I don't know about an Engineer going for a ride...but there was one attempted hijacking in Nigeria where a quick thinking American Pilot departed hurriedly...and delivered said Hijacker to the Texaco/Funiwa.....hanging from the Skid.
George Puddy was one of the nicest people I have ever met....a real Gentleman and always good fun to be around.
As I was ex-US Army and an American...who passed through Redhill on Holiday from a job with a small helicopter maker in Italy....the hiring process was a bit less formal than it later became.
I was in the Reception of the new building in Redhill dressed in Shorts, Tee Shirt, and Flip Flops....asking to pickup an Application to be submitted by Post when I was called upstairs...offered a cup of Tea and a Job.
I suppose being at the right place at the right time overcomes being properly attired and not a member of any particular British Class or Service.
As has been said in the past....those were the best days of Mr. Bristow's company.
Good people, good attitude, and some very good flying to be had.