John Farley

[Chris Royle]

Very sad to report that John died peacefully last night.
A great man gone.....RIP

[SpringHeeledJack]

RIP Mr Farley. I hadn't seen him posting for a while and I did wonder if he was ok. A very accomplished life lived very modestly.

[eckhard]

I’m sure he will continue to hover over us in spirit.
As you say; he was a great man.

[wiggy]

Sad news indeed. Like SHJ I had noticed his recent absence from this place, his knowledgable input will be much missed.

[NutLoose]

RIP Mr Farley, a true pioneer in the age of aviation

[jimjim1]

My heart sank when I saw the name in the post title.

I loved reading him on Pprune. You could be sure of sense.

Thanks John.

[PX927]

The world is a poorer place without John.
A true gentleman.

[Wig Wag]

Very sad news.

Some years ago I posted a message on Pprune asking for help with a project and John Farley kindly responded. I had the pleasure of lunch with him and Mrs Farley. He was quite the most naturally intelligent and unassuming character. One of Britain's finest aviators and a true English gentleman.

RIP a very great man whose quietly stated contribution to British aviation was enormous.

[TLDNMCL]

I did not know him, but I certainly knew of him. A lot of wisdom consigned to the grave - sleep well Mr. F.

[Jackonicko]

Terrible news. The aviation community will be poorer without him. He was an articulate and inspirational teacher, and had been a great test pilot and a persuasive advocate. But above all of that, he was a warm-hearted, quietly genial, generous-spirited and lovely bloke.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Very sad news indeed. God Bless you John +

[treadigraph]

So very sad to hear the news - was lucky enough to be introduced to him by PPRuNe Pop a few years ago and had a very enjoyable chat; he was explaining how he could put me, a non-pilot, into the VAAC Harrier and have me hovering it straight off! Would that we could have had the chance...

A thoroughly nice man who will indeed be sorely missed.

[ivor toolbox]

A thoroughly nice man who will indeed be sorely missed.

Amen.
I was lucky enough to meet him at an airshow @, 1988, as you say thoroughly nice. Was flying a Ryan PT 22 I think

Ttfn

[Evanelpus]

A legend and a gent! My condolences to his family and close friends.

[Jhieminga]

A great loss to the body of knowledge within these forums. I picked up his book a few years ago and apart from it being a great read about the Harrier's development, I picked up a few useful things that I could put into practice as a FI. I wish I could have met him, but that's not to be. Rest in peace Mr. Farley.

[FODPlod]

What a shame. I sent John this scan of page 87 from ‘The Royal Navy – 1000 Years of Peace and War’ three years ago and he was chuffed to bits.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/1400x1073/hms_fearless_with_harrier_at_greenwich_june_1975_ef599a81d37 804e94254808011d6ebb79380dba6.jpg
My sincere condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.

[Tashengurt]

RIP sir,
I had a brief PPrune chat with Mr Farley a few years ago on the subject of my moniker.
I'm not at all ashamed to say I was slightly over awed to be pm'd by such an aviation legend.
He came across as a very pleasant gentleman.

[Kieron Kirk]

Thank Chris for posting the sad news.

Kieron.

[N.HEALD]

Very sad news and a huge loss to the aviation world. Blue Skies

[chevvron]

One of the first industry TPs I met at Farnborough in 1974 and I met him several times at later shows. Always friendly and willing to chat:sad:.

[MPN11]

One of the aviation greats of the post-War generation. RIP, Sir.

[glad rag]

Very sad news, we have lost a first class aviator and gentleman.
Condolences to his family and friends.

[Denti]

Very sad news indeed. One of the few commentators on here whose posts i always read with a lot of interest because i was sure i could learn something.

My condolences to his family and friends.

[BEagle]

RIP John. You were a true icon of the jet age and a real gent. You will be very sadly missed; my sincerest condolences to your family and friends.

