Hi Brian's x2, ie Brian W May & Brian 48 Nav
Tis I, the man on the right of the crew photo above and you are correct in your assumption that it is Paul Dowell
I am humbled by your thoughtful assessments and thank you both for your published views.
I did indeed leave the RAF in 1980 to follow my dream of becoming a commercial pilot and went to live in the USA for three years where I flew for a small company supplying the oil industry in central USA and as you rightly say I also spent my time instructing American, Afican and Middle East students in the joys of instrument flight.
As a result of the 1983 oil crisis returned to the UK, married and then did a spell on the outside before returning to the RAF and spent around 11 wonderful years on SAR.
Sad really, a life story wrapped up in three paragraphs but a life with absolutely no regrets.