Vale Ron East
 

Those of us who flew in WA in the 1960's and 1970's cannot fail to recall R.P. East; he was the principal (only?) GA Examiner in the WA Region over that period. Intolerant of fools, but he was extremely positive, influential and helpful. I remember him with respect and affection - they didn't come any better.

R.I.P., Ron.

Many rides with Ron. A real gentleman.

Ron East issued me my Private licence Feb 21 1962, seems only yesterday some times.

As said, was helpful, approachable and a gentleman.

He did write a book "A Flying Career" published in 2004 of which my copy is signed by himself.

:ok:

Was Ron East the CFI at Latrobe Valley in the early 60's?

The 'Bristling Moustache' had a rare sense of humour for those who could appreciate it.

I last saw Ron earlier this year at an 'Old Fliers Group' meeting at RACWA, JT.

Looking a little 'frail' then, he still had the sense of humour - and professionalism.

'We set the standards' was his last comment to me then....

Vale, Ron

I've had a couple of my own very highly respected mentors over the years speak highly of Ron East as far as flying standards were concerned.

My mentors always said that you truly earned every qualification he was testing you for.

He was before my time flying wise - but a customer of the bank I used to work for after he retired and was always very pleasant to me.

At 93 he had a good innings...

Regards.

VH-MLE

I recall 3 of these DCA examiners - Peter Griffin, Ron East and Tony Christie.

Ron would never tolerate fools, but I always got on well with him. In another life, I used to ride around occasionally in the Aero Commander (VH-CAY) that was based at Perth then and he would generally let me fly the aircraft. That left a lasting impression.

Leading by example comes to mind when I think of him. A lasting memory.

Vale Ron

Ron sent me solo at Royal Vic in Tiger Moth VH-RVL on 23JUN56 at Moorabbin. before leaving to to become CFI at the Latrobe Valley Aero Club.
Fifty years elapsed before I had communication with him on the occasion of the release of his book 'A Flying Career' . He didn't remember me {probably that was a good thing!}, but on checking his log books he advised he clocked his 6000th hour at that time. Most respected instructor and a real gentleman.

RIP Ron East...
 

As a highly respected setter of standards, it's nice to see that he hasn't been forgotten after all these years.

RIP Ron...

VH-MLE

Thanks Ron
 

He gave me my Restricted PPL in Port Hedland in '74.

I was so nervous at the time, but he calmed me down so that I could pass the test.

Thanks Ron, much appreciated.

My first logbook shows that Ron East did my PPL test in January 1964.
Then in January 1966, the CPL test, part of which I had forgotten until I dug out the moth eaten logbook. It included a 35 minute night flying test on one evening, followed by a 4 hour 35 minute cross country exercise the next day.
I do remember well that the cross country started with him putting the hood on me before take off, then issuing several heading changes during the first half hour or so. Then the hood was removed and I was required to locate myself on the chart. A refuel stop was closely watched to make sure I attached the grounding wires before and did a water check after.
The test culminated back at Perth with the hood going back on and Ron giving me a mock GCA to touch down.
When we got back, a prospective employer was waiting on the fence to see if I had passed. To which Ron replied something to the effect that the CPL would be in the mail on Monday. Imagine that service these days!
All a bit unconventional, but what a wonderful memory.
Ron, may you have tailwinds and cavok forever.