Pete Barnes -Condolences Thread
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RIP Barnesy. Each time we met you were invariably smiling and cheerful. Your shoes were far too big for me to fill, up here in the North East although I've tried for 15 years. There are many pilots flying in our industry today who are there because having met you they wanted to be like you. The helicopter world is a much poorer place without you.
Last edited by YOP; 16th Jan 2013 at 20:40.
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How lovely that so many has taken the trouble to pay respects to this professional pilot, sounds like he was very well loved and respected. Thoughts go out to his family and friends
Last edited by Pull what; 16th Jan 2013 at 20:34.
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Sh*t. Another old mate gone. Just woken up in Australia to this awful news and listlessly wondering why this has to happen to some of the very best aviators I've known. One thinks of Colin Bates, John Sefton, Dave Roue and Spotty Mulhern for starters, and I'm then reflecting on how Barnesy was right up there with the very best of them.
Cheeky, full of enthusiasm for all aspects of life, and hysterically funny. As all the guys who came with us to Athens will attest he was always the antidote to a hard day at the "office". You could guarantee that he'd be the first one to don the Speedos and grab the best lounger in order to win the bronzing trophy hands down. By the time the rest of us had ambled down to the pool Pete would already have half a dozen aviators with tears of mirth rolling down their faces at some half-likely story about the tribulations of the day's flying. They were certain to be holding a beer that Pete had summoned.
Thanks Pete, for your professionalism, your company, your love of life, and your fun. We will all miss you terribly. Our hearts go out to B.. and to the family.
Much love JG, SL and T
Cheeky, full of enthusiasm for all aspects of life, and hysterically funny. As all the guys who came with us to Athens will attest he was always the antidote to a hard day at the "office". You could guarantee that he'd be the first one to don the Speedos and grab the best lounger in order to win the bronzing trophy hands down. By the time the rest of us had ambled down to the pool Pete would already have half a dozen aviators with tears of mirth rolling down their faces at some half-likely story about the tribulations of the day's flying. They were certain to be holding a beer that Pete had summoned.
Thanks Pete, for your professionalism, your company, your love of life, and your fun. We will all miss you terribly. Our hearts go out to B.. and to the family.
Much love JG, SL and T
Colin 'Master' Bates (ex-Hanson) and 'Spotty' Mulhern (ex-Ferranti) .. sorely missed.
From one thing to another, thinking about Peter's family .. is there a group of 'helicopter widows' in the UK that could be of some comfort to Peter's wife in the weeks ahead?
It may sound odd but after the initial response from family and friends she and the children will have to 're-build' their lives and this is where those who have been through something similar can very often provide some oft needed practical advice and support.
If there are any 'helicopter widows' reading this perhaps you may have some thoughts.
My sincere apologies if this query is in any way inappropriate.
From one thing to another, thinking about Peter's family .. is there a group of 'helicopter widows' in the UK that could be of some comfort to Peter's wife in the weeks ahead?
It may sound odd but after the initial response from family and friends she and the children will have to 're-build' their lives and this is where those who have been through something similar can very often provide some oft needed practical advice and support.
If there are any 'helicopter widows' reading this perhaps you may have some thoughts.
My sincere apologies if this query is in any way inappropriate.
Avoid imitations
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As a fellow rotary winged aviator, my sincere condolences to PB's family.
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I never knew you Pete but as someone who has raised a lot of money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance I'd like to add my condolences to this thread.
A lot of people have a lot to thank you for fella.
RIP
A lot of people have a lot to thank you for fella.
RIP
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We spoke countless times on Thames and 'Special' over the years. I eventually enjoyed the honour and privilege to meet Barnesy (in the Wellington Arms) and spent some memorable and hilarious time with him and other close-knit professionals who are London's regular hell-pilots. An uplifting gentleman of great character. My heartfelt condolences to his family, JJ and the team at LW, and his friends and colleagues (especially Gazza).
RIP Barnesy. You made working the heliroutes great fun.
RIP Barnesy. You made working the heliroutes great fun.
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I'm one of many people to have been inspired by Pete. His enthusiasm and energy was extraordinary. He loved life and he loved everybody, he will be truly missed.
Last edited by Huskie; 16th Jan 2013 at 23:47.
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Sincere condolences to Pete's family and colleagues.
Although I hadn't seen him for a few years, we kept in touch by e-mail and I always enjoyed hearing about the diverse array of flying he undertook.
Hugely encouraging and great company to keep - he was a fine man and exemplary aviator.
Simon
Although I hadn't seen him for a few years, we kept in touch by e-mail and I always enjoyed hearing about the diverse array of flying he undertook.
Hugely encouraging and great company to keep - he was a fine man and exemplary aviator.
Simon
Nice
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It sounds like a really good chap has been lost - I'm so sorry for those of you affected, directly or otherwise. From someone who has spent 15 odd years working with Helimed crews, whether on the ground or on several occasions, in the air with them.
As others have said, so rewarding but so bloody unforgiving too. Raising a glass.
As others have said, so rewarding but so bloody unforgiving too. Raising a glass.
Reading through all the posts above, I am saddened that I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Barnes. Surely this was an exceptional man, and my condolences to those who were fortunate to be his friends.
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Just wanted to add my condolences.
A moving tribute from Alan Robson of Metro Radio in Newcastle where he worked as a pilot on their Traffic and Travel team was aired on BBC 5 Live last night too.
A moving tribute from Alan Robson of Metro Radio in Newcastle where he worked as a pilot on their Traffic and Travel team was aired on BBC 5 Live last night too.
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Only met Cpt. Barnesy a few times. He was a great professional pilot at work and a good laugh out of work.
I've only ever heard positive things about Barnesy from other pilots throughout the years i've been flying.
You will be greatly missed.
Condolences to his family, RIP Capt Barnes
I've only ever heard positive things about Barnesy from other pilots throughout the years i've been flying.
You will be greatly missed.
Condolences to his family, RIP Capt Barnes
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‘I have flown with "Barnsy" many times over many years both in the UK and across the continent. I have never experienced a more conscientious, skilled and professional pilot.
Like so many of us drawn to these versatile aircraft he was a real character. We had wonderful times enjoying the freedom of flight but Pete was always mindful of safety and responsibility to others.
My heart goes out to his family and all of those affected by this tragic accident.
When the investigations are complete I am sure it will be found to have been just that - a tragic accident. We should all be proud of the safety of flight in the UK and particularly in the crowded skies over London. Please never forget that thanks to pilots like Pete Barnes the helicopter is still the only method of transport devised by man that has saved more lives than it has taken. Thanks for the happy times Pete, and the lives you saved when flying the Air Ambulance.’
Like so many of us drawn to these versatile aircraft he was a real character. We had wonderful times enjoying the freedom of flight but Pete was always mindful of safety and responsibility to others.
My heart goes out to his family and all of those affected by this tragic accident.
When the investigations are complete I am sure it will be found to have been just that - a tragic accident. We should all be proud of the safety of flight in the UK and particularly in the crowded skies over London. Please never forget that thanks to pilots like Pete Barnes the helicopter is still the only method of transport devised by man that has saved more lives than it has taken. Thanks for the happy times Pete, and the lives you saved when flying the Air Ambulance.’
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Had the privilege of meeting Pete on a few occasions - one of the nicest people I've ever had dealings with.
A massive loss to aviation, but an immeasurable loss to his family and friends.
R.I.P.
A massive loss to aviation, but an immeasurable loss to his family and friends.
R.I.P.