Sqdn Ldr Ray Hanna AFC*
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If you gave me the choice of seeing only one pilot displaying one aeroplane, I'd say, without any hesitation, "Ray Hanna in a Spitfire!".
I still vividly remember an impromptu Spit display some years ago. He followed the curve of the taxiway, very low, banked to avoid the floodlight posts on the outer edge! If I'd stood a few feet closer, his lower wing tip would have removed my legs at the knees! I've never been that close to anything going that fast, that low! The entire display was flown with immaculate super-smooth precision!
RIP, Ray Hanna.
I still vividly remember an impromptu Spit display some years ago. He followed the curve of the taxiway, very low, banked to avoid the floodlight posts on the outer edge! If I'd stood a few feet closer, his lower wing tip would have removed my legs at the knees! I've never been that close to anything going that fast, that low! The entire display was flown with immaculate super-smooth precision!
RIP, Ray Hanna.
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brighton. UK. (Via Liverpool).
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Ray Hanna AFC
It is with great saddness that I read about the passing away of a fine aviator, Ray Hanna AFC.
RIP Ray
Threads merged - link deleted
RIP Ray
Threads merged - link deleted
Last edited by Heliport; 9th Mar 2006 at 17:20.
Like so many others I only knew Ray Hanna from seeing him display at the airshows in the UK and what displays they were. A lucky man to have been doing what he loved for so long. RIP Ray you will be missed by many.
One of the the best warbird pilots, if not the best.
I remember Ray displaying the P-40 Kittyhawk at the 50th Hunter WB188 air-speed record anniversary at Tangmere back in 2003.
In front of Neville Duke, he put on a fantastic display, which concluded with a *low* and fast 'top-side' fly-through.
RIP Ray.
I remember Ray displaying the P-40 Kittyhawk at the 50th Hunter WB188 air-speed record anniversary at Tangmere back in 2003.
In front of Neville Duke, he put on a fantastic display, which concluded with a *low* and fast 'top-side' fly-through.
RIP Ray.
Awesome but Affordable
I am so sad that we will never see his mastery of display flying in the Spitfire again. The duo with Ray leading Cliff Spink at the last Duxford show as part of the Spitfire finale was superb and it was magnificent to watch the master at work. Another classic memory of a wonderful career that gave so much pleasure to so many.
Thanks for all the good times over the last four decades.
Deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Trapper 69
Thanks for all the good times over the last four decades.
Deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Trapper 69
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Harare,London and in between !
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I just got this from a regular passenger with Capt. Hanna:
'I was deeply saddened on hearing of Ray's passing. The various trips under Ray's command were an absolute pleasure. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Ray Hanna and his crew, who appeared to subscribe to the same school of charm, kindness and efficiency.
Arriving at the steps of the aircraft one was inevitably greeted by the Captain, every part the quintessential airline pilot. Ray's personality impacted all those around him and inspired more than one to follow his career path. I never got to see Ray as a display pilot, but I am told that his shows at Duxford and around the world were beyond spectacular in description and that the same style and elegance he applied to running his airline, were mirrored in his "art".
Although not an aviation person myself, I am sure Ray Hanna will be remembered as one of the greatest pilots since the war and as a true inspiration to all in the business.My thoughts are with his family, his crew and all who knew and loved him'
'I was deeply saddened on hearing of Ray's passing. The various trips under Ray's command were an absolute pleasure. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Ray Hanna and his crew, who appeared to subscribe to the same school of charm, kindness and efficiency.
Arriving at the steps of the aircraft one was inevitably greeted by the Captain, every part the quintessential airline pilot. Ray's personality impacted all those around him and inspired more than one to follow his career path. I never got to see Ray as a display pilot, but I am told that his shows at Duxford and around the world were beyond spectacular in description and that the same style and elegance he applied to running his airline, were mirrored in his "art".
Although not an aviation person myself, I am sure Ray Hanna will be remembered as one of the greatest pilots since the war and as a true inspiration to all in the business.My thoughts are with his family, his crew and all who knew and loved him'
Join Date: Apr 2000
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Difficult to believe Ray has gone. One of a handful of pilots who could be identified simply by the way he flew an aeroplane. As has been already said, how can Duxford be the same again?
I consider it a privilege to have occasionally shared the same airspace.
Blue skies, Ray..................................
I consider it a privilege to have occasionally shared the same airspace.
Blue skies, Ray..................................
Join Date: Jan 2004
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Went to school with Mark who once "arranged" for his "Dad" to demo a spitfire to interested school mates at Bassingbourn in the 70's
assembled throng waiting in cold for something to happen and then.....
a spitfire appeared on knife edge at phenomenal speed with the lower wing tip at head height (schoolboy heads) - absolutely nobody could breathe for the rest of an awesome experience and I've been flying ever since
I can still remember every second of that demo and only had to hear Ray Hanna's name once to remember it.
