An outstanding contribution to the art of display flying
 

A reminder that nominations for this year’s Trophies and Awards close on 31 May.
If any members (or others) have suitable nominations, please ensure they are received at the office (send by email) by this date.


Details of the terms of reference for all trophies and awards, and how to nominate: Call for Nominations



Tudor Owen




http://www.pprune.org/aviation-histo...hanna-afc.html

http://www.pprune.org/aviation-histo...na-trophy.html

Hi Tudor

I thought it important to include a link to Mark's bio as well for those that never new him.

Mark & Ray Hanna

Both are sadly missed but this trophy is an outstanding legacy for both of them.

LJ

Thanks for correcting my oversight Leon.
Much appreciated.

Lives well lived.

The Red arrows, for 50 years of consummate formation display flying................I'll get my hat

The Red arrows, for 50 years of consummate formation display flying.

I'll vote for that!

They get my vote as well; but 50th season? - doesn't that mean they're starting their 50th year not actually completed 50 yrs display flying?

I know, growbag, helmet, the door's over there

Hope he RAF does better than they did for the 25th. In the end the Team and The Red Arrows Trust (the charity fund raisers) had to do it. Terrific day though, just aerobatic teams. My youngest was just a toddler, and still remembers it

I nominate Paul Day who displayed the BBMF fighters exceptionally well within RAF imposed limits for many years and led the BBMF as Officer Commanding for many of those years. He displayed the Italian Spitfire brilliantly to more liberal limits and in retirement flew and displayed a two-seat Spitfire. He did all of this demanding flying safely over a long period and was an inspiration to all those budding historic display pilots he came into contact with.

Major Day
 

I should like to second Paul (first met on 20 Squadron, Tengah). Not only a fine display pilot but an exceptional teacher of display poilots.

Sod dim, he also displayed the RR mk 19 in retirement, I agree with your nomination, I cannot think of anyone more deserving either.

PD - and the odd overflight of Little Snoring when we happened to live in the village - Brilliant! But for Paul's enthusiasm I suspect that the future of BBMF might have been at risk of reduction in size or folding altogether

Major is a top man!

He has also announced his retirement from flying after delivering the Spit two seater to its new owner, perhaps a fitting time to award it to him as well.

Yup, I'd vote for Paul Day. Superb display pilot and also an outstanding instructor.

Thumbs up for "The Major" :ok:

LJ

How many nominations have been received for this award?

Another one for The Major. Top man, incredibly modest, dry as a desert, hilarious after dinner speaker, very much missed at a secret flying club in Lincs.

I do not know Paul Day, either personally or by reputation. Nor, I suspect, do many civilian or even service aviators, let alone the public. From what I have read on here I am sure he would be a very deserving recipient and a popular one to those who know him. Perhaps he will be so honoured, if not this year then soon.

I do, however, think this is the one singularly appropriate year to honour the RAFAT, who have undeniably made and continue to make an outstanding and enduring contribution to display flying, not only in this country but across the world. It is their 50th anniversary.

Three years ago they suffered appalling tragedy, losing two pilots killed in accidents and a third to consequential traumatic stress. They were immediately subjected to a lengthy period of intrusive and often hostile inspection, analysis and reorganisation, culminating in undeserved and very public humiliation. The flawed SI into Sean Cunningham's death trashed their reputation, professionalism and integrity on very dubious and subsequently largely disproved evidence. I know how hurt and angry the Team were by this disgraceful episode.

From that low point, through their professionalism, hard work and inspired internal leadership, they have picked themselves up and reestablished their reputation as probably the most famous, popular and entertaining military aerobatic team in the world. They had massive public exposure throughout the Jubilee year and the UK Olympics, followed by a very successful tour of the Middle East. This, their 50th anniversary year, sees them entertaining the public with as fine and polished a display as they have ever achieved in the past. They have never been so visible and so popular with the British public.

It would be a very fitting and popular choice, not only with professional aviators but also with the public, if The Red Arrows were awarded this honour, this year.

Here's a thought - Hanna Award for PD, "Special Award", the "Fellowship" or whatever (a la BAFTAs) for RAFAT. Well it was an idea..........

John Beattie was awarded the Hanna Trophy. Congratulations John!

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