[shortstripper]

I met John a few times as he lived in Selsey not far from me when I lived down that way. He even rung up once to ask if he could come and fly electric RC aircraft at the farm, but never did (sadly) despite me saying yes. A truly great man who was genuinely helpful and generous to share his huge depth of knowledge. RIP John

[Pugilistic Animus]

Although I have never met Mr Farley but I have interacted a little with him here on PPRuNe...A sad day for PPRuNe, when I first saw this in Tech Log my heart sank...a true legend

Rest in peace Mr. Farley

[Tinstaafl]

A great loss to the art & science of aviation.

[Cough]

There are few people on here that hold my attention quite as much as the posts from JF, simply put amazing! I can only imagine that he was just as much a gent in real life.

RIP...

[stilton]

How many people on this forum post using
their real name ?


Very few, John Farley was one, I had a few questions regarding the Harrier some years ago and posted them here


JF not only answered but comprehensively addressed them with candor, a complete lack of pretension and some curiosity on his own behalf as to the subject


I noticed he did this with all conversations, despite his level of technical competence and experience he always replied in a manner that showed his continuing fascination and enthusiasm of aviation and imparted a shared enjoyment of this profession we’re all so fortunate to be a part of

[Art Smass]

RIP John - will miss your fascinating inputs to this site greatly

[Haraka]

I just want to add my little bit to the growing list of those who have memories of such an erudite, unassuming, knowledgeable and thoroughly likable man. I first met John at Kingston when I was supporting the Harrier in industry. For a person of his reputation and standing I just could not get over his incredible modesty and genuine interest in what I was doing. Later on we PM'd on this part of PPruNe on many occasions .One memorable message came when I was wrapped up in the long running Wright brothers thread here and was arguing that three axis control was not essential to controlled flight. John privately remarked that he had flown a demo with the Harrier to the USMC without using aileron throughout . "Not difficult ,once you got the hang of it ".
That was John.

[PPRuNe Radar]

I met John many times and can add little to the tributes already given by other posters. Quite simply one of the finest aviators ever to have lived and a modest, genuine, and inspiring human being. He will be sorely missed both on PPRuNe and in the real world.

He always knew of great places to have lunch in West Sussex too !!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/960x720/4de5f470_2ead_43a3_96a1_b9953fcd2d22_76e3325e854549cd484c90f eac7ae6497f778410.jpeg


Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

[Momoe]

His in depth, yet entirely understandable explanations of the most technical matters were a masterclass.

Blue skies sir

[Brian W May]

A great pilot who lived the way he wanted to, was liked and/or revered by his peers and died peacefully in his sleep (apparently).

Not sure 'existence' gets much better than that.

RIP John and thank you.

[staircase]

I met him in a pub once, a long time ago, and talked about things aviation.

He said that 'they' were after putting a computerised throttle system in the Harrier and 'they' asked him his opinion.

He said that he told them to let the thing be responsible for the operation of the executive lift for a couple of months. If 'they' were prepared to countenance that, then he was prepared to give it a go in the jet!

A real good bloke.

[WindSheer]

Read numerous of his articles.
Very sad to hear this, RIP John.

Someone should send these posts to his family. There are few people in this world these days so well spoken of. Irreplaceable!!

[chevvron]

I just want to add my little bit to the growing list of those who have memories of such an erudite, unassuming, knowledgeable and thoroughly likable man. I first met John at Kingston when I was supporting the Harrier in industry. For a person of his reputation and standing I just could not get over his incredible modesty and genuine interest in what I was doing. Later on we PM'd on this part of PPruNe on many occasions .One memorable message came when I was wrapped up in the long running Wright brothers thread here and was arguing that three axis control was not essential to controlled flight. John privately remarked that he had flown a demo with the Harrier to the USMC without using aileron throughout . "Not difficult ,once you got the hang of it ".
That was John.
Talking of USMC Harriers, little story one of the TPs at Boscombe Down told me.
USMC had a 'rogue' Harrier on an aircraft carrier; every time they did a VTO, it would start an uncommanded roll to the right and they would hurriedly have to put it down again.
Having bent several right wing outriggers, they flew John out to the carrier to see if he could figure it out.
He did a VTO not gaining much height, put it down and shut down. After climbing out, he suggested it might be an idea to put some fuel in the left wing as only having it in the right wing tended to upset the trim!!:D

[doubletap]

Whilst I was at Uni I met John in London at the RAeS after a rather entertaining lecture on the Harrier. I told him of my desire to be a pilot in the RAF & it was suggested that I fly into Dunsfold to visit the Sea Harrier development. Fast forward a few months when, after attending OASC, I was offered GD(N). A letter to John & all was fixed. After I gained my pilot wings a congratulations card arrived as, unbeknownst to me, he’d been following my progress throughout my training. A remarkable man, I will never forget what you did for me.

