Vale Mick Reynolds

[oldrotorhead]

Sadly I am reporting the passing of a real gentleman, a true "character" in his own right, and a very fine and talented aviator. Michael Charles Reynolds (Mick) was 72 and for several years recently had been battling ill health which he did with strength and a very stoic attitude. Major Reynolds was a retired Australian Army Aviator and a very talented helicopter and fixed wing pilot and instructor as well as a noted Vietnam veteran. He was responsible for training and mentoring many military and civilian pilots including me personally (military, I am the same age as him) and I am really glad and proud that he has been a friend, colleague and mentor of mine for over 48 years. Mick's funeral will likely be in south Queensland, probably Brisbane, later next week and I will be happy to post the details when known. RIP mate.

[Same again]

Sad news. I knew Mick in the Army and he was also Chief Pilot of the Capricorn Rescue Helicopter Service in Rockhampton back in 2000. He was a great raconteur and impressed me with his stories of flying an AAAvn Pilatus Porter from UK to Australia in support of the re-enactment of 1919 Vickers Vimy flight. RIP Sir.

[Bellthorpe]

Unusual attitudes

Some of my favourite flying hours were spent over the coast at Bribie in a Kiowa with Mick, doing "unusual attitudes".

Flying along the beach at 100 feet. He says "I have control. Close your eyes. Open your eyes. You have control". The waves were getting bigger, and I had but seconds to recover. Certainly focussed the mind.

Some of my other favourite times were drinking beer with our respective partners at the Landsborough Pub.

A great guy, a wonderful raconteur, and I'll miss him.