Dick Thurbin
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Joined: Jan 1999
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From: north of barlu
Dick Thurbin
It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Richard ( Dick) Thurbin following a short illness.
Dick was a long time PPL instructor and examiner and had only retired from the Airways Flying Club at Wycombe air park shortly before Christmas.
He was a voice of calm reason and sound advice to all those who were learning to fly and his wise words will be sorely missed.
Dick was a long time PPL instructor and examiner and had only retired from the Airways Flying Club at Wycombe air park shortly before Christmas.
He was a voice of calm reason and sound advice to all those who were learning to fly and his wise words will be sorely missed.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 676
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From: london
Hugely sad news. Dick had only recently retired, and will be sorely missed.
He taught me to fly and got me through my PPL in a little over minimum hours with good humour, a unique common-sense brand of teaching and massive reserves of patience. I think I am right in saying that had I not drawn a very lucky straw in having Dick teach me, I almost certainly wouldn't have bothered to finish my PPL and, 1,000hrs further down the line, would not still be in the grip of the bug that is flying.
Dick was a career instructor who made a very real difference to the to the lives of many students and whose contribution to the British GA scene was considerable.
The British world of GA has lost a real mensch (Mensch - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) - may the air be still and the skies blue, where-ever you may be, Dick.
He taught me to fly and got me through my PPL in a little over minimum hours with good humour, a unique common-sense brand of teaching and massive reserves of patience. I think I am right in saying that had I not drawn a very lucky straw in having Dick teach me, I almost certainly wouldn't have bothered to finish my PPL and, 1,000hrs further down the line, would not still be in the grip of the bug that is flying.
Dick was a career instructor who made a very real difference to the to the lives of many students and whose contribution to the British GA scene was considerable.
The British world of GA has lost a real mensch (Mensch - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) - may the air be still and the skies blue, where-ever you may be, Dick.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 63
Likes: 3
From: high wycombe
as others have said, a hugely patient, genuine and knowledgeable character, who had time for everbody. such a shame that he never got the retirement he should have had. he will be fondly remembered by all who trained and flew with, and all he worked with. a friend for over 20 years, god bless you dick.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 248
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From: london
A first class bloke whose training somehow managed to keep me alive in spite of my own stupidity and crass decision making.
I remember on local sorties he would sometimes retune the radio when he thought his student wasn't looking, and watch in amusement at their antics as they attempted to deal with the subsequent 'radio failure' on rejoining the circuit.
RIP Dick.
I remember on local sorties he would sometimes retune the radio when he thought his student wasn't looking, and watch in amusement at their antics as they attempted to deal with the subsequent 'radio failure' on rejoining the circuit.
RIP Dick.
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Surrey
I've only just seen this - I'm gutted to hear of his passing. I had a trial flight with Dick at Booker in June 2011 & he was so patient, friendly & good humoured. My one & only time in a small plane at the controls & I was lucky to have Dick guiding me. Memories to treasure. RIP Dick.
