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-   -   Mike Smith Dead (https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/672036-mike-smith-dead.html)

QSmith 20th May 2026 13:38

Mike Smith Dead
 
Information Note:
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....c0b80bc72.jpeg


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

treadigraph 21st May 2026 07:34

Nice obit for Mike in the Telegraph last week:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/45453d5ebf335bee

Hopefully it's readable, apologies if not...

OvertHawk 21st May 2026 07:59

My Condolences Q.

A life well lived!

OH

[email protected] 21st May 2026 08:24

My condolences for your loss, RIP

muermel 21st May 2026 10:27

My condolences, may he rest in peace. But what a life he's had, impressive

Georg1na 21st May 2026 11:16

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
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....c7de5608a5.jpg
Peter Faulks, John Kelly, Mike and Me!!
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....f0d37d7804.jpg
Relaxing!!

Winnie 21st May 2026 13:08

Condolences to family and friends.

Dick Smith 27th May 2026 07:23

Deepest condolences Q.


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