Sqdn Ldr Basil Arkell RAF Rtd 1918-2009

[Dave Gibbings]

It is with much sadness that we must record the passing of Basil Arkell, test pilot and one of the helicopter pioneers. Basil died peacefully last Thursday at his home, at the grand age of 91 years.

Basil’s family have announced that the funeral will take place at 14.40 on Friday, 13th November 2009 at Barham Crematorium, Nr. Canterbury in Kent (CT4 6QU).

[jpphoopha]

Among other accomplishments, Arkell set a 3km world speed helicopter record of 124.3 mph in Fairey Gyrodyne G-AIKF on 28 June 1948, and also conducted tests of Cierva Air Horse VZ-724 prior to a fatal accident of the latter in 1950.