This has just come from SETP. Rest in peace Ed.
The Society was saddened to learn of the “Last Flight” of Edward Strongman (M) due to cancer on Sunday, 27 March 2016. Edward was 66.
Edward graduated from Bristol University in 1971, later going on to be part of the graduating class of the USAF Test Pilot School 80A, as an exchange student from the Royal Air Force. During his time in the Royal Air Force, Edward was the Test Pilot, Commanding Officer of Test Squadron for Research Test Flying, RAE Bedford from 1980-1986. He later transitioned to Senior Test Pilot for the Civil Aviation Authority from 1986-1995. Edward’s final position was with Airbus from 1995 until his retirement in November 2014, where he served as the Military Chief Test Pilot, although he was involved in all civil programs, his focus was on the A400M. Edward was part of the A400M project since development, serving as the Captain for the first flight on 11 December 2009. Edward was also deeply involved in the systems and quality development that lead to the A400M receiving its EASA Type Certification on 14 March 2013. The A400M has gone on to be delivered to the Air Forces of France, Turkey, Malaysia, and Germany.
He is survived by his wife Jane.
G