View Full Version : Tony Angel RIP
Hew Jampton
14th Oct 2002, 11:18
I was saddened to read that Tony Angel, ex BOAC and Simulated Flight Training (SFT), has died. Very many pilots and flight engineers will have benefited from his experience and humour. I first met him when he was operating at White Waltham with a Link Trainer; I did my R/T exam with him which involved the set-piece scenario of flying a Minair Dove on a route something like Exeter to Cardiff with a Mayday over Bristol. The exercise was supposed to be largely theoretical, but not with Tony, who made you fly the route in the Link, complete with a wide range of R/T calls from 'other' aircraft, all done by Tony in a variety of convincing accents.
PODKNOCKER
14th Oct 2002, 11:33
An absolute gentleman...made the CAA TRI course a laugh a minute...the other angels will be giggling now!
P.Pilcher
14th Oct 2002, 13:58
...The man with a million (R/T) voices. R.I.P mate - condolences to all concerned.
I am so saddened to hear of Tony's passing. :(
Many years ago, he was the man operating the HS 125 Simulator at STN on my IRE course. I considered it a privilege to be on that course.
But moreso, it was a great honour to have experienced Tony Angel!
The way he operated the Sim, his realistic renditions of ATC and of other aircraft, his injection of humour just exactly when it was needed, his wealth of knowledge, and the way he missed absolutely nothing of what was going-on in the sim, was truely wonderful. He provided just the right atmosphere for such a gruelling two-weeks, and was a true proponent of the teaching and use of of that little-used-and-taught skill... Airmanship.
The passing of one of the "Greats" in aviation.
Thank-you, Tony. It was a real pleasure.
Condolances to your many friends and family.
Fly_Right
14th Oct 2002, 15:47
I mourn the loss of one of UK aviation's characters.
When I did my sim assessment for Orion mannnny moons ago, Tony was running his 125 sim at STN. I had just gone around from the ILS preparing to do the NDB when the Orinon TC announced that the ride was over. He and the other Orion pilot got out and left me gathering up my things. I must have looked a bit shocked at the "premature" end of my ride but as I turned to get out of the seat Tony gave me a big smile and a "thumbs up". I will never forget that act of kindness.
I even forgive him for being in cahoots with the CAA during the AE course. The man with a thousand voices on the R/T indeed!
You will be mised by many Tony.
Rest in Peace.
Bellerophon
14th Oct 2002, 17:31
Very sad news to learn of his passing.
Reduced me to fits of laughter during my IRE/TRE course at STN, with his background R/T chatter, which grew steadily more outrageous as the course progressed.
The varied voices and accents he could produce were amazing, and the "fading radio reception" scenario he saved for the final check was a masterpiece.
There will be a few more accents in Heaven tonight, I fancy, courtesy of one of nature's true gentlemen.
Condolences to his family.
peeteechase
14th Oct 2002, 18:05
Well you've all put it far better than I can, but I can also testify to Tony's ability to break the tension on a tough CAA course back in 1995 at LGW. I have often thought of trying to emulate him in the simulator, but have always hesitated to copy the "Master"
One of aviation's great characters - bigtime.
Best Wishes to Tony's family,
PTC
bluskis
14th Oct 2002, 21:44
I have always remembered my time in the sim at White Waltham with Tony Angel with great respect for his patience and good teaching, and I will continue to remember him with thanks.
He was one of the best
Earthmover
15th Oct 2002, 08:24
Well, me too. I never thought when being sent on the IRE course in the '80s that I would spend it shaking with mirth ... who would have forseen that your main problem during that excellent two weeks would be keeping a straight face? He also did my RT licence about a hundred years ago - and made that as enjoyable as everything else he did. There are very few people who can inject humour into a serious business and not lose the gravity and importance of what you are doing.
A real 'gent' - another 'character' gone.
Bus14
15th Oct 2002, 09:15
A total aviation Gentleman.
Like many of the previous posters, he certainly broke the ice on my AE course. I believe he also designed and built that HS125 sim. Can anyone confirm that?
MaximumPete
15th Oct 2002, 10:44
A truly remarkable man R.I.P
Sleeve Wing
15th Oct 2002, 13:58
Seems its all been said.
Met him in 1984 on the 125 Sim at STN during my TIRE course and at LGW a few times.
Made what could have been a bit stressful,most relaxed.
Set the tone for the whole fortnight.
Really understood the practical pilot psyche.
Not many left like that I fear.
'Bye, mate.
Sleeve.
boris
15th Oct 2002, 15:05
It's all been said, in my case from 1976 at STN.
Thank you Tony, RIP.
Ditto to all above.Very funny guy.Surrounded as I was on my TRE/IRE test with very po-faced men from the ministry,Tony,unfazed was continuing his routine such as 'expedite due Virgin with a tight slot' in the background.Despite the serious nature of the test we all laughed.R.I.P.
fireflybob
15th Oct 2002, 17:08
Always remember the Indian sounding voice on Heathrow ATIS which in itself caused some amusement.
But then the follow up was the very British sounding Speedbird complaining that he couldn't understand the ATIS!!
Also Alitalia demanding "zee 'igher level".
A true professional who knew how to add some humour which made the learning experience much more enjoyable and efficient.
How could you ever forget him?
niknak
15th Oct 2002, 17:52
:( Top Bloke
Earthmover
16th Oct 2002, 01:56
On my course it was Air India who couldn't understand "one word" of the Indian-sounding ATIS!!!
I was paired up with a chap from a company called 'BrownAir' and of course Tony homed straight in on that with a call from one of his company's aircraft saying "BrownAir 456 - I'm in the sh*t!!"
Superb man
fireflybob
16th Oct 2002, 15:03
Earthmover - yes, you are correct it was Air India - thanks for the correction!!
Safety Guy
17th Oct 2002, 13:50
Sounds like a real unique gent. Sadly, I never had the pleasure. Having taken a couple of CAA courses over the years, I only wish that his mixture of professionalism and humour could come as standard equipment. It takes a special instructor to make fun out of material that's as exciting as watching paint dry!
Go in peace, Tony.
Just seen this. Almost 40 years ago he gave me a very gentle introduction to my IR course. Not only the accents, but also his fund of aviation anecdotes have stayed with me ever since.
RIP Tony.