View Full Version : Why Nigel?
low flyer
16th Nov 2000, 12:57
Probably everyone knows the answer to this except me, but please indulge me.
Why are BA pilots called Nigel by everyone else? What do they call themselves?
Thanks
Sick Squid
16th Nov 2000, 13:40
A reference, possibly, to the predominantly public school nature of BA flightdeck crew in the past. I was told recently by a very long serving CSD that it dated back to the 50's... or maybe before... when cabin crew used to joke about the flight crew always being "Captain Nigel, First Officer Rodney, and Charles, the Flight Engineer."
There you go, Nigel, Rodney and Charles. Don't know if it's true, but it seems quite..... elegant.
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Disappears in a cloud of black ink...
[This message has been edited by Sick Squid (edited 16 November 2000).]
HugMonster
18th Nov 2000, 03:06
Same reason Army Officers are always "Rupert". :)
Flap 5
19th Nov 2000, 14:43
It was probably started by Figment.
Flap 5,
I met Figment the other day. He drew me a cartoon there and then, and autographed it for me.
A really, really top guy!
Flap 5
19th Nov 2000, 23:37
TPuk,
Nice to know he is still around. I last met him 12 years ago. But it is difficult to forget that thick Dorset accent!
Yeah he's still going strong! I don't know what he was doing then, but he's a 737 Captain at the moment. He's due to retire very shortly, "Going back to hassle the wife for a change"!
... And yes, that accent adds to the charm!
(Edited for SPG)
[This message has been edited by TPuk (edited 19 November 2000).]