Chris and Mat,

What the hell can I say, what's going to happen now? I'll miss you every time I'm going to the office, taking off and pass that damn hill. That damn phonecall from E, I will never forget, the crash site, at the hospital, everthing... I hope I'll make it to England and P to Australia. It's absolutely unfair what happened. I really hope that we can ever meet again wherever you guys are. Hope you're doing fine guys,

O

Thank you
 

Hi all,
on behalf of mathew's family and friends, I would like to thank you all for your kind words.

I recieved word of this at about 5am my local time yesterday, and at time of writing I am still struggling.

I cannot express how proud I was to see him pass me in ratings etc.:D

I have tried, but cannot find the words to express my grief at his loss.

I will miss they way he saunters up with a cheeky smirk and asks if he needs to come along to make sure i don't get lost.

Mattie, I guess your my co-pilot now.

Jas

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Contact info
 

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my request regarding contact info.I have the necessary numbers now,thanks again to all.

Keep it safe,not just for now after an accident but ALWAYS.

O.E.

Devastating News
 

Hi Adam,

Didn't we all know this was going to happen at some point with
Auric? It's just an awful and tragic waste of young lives.

Jan xx

5H-AWK
 

That's the one

Memorial Service
 

i've met chris just over 4 years back in a bus from francistown to maun, both of us looking for that very first break which eventually came a few months later over in swakopmund... we went seperate ways for a while and worked together at auric for the last couple of years... mat happened to stumble over me in maroochydoree at the beginning of last year - fresh out of flying school and he joined us in march last year...
that was going to be his base check on the 406... sadly they both crashed shortly after take-off...

we are going to have a memorial service at tunza lodge in mwanza, tuesday, 8th at 5pm to honour CHRIS MANLEY and MAT SMITH

I am disturbed at the comments by Jan Newbery and Adam at this tragic time. Rather then expressing their sorrow and pain. This is not the time to brag about how right you were or what you were expecting.

Auric Air Services is one of the better organised charter operator in the region. It is thanks to the hard work that was put in by Gabriel Koller and our beloved Christain Christian Manley together with their entire team including Mat Smith that the company achieved high standards of operations.

The accident on 3rd of April is deeply regretted by everyone.

If you can, then please do make it to the Memorial Ceremony which is to be held at Tunza Lodge in Mwanza on Tuesday 8th April at 1700 Hours.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two great pilots who were also two great people.

Gents, please dont use tragic moments like these to your advantage to express your hatered

Ahh Tunza Lodge, scene of many a happy drunken night for me. I sure some of the stools there must have a big imprint of my big @rse. Its sad that on Tuesday it will be the scene of such a sombre gathering. I will tilt a glass to the sky from my end:(

Saitek - please keep me informed of arrangements in UK. I sent you an email. Hope to hear from you....
Thx

Matty,

You will be missed here in Australia. You will always be my wingman mate. Keep the clouds warm and the beer cold for me man!

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RIP
 

RIP Chris. very sad news. You'll be missed by many.

HI guys,
today (friday) there was a lovely article in the main local paper about matty.
I'd like to make it available to all interested.

The paper has forwarded it to me in pdf format.

At present I can only email it to you. I hope i can get my computer back in order ASAP to host it for you all.

Anyone that feels a rush to see this lovely article should mail me direct for a copy.

Jas

Rest in peace Chris, you were a good bugger.

Hi all,
details of Mathews Australian service below.

SMITH. _ A Service of
Thanksgiving to celebrate the
life of Mathew Raymond Smith
will be held at Stones of The
Yarra Valley Chapel, St
Huberts Rd, Coldstream
(Mel Ref 275:H11) on
THURSDAY (Apr. 17) at 2 p.m.
No flowers by request. In lieu
donations to the Royal Flying
Doctor Service would be
appreciated. Envelopes will be
available.


For those that were after the Article Published in the Melbourne Herald Sun, you can download it from my personal site here:- (adobe required)

http://www.jasonpigdon.com/storage/matty.pdf

Cheers
Jas

Chris Manley
 

Hi all,

This is the first time I have posted anything on Prrune or come to say that any web service but I just have to say.

I met Chris at the Chameloen Backpackers in Windhoek, Namibia some years back, through another friend flying here, for a few jolly beers. Chris was an excellent ol' chap, it was a pleasure to meet him, even briefly as it was. Was saddened by the tragic lose. Thoughts go out to his family and close friends.

Nigel

ps. fellow POM from Bournemouth.