Helicopter Down Near Blackpool 22nd Sept 09

[go34]

I was devastated to hear the news about Steve, still can't believe it.

I have been one of his students for about nine months. I was due to fly with him again this week.

From the first day i met Steve his ability to put you at ease and explain the complicated was apparent. I don't think i will be able to get into a helicopter again without thinking of his fantastic humour and awful jokes, which would have you laughing for most of the lesson. I'm sure his humour is legendary with anyone who ever met him.

I consider it a privilege to have known him even for such a short time. My prayers and sympathes go out to the family and friends of both men.

Good night and god bless mate.

[stringfellow]

go 34, you raise a common thread about steves ability to articulate something that appears complex... within 5 mins of meeting steve he identified that my main weakness was zone transits and rt... so he threw me in at the deep end and within fifteen mins we were crossing his beloved liverpool air space and the fact that i was talking to them and flying in what before was the forbidden land made me feel so relieved. every other instructor gave me the impression that busy transits are purely the domain of the commercial pilot, steve dispelled the myth, and that was the measure of the man.

if steve was your sole instructor please bear this in mind. instructors fall into two categories, those simply hour building and those who simply love it. steve was an accomplished pilot in many other areas but instructed because he loved it and he was a natural. the gulf between a good instructor and a bad one is vast. i have learnt the hard way. i only flew with steve after my ppl and his humourous articulation of what appeared unattainable was so refreshing.

all the best with your future training and never be scared to speak up and be heard, steve always did.

[chester2005]

I was fortunate enough to meet Steve on a number of occasions at the Helicentre Liverpool he always came across as a consumate professional with a sense of humour and i never heard a bad word said about him.

RIP both Steve and his student.

My thoughts are with their families.

Chester

[gusmagoo]

Deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic loss of two lives…
I too knew Steve and had the pleasure of flying with him at Liverpool on a couple of occasions. He was an amazingly decent chap, humorous, knowledgeable, professional and passionate about flying. He will be very sadly missed…

[Torquetalk]

Just remember all of you who post, eyes are on the PPRuNe, and these idiots will pick the most lurid and sensational comment made, then transmit to the great unwashed as TRUE FACT.

Not the kind of comment that is going to win friends and influence people. Respect begets respect and dealing constructively with both public and journalists is better than dissing both.

Sad news.

[sammypilot]

Steve was known to members of the fixed wing fraternity when he had a spell with Merseyflight in Liverpool. I can ensorse all the sentiments that have been expressed about him, a really nice gentle giant of a man.

The most accurate report I have seen so far appears in the Blackpool Gazette.

[Dantruck]

I promised on here long ago never again to defend the journo’s, and I’ll try not to break that rule now, but the poor reporting we have seen is an unfortunate product of the way today’s media is structured. For the most part that means; the way it is funded. STANDTO asked if Pruners could form some sort of information desk so that journalists had someone to call for factual answers. Journalists have always held lists of people they can call on every subject. Unfortunately, today’s online hack is too time poor and cash-strapped to pick up the phone to call even the likes of me, and that was when I was the editor of a helicopter magazine. I’m afraid a ‘Prune Heli-Helpline’ would simply get ignored along with the rest.
Now is not the time to get into another discussion on this subject...that much has been done before, here and elsewhere. But if anyone does have a genuine question about how and why the media acts the way it does on these occasions I would be happy to try and explain. PM me if you prefer. Just do please try not to shoot the messenger, eh?

Never had the privilege to know Steve. Sounds like he was quite a guy!
Dan

[AdyL]

Steven Lewis

Hi,

My brother was Steven Lewis, the flight instructor tragically killed in the Tuesday 22nd September helicopter crash near Blackpool.

Firstly, my family and I would like to say thank you for all the posts of good wishes and condolences, they really mean a lot to us at this time.

Some of the posts have asked about the funeral arrangements - these are ongoing but I will post again here once they are confirmed.

Some posts have also asked about flowers, cards, donations and so on. On the question of flowers these will be family only. However...

For donations, we would like them to be between:
- North West Air Ambulance
- Whiston Hospital Oncology Department (further details may follow for this)
...or one of the cancer research charities

For any cards you would like to send, please forward to the family via:
- Craven Lodge, Broadgreen Road, Liverpool, L13 5SG

Thanks again for your kind wishes,
Adrian Lewis

[Paul Dean]

Steve Lewis

Hello Adrian

I want to pass on my heart felt condolences to you and your family.

I have been learning to fly helicopters with Steve since October 2008. I got to know him quite well and I thought he was an absolute brilliant person. We flew home to our house one time and had a cup of coffee with Fiona my wife and chatted in the kitchen. Fiona was well impressed with Steve because of how freindly he was and so easy to get on with after meeting him for only 15mins or so.

I am happy to have known Steve and I will surely remember and cherish
my Wednesday lessons which I always looked forward to. I told him on a few occassions that I thought he was a mega pilot because he impressed me so much with his flying skills, knowledge & professionalism.

Phil Gray who was with Steve was also one of my close friends who I have known for 25 years and he was a great guy who worked hard and played hard, he to will be sadly missed by many people. Phil started lessons in January 2009. Phil and I spoke on a few occasions about our latest flying experiences and we were like teenagers again when ever we spoke about our flying lessons with our happy instructor with the big personality.

You and your family must be very proud of Steve.

God bless Steve

I am sorry

Paul

[QDM.AVIATION]

Legend!

Steve, you had a massive personality and I was lucky enough to fly with you a couple of times. You became a friend and used to love seeing you at Caernarfon and getting your funny emails that used to cheer me up when I have had a pants day.

Born instructor who was outstanding at his job, gentle giant with a great personality, lit up the room. Going to miss you buddy.

There is one word - legend. You inspired me and everyone you met.

Good bless and RIP, will be thinking about you

Sam Betley

[Heli-Ice]

Phororhacos

I guess you are not at the right place with your query.

I recommend these two:

Hughes 269/Schweizer 300 series

&

Robinson Helicopters: R22 thread

[AdyL]

Steven

Hello,

Last week I promised to post arrangements for the funeral of my brother Steven Lewis here.

Thanks again for the kind words and posts on this forum. Keep the helifaith.

Wednesday October 7th, 3pm
Springwood Crematorium
Springwood Avenue
Woolton
Liverpool

- Family flowers only by request
- Black dress is optional
- Donations to:
* North West Air Ambulance
* Ward G5 Whiston Hospital

The Lancs Police have issued the request that while press is not prohibited we strongly demand that the familys privacy and personal space be preserved.

Thanks,
Adrian Lewis

[Rob1975]

Steven Lewis

Adrian, not looked on here, but read about the funeral today in the local press.

Your brother Steven sounded like a top instructor - I didn't know him, but sure to say all our thoughts on here are with you and your family.

Rob