Sqdn Ldr Ray Hanna AFC*
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Nottinghamshire
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I remember Ray flying a Spitfire at Tollerton airshow circa 1971. I for reasons unknown was slightly forward of the crowd line at one end. His low pass caused the grass around my feet to blow around as he went straight over me. I often wonder how close I was to being minus a head.
I think he was the first pilot I knew by name and reputation. Still remembered and missed.
I think he was the first pilot I knew by name and reputation. Still remembered and missed.
Ray Hanna's best friend from his boyhood years is still very much alive and kicking. Geoff White and Ray Hanna grew up together, attended the same schools in Auckland, and were in the same Air Training Corps squadron in Auckland during their early teens. After they left school, both of them applied to enlist in the RNZAF as pilots on a five-year short service commission. Geoff was accepted, but Ray was rejected. However, Ray enlisted in the RAF instead (back when one could do that in the Dominions) and after undertaking his basic training with the RNZAF, ended up serving in the RAF for many years.
In the meantime, Geoff White obtained his wings with the RNZAF and became a transport pilot flying C-47 transports. In 1952 he was sent to England to convert onto Bristol B.170 Freighters, then delivered the second of twelve ordered by the RNZAF to New Zealand. Not long after that, his five-year short service commission was up and Geoff was offered the chance to re-enlist, but Tasman Empire Airways Ltd (TEAL) were hiring pilots at the time, so he joined the airline industry. Throughout his airline career with TEAL, then Air New Zealand, Geoff flew Short S.45A flying-boats, Douglas DC-6s, Lockheed L.188 Electras, Douglas DC-8-52s and McDonnell-Douglas DC-10-30s. So he progressed from four-engined flying-boats all the way to wide-body jets throughout his airline career. Geoff is now in his late-80s and living in Albany on the NSW-Victoria border in Australia. His son is a close friend of mine.
In the meantime, Geoff White obtained his wings with the RNZAF and became a transport pilot flying C-47 transports. In 1952 he was sent to England to convert onto Bristol B.170 Freighters, then delivered the second of twelve ordered by the RNZAF to New Zealand. Not long after that, his five-year short service commission was up and Geoff was offered the chance to re-enlist, but Tasman Empire Airways Ltd (TEAL) were hiring pilots at the time, so he joined the airline industry. Throughout his airline career with TEAL, then Air New Zealand, Geoff flew Short S.45A flying-boats, Douglas DC-6s, Lockheed L.188 Electras, Douglas DC-8-52s and McDonnell-Douglas DC-10-30s. So he progressed from four-engined flying-boats all the way to wide-body jets throughout his airline career. Geoff is now in his late-80s and living in Albany on the NSW-Victoria border in Australia. His son is a close friend of mine.
Last edited by Kiwithrottlejockey; 5th Oct 2016 at 02:36.
Hi Littleman
I was at the show as guest of a school friend who's father (Alan Burton) was a flying instructor at the Sherwood Flying club. Part of the day after the show was my first ever flight in G-AVLE a Piper Cherokee. During the show a German Starfighter put in a fine effort which resulted in an irate phone call to the club being answered by Alans wife. When the caller demanded to know if it was one of their aircraft making the noise she replied "I wish it was" before putting the phone down.
We were from Hucknall and the recent loss of that airfield leaves me feeling like an orphan. The amount of time we spent round there as kids!!! Did all this aviation activity as a child lead anywhere? I became an army apprentice aircraft technician at 16 and went on to the airlines and various helicopter operators as a licensed engineer. I am now looking at the back end of a career stretching back over 40 years. Not finished just yet. I note that AVLE is still registered although not flying.
I have also remembered that Silk Engineering had a couple of their Silk Scott motorcycles on display at the show that means that it had to be 71 or 72. Unlikely to be 72 as that was my O level year and I was in the army by September.
Nice that we both have a shared memory of a great day and fine pilot.
I was at the show as guest of a school friend who's father (Alan Burton) was a flying instructor at the Sherwood Flying club. Part of the day after the show was my first ever flight in G-AVLE a Piper Cherokee. During the show a German Starfighter put in a fine effort which resulted in an irate phone call to the club being answered by Alans wife. When the caller demanded to know if it was one of their aircraft making the noise she replied "I wish it was" before putting the phone down.
We were from Hucknall and the recent loss of that airfield leaves me feeling like an orphan. The amount of time we spent round there as kids!!! Did all this aviation activity as a child lead anywhere? I became an army apprentice aircraft technician at 16 and went on to the airlines and various helicopter operators as a licensed engineer. I am now looking at the back end of a career stretching back over 40 years. Not finished just yet. I note that AVLE is still registered although not flying.
I have also remembered that Silk Engineering had a couple of their Silk Scott motorcycles on display at the show that means that it had to be 71 or 72. Unlikely to be 72 as that was my O level year and I was in the army by September.
Nice that we both have a shared memory of a great day and fine pilot.
Last edited by ericferret; 29th Sep 2016 at 08:46.
Strange how some things trigger wonderful memories from good times?
Saw an Argosy the other day and smiled at the memory that flashed through my mind.
Bitteswell 68, standing at the top of an Argosy loading ramp.
Heard a commotion outside, looked out in time to see a flash of red pass under the twin tail booms.
The earth shook, or at least the Argosy did!
Yes it was Ray at his best, they dont make them like that any more.
RIP
Saw an Argosy the other day and smiled at the memory that flashed through my mind.
Bitteswell 68, standing at the top of an Argosy loading ramp.
Heard a commotion outside, looked out in time to see a flash of red pass under the twin tail booms.
The earth shook, or at least the Argosy did!
Yes it was Ray at his best, they dont make them like that any more.
RIP
Ray's boyhood friend, Geoff White, celebrated his 90th birthday on 27th September.
The ex-TEAL/Air New Zealand captain lost his wife last year, but he is still going strong.
The ex-TEAL/Air New Zealand captain lost his wife last year, but he is still going strong.
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Back in 2016 we visited Ray and son Mark's graves in Parham. I was really upset at hearing of Mark's death, Ray's came like a kick in the ribs. We had enjoyed watching them at near our home at Hatfield whilst filming for Saving Private Ryan was underway. As they departed for the last time, I still recall hearing Mark over RT asking if Mr. Spielberg would like a picture of their Mustangs.
