Crawford Turner retiring
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From: UK
Crawford Turner retiring
Went to Crawford's retirement dinner in Shrewsbury last night. He actually hangs up his helmet at the end of next week after 40-odd years of driving helicopters various. They used laminated copies of his old auth sheets as place mats. I had 1973, he was on the Whirlwind then.
His experimental advanced transitions at Nesscliffe B will be missed - but not by the sheep.
Farewell Turner!!
His experimental advanced transitions at Nesscliffe B will be missed - but not by the sheep.
Farewell Turner!!
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From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
As a student I once temporarily lost Crawford on a Welsh mountainside after he climbed out and sent me solo in the Whirlwind. We agreed afterwards that "Miniflares" are useless in the daytime, a smoke canister is a much better location aid (shame he'd forgotten it). I've never forgotten how much of a gentleman he was about it.
Not seen you for years, but enjoy your retirement, Crawfs!
Not seen you for years, but enjoy your retirement, Crawfs!
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From: Norfolk
What a great bloke.
I laughed so much during my check ride with him at CFS(H) when I was qualifying that it became more of a jolly - his take on playing a Middle Eastern student (with a Scottish accent) was so hilarious that all thoughts of being nervous completely departed and I've never been worried about a check ride ever since that day!
WW
I laughed so much during my check ride with him at CFS(H) when I was qualifying that it became more of a jolly - his take on playing a Middle Eastern student (with a Scottish accent) was so hilarious that all thoughts of being nervous completely departed and I've never been worried about a check ride ever since that day!
WW
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From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
SASless, it would have been even worse - they would have scrambled 22 Sqn to go look for him. Thankfully I found him just before I hit minimum fuel. 
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They used laminated copies of his old auth sheets as place mats. I had 1973, he was on the Whirlwind then.
Retiring is he - lucky bu**er.
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Once a Squirrel Heaven (or hell!), Shropshire UK
On behalf of Crawford (one day he'll discover that we have moved on from the abacus):
"Shy Torque:
Where are those beers you promised after abandoning me on the mountain."
Seriously though he will be sadly missed. I've enjoyed his tales of derring-do since my own Whirlwind course at Tern Hill, but most of all the students here will lose a source of knowledge and inspiration. Thursday was an excellent night for all - despite the port! - although he really should know better than follow the crewmen into a certain nightclub in Shrewsbury.
Edited for spilling
"Shy Torque:
Where are those beers you promised after abandoning me on the mountain."
Seriously though he will be sadly missed. I've enjoyed his tales of derring-do since my own Whirlwind course at Tern Hill, but most of all the students here will lose a source of knowledge and inspiration. Thursday was an excellent night for all - despite the port! - although he really should know better than follow the crewmen into a certain nightclub in Shrewsbury.
Edited for spilling
Last edited by Shackman; 5th November 2009 at 14:39.
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From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
"Shy Torque:
Where are those beers you promised after abandoning me on the mountain."
Where are those beers you promised after abandoning me on the mountain."
But I'd happily set Crawford up with another beer or two if I knew where to find him...
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From: Once a Squirrel Heaven (or hell!), Shropshire UK
Final day today for Crawford and a good send off by Sqn and DHFS. He even debriefed his last EOL. However he respectfully declined (well, maybe not quite respectfully) the fixed wing flight that was organised for him on his arrival at Cosford.
Farewell Crawford - who can replace you in that sleepy corner of the Office!
I look forward to seeing you again next year!
Farewell Crawford - who can replace you in that sleepy corner of the Office!
I look forward to seeing you again next year!
