Helicopter missing in the Mourne Mountains, & tributes to AJ
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Tribute to AJ
I was an Air Tech and served with AJ in Soltau and Hildesheim. In my view he was the best pilot I ever flew with. Iremeber a great week supporting an exercise in Putlos, Me AJ a Gazelle and a tool box. One of the best exercises I was ever on.
I also remember when the other Smith (Simon) had an engine failure en Route to NI. The inclined drive shaft sheared, ruptured the oil tank and filled the cockpit with smoke. Simon couldn't see where he was going and headed toward power lines at Nienburg. The story goes that another Gazelle was accompanying him and a cool Lancashire accent came over the radio "E lad youre gonna hit the fookin' wires!)" He then proceeded to talk Simon into a relatively safe landing.
Truly a legend, and although I haven't seen him for 30 years I am sure he will be sadly missed.
I also remember when the other Smith (Simon) had an engine failure en Route to NI. The inclined drive shaft sheared, ruptured the oil tank and filled the cockpit with smoke. Simon couldn't see where he was going and headed toward power lines at Nienburg. The story goes that another Gazelle was accompanying him and a cool Lancashire accent came over the radio "E lad youre gonna hit the fookin' wires!)" He then proceeded to talk Simon into a relatively safe landing.
Truly a legend, and although I haven't seen him for 30 years I am sure he will be sadly missed.
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Also see here:
http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...otorheads.html
http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...otorheads.html
keep them coming
Bugger - didn't pay much attention to the initial thread stating 'another heli down' etc etc.
What an absolute tragic loss
God's speed AJ - it's true, you could be a pain - if one had forgotten their ear plugs - you were a skilled pilot but a better story teller.
Was in the OM bar when the 'song' was conceived.......
Where's the Puma gone?
It's gone to Monaghan, far far away.....
AJ looked down and the TANS had dumped
Eh Up! Where the fooook are we?
Thoughts go to all of his family
Aufidersen AJ
What an absolute tragic loss
God's speed AJ - it's true, you could be a pain - if one had forgotten their ear plugs - you were a skilled pilot but a better story teller.
Was in the OM bar when the 'song' was conceived.......
Where's the Puma gone?
It's gone to Monaghan, far far away.....
AJ looked down and the TANS had dumped
Eh Up! Where the fooook are we?
Thoughts go to all of his family
Aufidersen AJ
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So sorry for your loss Angie. I only knew AJ from his AAC days and flew with him many times in Germany and NI as a young crewman. He was a huge influence on my career and was the first to congratulate me when I passed pilot selection.
I lost touch with him at some point due to postings and remember being amazed when I heard that he had been accepted for a commission in the RAF - they can't possibly have interviewed him can they?
Then couple of years ago back I flew into Ascot and as I walked towards the pilots tent I heard that unmistakable voice and there was AJ sitting in a chair voicing his opinion on some point or other. It was so good to see him.
In a military and an industry where I often encountered sycophants and hypocrites he was a breath of fresh air - as honest and straight as the day is long. RIP AJ, you will be missed by many.
I lost touch with him at some point due to postings and remember being amazed when I heard that he had been accepted for a commission in the RAF - they can't possibly have interviewed him can they?
Then couple of years ago back I flew into Ascot and as I walked towards the pilots tent I heard that unmistakable voice and there was AJ sitting in a chair voicing his opinion on some point or other. It was so good to see him.
In a military and an industry where I often encountered sycophants and hypocrites he was a breath of fresh air - as honest and straight as the day is long. RIP AJ, you will be missed by many.
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I remember being in a pub with him away on a pleasure flying event, the young waitress took a drinks order, 3 beers and then that great accent kicks in, a corke please, a corke came the reply, yeah a corke for f#### sake, few minutes go by three beers a turn up along with and a saucer with a cork on it, what the f### is that cries AJ at the waitress, its a cork came the reply, I wanted a corke claims AJ, it is a bloody cork, the three of us were uncontrolable with laughter as AJ went on about the thick youth of today
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On a rather posh corporate event at a nice country house hotel, AJ was doing the flying, all guest assemble on the lawn, we load the first 4 in, he hits the button, it winds up but no light off, with that the door flies open, out he gets, marches over to the assembles masses and annouces, yer airplane's crap I'm off for a cream tea
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RIP 'AJ' my most memorable flight...
I was reading The Times article late last night about a Heli down last weekend and then read AJ's name. I thought surely there must be another AJ from across the water prompting me to send a couple of late night texts. Sadly not...
