Mike Smith Dead
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Joined: May 2026
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From: London
Mike Smith Dead
Information Note:
Michael J H Smith has died on St Patrick's Day in Cyprus.
He died extremely quickly at 87 years old.
He was in good health and had all his marbles.
He had been driving that day, had beaten someone 7/5 at pool.
Announcing that he had "something wrong in my head", he closed his eyes a died.
He had always said that when he died he'd like to be disposed of in the household rubbish.
He will be remembered by some here as having been extremely helpful and enthusiastic on behalf of others.
He was a prolific pilot and a distinguished instructor - having been an early 'Jungly' he had a distinguished naval career. In the 1960s he became a civvi pilot instructor and examiner, he eventually retired in 2006. He founded HeliAir in 1986 and selling it in 2005. Being one of the few to actually make some money in aviation !
There will be a Memorial for him at HQ Aviation, Denham Airfield on 27th June at 1100
Michael J H Smith has died on St Patrick's Day in Cyprus.
He died extremely quickly at 87 years old.
He was in good health and had all his marbles.
He had been driving that day, had beaten someone 7/5 at pool.
Announcing that he had "something wrong in my head", he closed his eyes a died.
He had always said that when he died he'd like to be disposed of in the household rubbish.
He will be remembered by some here as having been extremely helpful and enthusiastic on behalf of others.
He was a prolific pilot and a distinguished instructor - having been an early 'Jungly' he had a distinguished naval career. In the 1960s he became a civvi pilot instructor and examiner, he eventually retired in 2006. He founded HeliAir in 1986 and selling it in 2005. Being one of the few to actually make some money in aviation !
There will be a Memorial for him at HQ Aviation, Denham Airfield on 27th June at 1100
Gnome de PPRuNe
Joined: Jan 2002
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 15,184
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From: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Nice obit for Mike in the Telegraph last week:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/45453d5ebf335bee
Hopefully it's readable, apologies if not...
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/45453d5ebf335bee
Hopefully it's readable, apologies if not...
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 157
Likes: 38
From: England
Dear Q - what dreadful news of my old chum. A truly lovely chap. We were together at Nanga Gaat and got up to some fine mischief including me tossbombing him underslung into the jungle canopy to rescue some pongos!! D
Peter Faulks, John Kelly, Mike and Me!!
Relaxing!!
Peter Faulks, John Kelly, Mike and Me!!
Relaxing!!