[Fantome]

Some wonderful memories here. Good idea to send a copy of all these posts to the family of the late gentleman. His qualities were of a rare order. By the way he lived, and thought, and conducted himself, he was high in the esteem of others and a peerless example to younger men and women aspiring to forge a career in aerospace. He had the 'Sky Fever' alright. I think the cut of his jib put him clearly in the same class as Sir Geoffrey de Havilland and Harald Penrose

[ahwalk01]

I was a young student who went on the Cranfield schools aviation camp which he was a tutor on.

I used to phone him (on a payphone!) to discuss aircraft designs and corresponded about a new basic trainer. Aged 16 it was very basic.

Fast forward 16 years or so and I have learnt to fly, gone through commercial, CFI certs and teach for Embry Riddle.

Boscombe Down express interest in me and while I didn't get offered to interview, he responded to my queries on email as I was putting slides together.

One day I might get the chance to present them. His book a view from the hover is a great read too. RIP John. Will look out for an obituary.

Alex.

[redsnail]

My story about John isn't nearly as cerebral as the above. Like many, I met John many times at various PPRuNe Bashes. One time there he was propping up the bar partaking in some cool refreshing drink. Surrounding him were some fans hanging on his every word. I wandered up with another cool drink in hand. He spies me and announces with a grin that in his opinion, women should be front line fighter pilots. I knew that this was bound to be amusing but the fans were curious as to his reasoning. John swiftly put them out of their quandary. He then said that there's not a man on the planet that can predict what an angry women in combat will do. Cue us two cracking up laughing and the fan boys wondering if John was serious.
Priceless memory.
RIP John. Condolences to his friends and family.

[PX927]

John's family now have the link to this thread.

[Warmtoast]

A couple of photos I took of John flying at Farnborough in 1976 (G-VTOL with smoke) and 1982 with steep climb of Indian Navy Sea Harrier.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/800x532/farnborough1960sor1970s5_06500237c79ffd10cdd0c4c6b73729b648b 6ea79.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/532x800/farnborough1960sor1970s12_4a38f94881656a037203dcf321bb5dd521 18333d.jpg

[Chris Royle]

I am posting this from Sheila, John's daughter;
In the name of the family, I would like to express our gratitude for the posts, the shared memories, the photos.
My father touched so many peoples’ lives in so many ways.
His life and his life’s work are being celebrated and we would like everyone to know what a consolation this is for us.
Our heartfelt thanks,
Sheila Farley

[Windy Militant]

I've just heard the news and I am greatly saddened by it, I've just finished reading his book last night and found it both uplifting and thought provoking.
My sincere condolences to his family and close friends.

[chevvron]

A couple of photos I took of John flying at Farnborough in 1976 (G-VTOL with smoke) and 1982 with steep climb of Indian Navy Sea Harrier.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/800x532/farnborough1960sor1970s5_06500237c79ffd10cdd0c4c6b73729b648b 6ea79.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.gmforum.com-vbulletin/532x800/farnborough1960sor1970s12_4a38f94881656a037203dcf321bb5dd521 18333d.jpg
The Flying Control Committee didn't like the smoke from takeoff as it obscured their view of the Hawk which took off simultaneously so he had to modify the sequence and only start it when above 100ft.
One senior member of the FCC was heard to remark 'good lord, John's got the Flying Scotsman upside down'!

[Flash131]

Like many here, I will remember John for his clarity of thought and precision with words. His vivid, simple, and accurate explanations of difficult concepts were often the last word on a subject.