AJ took me flying over Silverstone in June 2008 in a A109E, it is was the most memorable flight I've ever had in a helicopter, a true gentleman, a piss taker of my downunder-ness and great fun.
This is my only picture, taken about 90 second before I nearly lost my guts!
RIP - AJ...
AJ took me flying over Silverstone in June 2008 in a A109E, it is was the most memorable flight I've ever had in a helicopter, a true gentleman, a piss taker of my downunder-ness and great fun.
This is my only picture, taken about 90 second before I nearly lost my guts!
RIP - AJ...
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I only had the pleasure of knowing AJ from his Kudos days, joined the company with no interest in helicopters whatsoever, something he managed to change with his stories and even as a fixed wing jockey I could see the raw skill the man possessed behind the sticks.
Can still picture him sat in the VIP lounge, custard tart in one hand tele remote in the other watching re-runs of Sharpe, shouting 'where's ma money?!' those who knew him at that time can no doubt relate!
My thoughts are with Angie and the family at this time, and as so many before have mentioned the world is a duller place without this charismatic gentleman.
Show those angels some real flying AJ. Rest In Peace.
Can still picture him sat in the VIP lounge, custard tart in one hand tele remote in the other watching re-runs of Sharpe, shouting 'where's ma money?!' those who knew him at that time can no doubt relate!
My thoughts are with Angie and the family at this time, and as so many before have mentioned the world is a duller place without this charismatic gentleman.
Show those angels some real flying AJ. Rest In Peace.
I first met AJ when converting to the Puma at Benson in 1998, and liked him instantly. He was a great instructor for a re-tread like myself and I enjoyed every flight with him. He had no sense of discretion and was completely non-PC, but of course, that was part of his charm.
His finesse with the Puma was simply outstanding - I remember being in Field 27, or something similar, near the M40 with him gently balancing on the nose wheel smoothly driving forward and back on the slope. Of course when I tried, I just pivoted around the nose wheel, or crashed down on the mains! Later, as a QHI myself, I tried to emulate his skill on sloping ground, but as yet have not achieved it.
Also, he once set up an approach at 500', set the controls for the descent and took his hands off - the aircraft flew a perfect approach all the way to the ground. (I think it even surprised him, mind, as we used to laugh about it every time we ran into one another.) I was lucky to see him often over the last few years, most recently at Cardiff during the Ryder Cup.
So-long AJ, you will be sorely missed, and never forgotten.
His finesse with the Puma was simply outstanding - I remember being in Field 27, or something similar, near the M40 with him gently balancing on the nose wheel smoothly driving forward and back on the slope. Of course when I tried, I just pivoted around the nose wheel, or crashed down on the mains! Later, as a QHI myself, I tried to emulate his skill on sloping ground, but as yet have not achieved it.
Also, he once set up an approach at 500', set the controls for the descent and took his hands off - the aircraft flew a perfect approach all the way to the ground. (I think it even surprised him, mind, as we used to laugh about it every time we ran into one another.) I was lucky to see him often over the last few years, most recently at Cardiff during the Ryder Cup.
So-long AJ, you will be sorely missed, and never forgotten.
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RIP AJ
I first met AJ at Middle Wallop in 1979, when he was instructing on Gazelles and I was just starting out as a helicopter pilot, although I never had the privilege of flying with him.
I remember when he was banned from taking students on the two day long navex - the overnight stops were supposed to be other military bases, but AJ always managed to go u/s in Blackpool, or Newcastle etc and he and his studes would have to find a hotel somewhere.
Rumour had it that when the RAF accepted him for commisioning they mixed up the application forms and AJ got through by mistake! I'm convinced that the culture shock that occured when he arrived was for the RAF and not AJ!
Our paths next crossed many years later, in 2000. I was sitting in reception at Bond Air Services Glasgow, waiting to start my re-conversion to the Bo105. I had been told that another pilot would be on the same course - someone called Tony Smith. Then I heard that distinctive booming voice - AJ! We had some great times down in Glasgow city centre over the next few days - a culture shock for those Glaswegians who crossed our paths! We were sitting in a restaurant, waiting for our meals, when one of his mobiles rang (he always seemed to have two!). He promptly went outside and paced up and down past the windows, shouting on the phone - everyone inside could hear him!
