Another character gone.

An absolute professional who never took himself too seriously. I'll miss his cheery voice on the RT and helicopter special events, especially Royal Ascot, will not be the same with out him.

Thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.

R.I.P Barnesy.

RIP Pete, you were one of the best. The world is a poorer place for your lack.

Condolences to family and friends.

RIP Pete
our condolences to the family
Very sad day
AJB

Condolences to the families of all involved in this tragedy.

R.I.P. Barnsey - A true Gent and thorough professional.

My condolences to his family....

R.I.P.....fly safe-wherever you are right now.....

Condolences to Pete's family and many friends from all who knew him at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. He was a true one-off and our "family" will be a duller place without him. R.I.P. Pete.

Sad loss
 

.. of one of the better aviators in this industry and world.

That said not as much of a loss to his family and close friends whom my thoughts are with.

Rest easy, your earned some more wings today, sadly before your time.

RIP Peter
 

I have know and worked with Peter on and off over the last 15 years. A true professional we we all miss. I guess the big guy decided your time was up today. I am sure our paths will cross sometime again when he decides it's our turn.

Until then my friend .....

Sincere condolences to a fantastic man, and an excellent pilot. The accolades proffered by colleagues say it all about his personality, attitude and skill.

The community is a poorer place for our loss.

Giles.

RIP Pete
 

Pete was a great guy and just what I needed for the transition from to green to the outside.

He was never too busy to assist me, a great friend and a better aviator.

My condolences to your family mate.

RIP Barnesy
 

One of the nicest and most professional heli pilots that it has been my privilege to meet, Pete will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to his lovely family.

Had the pleasure of working with Pete on several occasions a few years back. Everything you'd expect in a heli pilot, and a thoroughly nice bloke.

Condolences to Pete's family . RIP sir.

Farewell to one of the noisiest and most decent people I have ever known.
From sitting in my old office selling each other air strikes on the CAA, to sitting on Med beaches drinking gallons of beer you made me laugh always.
Our annual first meet up of the year at Cheltenham was always a good reason to go and freeze at that event, meeting in wet fields in the West Country always made the waiting fun, and middle of the night chats on London Info when everyone else bar the controller were long in bed made staying awake easy.

Our favourite restaurant near Issy will be a very empty place in future, and your joy and amazement at becoming a familly man, adoration of B and the kids were completely obvious, as was your care for other people.

Off for a LARGE red right now. Good Bye Pete

I've re-joined this site today as I couldn't let such a sad and wide reaching tragedy like this slip away.
I knew Pete and though I never flew with him I enjoyed a drink with him on a couple of occassions.
Everything that needed to be said about Barnsey's professionalism, competence, love of his family, raconteur and almost iconic status within the industry has been thoughtfully posted on this thread.
It shocks, saddens and leaves a big hole as well as many question marks about why and if only..........

If I was half the pilot that you were.........

Rest in Peace

A very sad day
 

What a sad day RIP Pete Barnes.

A true gent who always had a cheery word when he visited the Tower at Denham regardless of the time of day.

I only knew him through working in the Tower but he was a great chap and will be sorely missed.

RIP Captain Barnes was a pleasure to work with you. God bless your wife and children.

Stunned at your loss Pete. Is a privilege to have been able to count you as a friend, a saviour, an outstanding pilot, a great flying teacher and one of the best blokes anyone could wish to spend an evening with.

So many have benefited from your flying skills - and indeed simply to have known you. Your name deserves to go on, synonymous with huge achievement in the world of helicopter flying. RIP

Very sad news.

Pete's life revolved around two things: flying and family.

As others have said, he was a very experienced pilot. I flew with him on several occasions and always found him to be skilful and professional. Throughout the many years I knew him he was one of the busiest freelance pilots in the UK, not least because of repeat business from a long list of satisfied customers.

He was a family man, devoted to his wife and two young children. Always enjoyable fun company, with friends and at home, Barnesy was one of life's gentlemen and one of the kindest people I've known.

R.I.P Pete
 

Just reading through the previous posts speaks volumes of how well thought of and respected you were. It's been an absolute pleasure & privilege flying with you Pete. You will be sorely missed.

An honour to fly with you,

RIP Barnesy