I am sure I saw his obituary in Sunderland Echo a few years ago. What he couldn't explain about Nav aids and Roman settlements on the back of a beer mat wasn't worth knowing!!
And yes he used to fly out of Usworth in the 70 & 80's I am sure he once flew with his mate, a mad Icelandic chap, direct Sola in a AT115 Airtourer of all things!! Probably using DECCA as the North Sea was covered by stations.