After the course, he went down to Boreham, with the Essex Air Ambulance, for a few months, where he managed to fly into some HT wires and set fire to the field of hay where he landed. The boss, TRL, went down to see him and ask what happened - "foooking sun was in my eyes as I approached the foooking field...didn't see the foooking wire stretched between the foooking trees!" Trevor just laughed, told him not to do it again and then told him he was being moved to Blackpool. Where he worked back-to-back with me for best part of a year, before he re-joined the RAF.
The North West Air Ambulance didn't know what had hit it! Never one to stand on ceremony, AJ told it as it was, which didn't go down too well with some of the support staff - not the paramedics, I hasten to add, for which he only had admiration.
A fabulous character, who will never be replaced.
Eh up, AJ, RIP matey.
bondu
I remember when he was banned from taking students on the two day long navex - the overnight stops were supposed to be other military bases, but AJ always managed to go u/s in Blackpool, or Newcastle etc and he and his studes would have to find a hotel somewhere.
Rumour had it that when the RAF accepted him for commisioning they mixed up the application forms and AJ got through by mistake! I'm convinced that the culture shock that occured when he arrived was for the RAF and not AJ!
Our paths next crossed many years later, in 2000. I was sitting in reception at Bond Air Services Glasgow, waiting to start my re-conversion to the Bo105. I had been told that another pilot would be on the same course - someone called Tony Smith. Then I heard that distinctive booming voice - AJ! We had some great times down in Glasgow city centre over the next few days - a culture shock for those Glaswegians who crossed our paths! We were sitting in a restaurant, waiting for our meals, when one of his mobiles rang (he always seemed to have two!). He promptly went outside and paced up and down past the windows, shouting on the phone - everyone inside could hear him!
After the course, he went down to Boreham, with the Essex Air Ambulance, for a few months, where he managed to fly into some HT wires and set fire to the field of hay where he landed. The boss, TRL, went down to see him and ask what happened - "foooking sun was in my eyes as I approached the foooking field...didn't see the foooking wire stretched between the foooking trees!" Trevor just laughed, told him not to do it again and then told him he was being moved to Blackpool. Where he worked back-to-back with me for best part of a year, before he re-joined the RAF.
The North West Air Ambulance didn't know what had hit it! Never one to stand on ceremony, AJ told it as it was, which didn't go down too well with some of the support staff - not the paramedics, I hasten to add, for which he only had admiration.
A fabulous character, who will never be replaced.
Eh up, AJ, RIP matey.
bondu
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I've only just realised that it was Eeebagum - bye bye AJ - I only met you once or twice, but you certainly won't be forgotten!
Phil
Phil
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Hi this is Angie AJ's wife. Where to start - well the tv remote control seems to feature a lot, so I would just like to say you are not alone, Tony (AJ) when entering the house after a stint away would come into the living room pick up the remote and surf the channels to see what was on - totally ignoring the fact that I was already watching something. Like most of you I had every faith in his flying ability and still can't understand why this is happening to us. All your stories and pictures however difficult for Bret Amie and I at times are also making us laugh, so thankyou. I am happy to hear from anyone that knew us. Please all of you live for today because tomorrow may never happen. Angie
Dear Angie - an awful lot of good people out there will be feeling for you and the AJ-kinderlings.
Your man was a one off. I did my AAC Pilots course in 78, AJ was a 'new' QHI. you both came to one of our parties at the 5 Bells. Seem to remember he wore an uber cool leather jacket!? You might remember we had the sadly departed son of W-B with us, still wearing his pyjama's under his trousers!! happy days - and AJ was direct, different and refreshing - and great (no matter when some sniffy people said he was too direct - he was invariably right)
AJ went Crab - and he was on G100 (St Angelo) duty one Xmas day with me - I was on the Lynx by then, I came into the crewroom early Xmas morning (I was V grumpy) to find AJ dressed as Father Xmas with a daft red cap on as well....I smiled for the rest of the day (and refrained from nicking the remote batteries) his only comment was 'cheer oop ya miserable yorkshire git....'
Later - AJ approaching G100 "G100, Puma 2 minutes from t'north, G100" some sage bellows on UHF 'Shut up AJ', and for the rest of the day when AJ transmitted the whole of the AAC/SHFNI world bellowed 'SHUT UP AJ', much more satisfying than 'Orange whip', knowing he'd be chuntering.
Like AJ I then went Crab, kept in touch, he was a rarity in the changing Military - someone confident enough to speak his mind and make sure things were straight and right.