He was touched by genius, but not at all by hubris. He used his knowledge and experience to inspire and educate rather than criticise and pontificate. I benefitted greatly from his encouragement and I would phone him with my most perplexing problems. A discussion with John on any subject was a pure joy.

A brilliant, accomplished, nice man.

Enjoy the view from your hover John.

[treadigraph]

Obit in the Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2018/07/02/john-farley-test-pilot-obituary/) - sorry you need to register...

[Wig Wag]

​ (https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/obituary-john-farley-the-harriers-champion-449661/)Another obituary in Flight International:
OBITUARY: John Farley – the Harrier’s champion (https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/obituary-john-farley-the-harriers-champion-449661/)

[Allan Lupton]

How many people on this forum post using
their real name ?Yes indeed!
Happily John was one of us that did so which, as I've always pointed out, adds appropriate weight to what is written by real people.
Personal memory includes seeing and hearing him in a Harrier hovering more or less level with my second-floor office at Hatfield - as I wrote some years ago, if he'd worked at Hatfield (which he nearly did) his demos of the 146 wouldn't have been as much fun (for him and us) as his Harrier routines.
I'm sorry we have this thread, of course, but it can't be helped that we lose people of our generation rather often these days.

[treadigraph]

if he'd worked at Hatfield (which he nearly did) his demos of the 146 wouldn't have been as much fun (for him and us) as his Harrier routines

I wouldn't have put it past him to prove you wrong on that Allan! ;)

Sadly those that I have greatly admired in aviation and other aspects of life during my time on the planet are gently moving on at an alarming rate these days... :(

[TURIN]

Funny you should mention the 146.
My one and only interaction with Mr Farley was in a thread many years ago questioning why a VTOL airliner never got beyond the Dornier attempt. I put forward the idea of a 146 with four Pegasus instead of the hairdriers it normally has.

"Engine failure during the hover" said Mr Farley "would be a bit tricky to get past the regulator" or words to that effect.

Succinct and to the point.

[chevvron]

Yes indeed!
Happily John was one of us that did so which, as I've always pointed out, adds appropriate weight to what is written by real people.
Personal memory includes seeing and hearing him in a Harrier hovering more or less level with my second-floor office at Hatfield - as I wrote some years ago, if he'd worked at Hatfield (which he nearly did) his demos of the 146 wouldn't have been as much fun (for him and us) as his Harrier routines.
I'm sorry we have this thread, of course, but it can't be helped that we lose people of our generation rather often these days.
The '146 didn't do too badly in the hands of production TPs.
Returning from Bergen with DanAir, we had a full load of pax and the LHS was a Hatfield pilot. He cancelled the FMC for takeoff to show me how it could perform; we easily made 2,000ft by the upwind end of the runway.

[Allan Lupton]

"Engine failure during the hover" said Mr Farley "would be a bit tricky to get past the regulator" or words to that effect.
Succinct and to the point.
Yes and we had done a lot of VTOL research projects with multiple lift engines and it was pretty clear that if a lift engine failed an "equal and opposite" engine had to shut down automatically and speedily before the thing turned over. Not a problem with the Harrier or any other single engined job provided you accepted the "all or nothing" consequences.

[Jhieminga]

... and included a zero-zero bang seat in the purchase price.

[Wig Wag]

Very sad news.

Some years ago I posted a message on Pprune asking for help with a project and John Farley kindly responded. I had the pleasure of lunch with him and Mrs Farley. He was quite the most naturally intelligent and unassuming character. One of Britain's finest aviators and a true English gentleman.

RIP a very great man whose quietly stated contribution to British aviation was enormous.

John Farley's ability to translate the complicated into the simple left a lasting impression on me. He had made an art of explaining situations, issues and technical matters in a way in which a layman could understand. Obviously that is part of the skill set of the test pilot by JF clearly wanted everyone to understand what a clever project the Harrier was.

I think 'A View from the Hover' should be required reading for anyone considering a career in aerospace be they a pilot or an engineer.

There was another side to JF too. Aviation abounds with impressive characters but JF stood out as a caring and principled man. He was a great role model and that is something else than be looked to.