RIP
"aux vaches"
assembled throng waiting in cold for something to happen and then.....
a spitfire appeared on knife edge at phenomenal speed with the lower wing tip at head height (schoolboy heads) - absolutely nobody could breathe for the rest of an awesome experience and I've been flying ever since
I can still remember every second of that demo and only had to hear Ray Hanna's name once to remember it.
RIP
"aux vaches"
Join Date: Aug 2002
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I'm lucky enough to work part-time at Duxford and consequently see some pretty good flying, almost to the extent of becoming blase. However Ray, and Mark before him, were the two pilots who could empty the offices at Duxford in double-quick time, especially when they were returning from a display. It's difficult to pinpoint the differences between their style and other pilots but they seemed to me to fly like FIGHTER pilots rather than DISPLAY pilots. A sort of controlled aggression combined with finesse which probably came from their RAF fighter background.
The fact that they had that easy manner with the aviation public will make them a hard act to follow. At least they'll be together in their celestial cockpits. Thanks chaps.
The fact that they had that easy manner with the aviation public will make them a hard act to follow. At least they'll be together in their celestial cockpits. Thanks chaps.
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I can echo the memories of "aux vaches" as I was in the year below Mark.
I remember once hearing a very special engine noise then rushing out to see a Spit in the sky over the school. Just magical!
A few years later on a wet afternoon (during CCF) Mark was showing us 8mm cine film of Ray flying with the Reds. Mark kept trying to freeze the frame so we could see how low his Dad was flying. Each time we only got a glimpse before the film burnt through!
Both knights in the sky!
.. and missed
I remember once hearing a very special engine noise then rushing out to see a Spit in the sky over the school. Just magical!
A few years later on a wet afternoon (during CCF) Mark was showing us 8mm cine film of Ray flying with the Reds. Mark kept trying to freeze the frame so we could see how low his Dad was flying. Each time we only got a glimpse before the film burnt through!
Both knights in the sky!
.. and missed
A sad day.
The finest Spitfire display pilot of them all. Like his son, he was a total gentleman, and an incredibly gifted aviator.
He will be missed terribly by all who loved Warbird flying, MH434 will live on, but it wont be the same without the great man driving.
RIP Ray - the memories of watching your magical skill will stay with me forever.
The finest Spitfire display pilot of them all. Like his son, he was a total gentleman, and an incredibly gifted aviator.
He will be missed terribly by all who loved Warbird flying, MH434 will live on, but it wont be the same without the great man driving.
RIP Ray - the memories of watching your magical skill will stay with me forever.
I've just turned on my PC for the first time in three days, What a shock and what sad news.
I never met him personally, but the World is surely a poorer place for his passing.
RIP
I never met him personally, but the World is surely a poorer place for his passing.
RIP
Join Date: Dec 2005
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To my Godson I am a hero through being a pilot. You remain an inspiration to me through having been a true aviator.
We are both less through your absence.
I thank God he saw you fly.
We are both less through your absence.
I thank God he saw you fly.
Do a Hover - it avoids G
Join Date: Oct 1999
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The world has seen some truly remarkable aviators in the past but none better than Ray - on the ground or in the air
After all how many men are good enough to be at the peak of a young man’s business at 77?
While his family must be stunned right now, I suspect that in time they will be grateful that if they had to lose him it was quick. The idea of a man like Ray spending his last years on a commode watching TV would have been too awful for words.
After all how many men are good enough to be at the peak of a young man’s business at 77?
While his family must be stunned right now, I suspect that in time they will be grateful that if they had to lose him it was quick. The idea of a man like Ray spending his last years on a commode watching TV would have been too awful for words.
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Very sad news indeed for all involved in Aviation, truley an inspiration pair Ray and Mark made. Remember watching the both of them displaying at Warbirds over Wanaka in New Zealand where Ray re-inacted the famous scene from Empire of The Sun by flying low and slow in a P-51 mustang and as passing the crowd he slid back the canopy and gave us all a hearty wave, BRILLIANT.
Thanks for the inspiration that has led me into a life of flying!!!
RIP
See picture posted below.
PPRuNe
Thanks for the inspiration that has led me into a life of flying!!!
RIP
See picture posted below.
PPRuNe
Join Date: Jun 2000
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A sad loss of a truly great aviator.
My thoughts and condolences to family friends and collegues.
AH, thank you very much for reminding me of a moment in film history which still brings a brings a tear to my eye.( and the pic).
I was taught to fly by a distant cousin of his back in NZ who sadly also had his wings forever folded some years ago.
My thoughts and condolences to family friends and collegues.
AH, thank you very much for reminding me of a moment in film history which still brings a brings a tear to my eye.( and the pic).
I was taught to fly by a distant cousin of his back in NZ who sadly also had his wings forever folded some years ago.
Last edited by Gordo; 4th Dec 2005 at 06:10.