Met him just a few weeks ago at Farnborough - he was smiling and relaxed, flying a 109. We chatted for half an hour or more. It all came back to me - the good days in NI, Belize and BAOR.
RIP Mate
Your man was a one off. I did my AAC Pilots course in 78, AJ was a 'new' QHI. you both came to one of our parties at the 5 Bells. Seem to remember he wore an uber cool leather jacket!? You might remember we had the sadly departed son of W-B with us, still wearing his pyjama's under his trousers!! happy days - and AJ was direct, different and refreshing - and great (no matter when some sniffy people said he was too direct - he was invariably right)
AJ went Crab - and he was on G100 (St Angelo) duty one Xmas day with me - I was on the Lynx by then, I came into the crewroom early Xmas morning (I was V grumpy) to find AJ dressed as Father Xmas with a daft red cap on as well....I smiled for the rest of the day (and refrained from nicking the remote batteries) his only comment was 'cheer oop ya miserable yorkshire git....'
Later - AJ approaching G100 "G100, Puma 2 minutes from t'north, G100" some sage bellows on UHF 'Shut up AJ', and for the rest of the day when AJ transmitted the whole of the AAC/SHFNI world bellowed 'SHUT UP AJ', much more satisfying than 'Orange whip', knowing he'd be chuntering.
Like AJ I then went Crab, kept in touch, he was a rarity in the changing Military - someone confident enough to speak his mind and make sure things were straight and right.
Met him just a few weeks ago at Farnborough - he was smiling and relaxed, flying a 109. We chatted for half an hour or more. It all came back to me - the good days in NI, Belize and BAOR.
RIP Mate
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Hi Angie
We met on 230 sqn in Gutersloh, many years ago. AJ was one of life's characters, and we all feel for your loss. It doesn't make any sense, but we are all glad to have known and flown with him, and like you, we all have many fond memories of him.
Best wishes
SiClick
We met on 230 sqn in Gutersloh, many years ago. AJ was one of life's characters, and we all feel for your loss. It doesn't make any sense, but we are all glad to have known and flown with him, and like you, we all have many fond memories of him.
Best wishes
SiClick
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AJ Over Tyrone & Fermanagh
No military career photos yet, so here’s one of AJ in his Crabair office on 15th August 2003, just west of The Deanery in Clogher (Y532), heading for Grosvenor -
and a Lough Erne view of XW231 from the Aldergrove-bound XW237, with Angelo civil runway in the background and Navaar viewpoint on the horizon.
A***n L*****r in the doorway, Ade P*******n in the rh seat and Flt Lt Smith monitoring two rotor spans separation. Understandably, none were keen to face the camera as I wasn’t Phamous enough on 230 Sqn for them to be certain of their own security, but I was made welcome for an enjoyable and entertaining hour or two in the Yellows & Greens.
My condolences to his family.
and a Lough Erne view of XW231 from the Aldergrove-bound XW237, with Angelo civil runway in the background and Navaar viewpoint on the horizon.
A***n L*****r in the doorway, Ade P*******n in the rh seat and Flt Lt Smith monitoring two rotor spans separation. Understandably, none were keen to face the camera as I wasn’t Phamous enough on 230 Sqn for them to be certain of their own security, but I was made welcome for an enjoyable and entertaining hour or two in the Yellows & Greens.
My condolences to his family.
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All
I never met AJ but I often heard him on the radio flying locally to my home base EGCB. Many a time he would be flying a 109 and his distinctive R/T would make me chuckle.
Its clear by reading the posts that he was a remarkable pilot and a well liked character. It's a terrible tragedy and my condolences go to his family, and the passengers too.
Joel
I never met AJ but I often heard him on the radio flying locally to my home base EGCB. Many a time he would be flying a 109 and his distinctive R/T would make me chuckle.
Its clear by reading the posts that he was a remarkable pilot and a well liked character. It's a terrible tragedy and my condolences go to his family, and the passengers too.
Joel
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Hi
Deepesst Sincere condolence and sympathy to you and all famiy members i was one of the first air and civilian crew on site as a pilot i am stunned by all
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Hi All
Please keep the pictures and stories coming, as stated on a previous post I am compiling a book of stories and pics to give to Angie and the family so they can always read and remember how well thought of he really was
Please keep the pictures and stories coming, as stated on a previous post I am compiling a book of stories and pics to give to Angie and the family so they can always read and remember how well thought of he really was