Top 10 British Pilots
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Top 10 British Pilots
The Independent - 14 July 2002:
The Top Brass: And now for some real 'blue sky' thinking
The 10 leading pilots in Britain, as chosen by their peers.
Compiled by Kate Hilpern
Lloyd Cromwell Griffiths
Captain Lloyd Cromwell Griffiths, 57, is director of flight operations for British Airways, where he is in charge of the technical and safety training of air crew. As chief pilot, he also holds responsibility for cancelling or flying in extreme weather, as well as matters like the weight and balance of aircraft, their performance and fuel burn, and flight planning and navigation.
"I was introduced to aviation early in life because my father flew. I liked the romance of it – the fluffy white clouds and blue sky – and I still have an element of that now. I did my training in Canada, where I was a commercial bush pilot. I was paid according to how many people were on the seats behind me, which gave me my commercial sense.
"I joined BA in 1973 and the first half of my career was spent in Scotland. My major achievement there was my involvement in the creation of the Highland Division. In the space of a few years, we quadrupled the size of the business and created more than 200 jobs, while spreading our wings across Europe.
"I moved to Heathrow in 1990 where my main achievement has been developing our pilots' leadership skills so they do much more than drive an aircraft. They have to know everything there is to know about the business and I believe that's what makes them market leaders.
"My advice to people interested in becoming pilots is to get the best possible training. It will stand you in good stead for life."
Dan Arlett
Flight Lieutenant Dan Arlett, 27, is a Tornado F3 pilot serving with XI (Fighter) Squadron in North Yorkshire. He has flown operationally over Iraq and has led combat training missions in the Falkland Islands. He trained in 1996 as a commercial pilot at BAE, but decided to join the Royal Air Force the following year.
"Be determined, and appear confident and happy even when things are not going well. Do what you enjoy."
Mike Bannister
General Mike Bannister, 53, is general manager of Concorde, 737s, 757s, 767s, and Airbuses at British Airways. He was appointed Concorde flight manager in 1995 and was heavily involved in the modifications that returned the aircraft to the skies.
"My two career highlights have been my first Concorde flight and helping to put the flagship back into service."
Tom Cassells
Tom Cassells, 46, gained his pilot's licence in 1983 and went on to participate in freefall parachute drops. He is now one of the highest-placed aerobatic pilots in international events and is vice-chairman of the British Aerobatic Association.
"To finance my original flying lessons, I had to trade in my TVR sports car for a VW Golf, so you can see that I was hooked."
Alan Cassidy
Alan Cassidy, 53, is an aerobatic instructor and display pilot and has won the last three British National Aerobatic Championships. His career in flying started 35 years ago and he spent 20 years in the RAF. He left in 1990 and flew as a commercial pilot before setting up his own firm, Freestyle Aviation, in 1991.
"I still compete because it is technically the most difficult thing imaginable and so immensely rewarding."
Paul Douglas
Captain Paul Douglas, 52, is general manager of flight operations at British Airways. He joined BA in 1974 as a Trident co-pilot and became Concorde co-pilot in 1988. His current role involves ensuring that 900 flying hours a year are completed safely and efficiently. "The high point of my career at BA was privatisation and the period following. The company's reputation was high and with it rose the self-confidence of all its employees."
Mike Hayes
Flight Lieutenant Mike Hayes, 31, joined the RAF in 1990. After a varied career including flying exercises worldwide and peace-keeping operations over Yugoslavia and Iraq, he was posted to the instructional staff of the Jaguar Operational Conversion Unit 16R Squadron in 1998.
"Failure is a stepping stone to success."
Richard Hill
Richard Hill, 43, is operations director at BMI British Midland. He joined the company in 1982 as First Officer on an F-27 after training in Hamble, Hampshire with sponsorship from British Airways. His career highlight is the successful introduction of the Airbus A321 into service.
"The best advice to anyone contem- plating a career as a pilot is to persevere and be determined to succeed."
Paul Hopkins
Paul Hopkins, 51, has been chief test pilot for BAE Systems since 1997. He joined the company from the RAF in 1985 as a Harrier test pilot and has since been involved in the Hawk, Tornado, Gripen and Eurofighter development programmes.
"Getting to fly some of the world's greatest aircraft, like Harrier and Eurofighter Typhoon, is a job people dream of, and fortunately I am in the job where dreams come true."
Craig Penrice
Craig Penrice, 43, is the BAE Systems project pilot on Eurofighter Typhoon, the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft. He joined after 18 years career with the RAF. "Test pilots get the glory, and I wouldn't swap my job for anything, but there's a cast of thousands needed to create an aircraft as exceptional as Eurofighter Typhoon."
Compiled with help from the airline industry.
The Top Brass: And now for some real 'blue sky' thinking
The 10 leading pilots in Britain, as chosen by their peers.
Compiled by Kate Hilpern
Lloyd Cromwell Griffiths
Captain Lloyd Cromwell Griffiths, 57, is director of flight operations for British Airways, where he is in charge of the technical and safety training of air crew. As chief pilot, he also holds responsibility for cancelling or flying in extreme weather, as well as matters like the weight and balance of aircraft, their performance and fuel burn, and flight planning and navigation.
"I was introduced to aviation early in life because my father flew. I liked the romance of it – the fluffy white clouds and blue sky – and I still have an element of that now. I did my training in Canada, where I was a commercial bush pilot. I was paid according to how many people were on the seats behind me, which gave me my commercial sense.
"I joined BA in 1973 and the first half of my career was spent in Scotland. My major achievement there was my involvement in the creation of the Highland Division. In the space of a few years, we quadrupled the size of the business and created more than 200 jobs, while spreading our wings across Europe.
"I moved to Heathrow in 1990 where my main achievement has been developing our pilots' leadership skills so they do much more than drive an aircraft. They have to know everything there is to know about the business and I believe that's what makes them market leaders.
"My advice to people interested in becoming pilots is to get the best possible training. It will stand you in good stead for life."
Dan Arlett
Flight Lieutenant Dan Arlett, 27, is a Tornado F3 pilot serving with XI (Fighter) Squadron in North Yorkshire. He has flown operationally over Iraq and has led combat training missions in the Falkland Islands. He trained in 1996 as a commercial pilot at BAE, but decided to join the Royal Air Force the following year.
"Be determined, and appear confident and happy even when things are not going well. Do what you enjoy."
Mike Bannister
General Mike Bannister, 53, is general manager of Concorde, 737s, 757s, 767s, and Airbuses at British Airways. He was appointed Concorde flight manager in 1995 and was heavily involved in the modifications that returned the aircraft to the skies.
"My two career highlights have been my first Concorde flight and helping to put the flagship back into service."
Tom Cassells
Tom Cassells, 46, gained his pilot's licence in 1983 and went on to participate in freefall parachute drops. He is now one of the highest-placed aerobatic pilots in international events and is vice-chairman of the British Aerobatic Association.
"To finance my original flying lessons, I had to trade in my TVR sports car for a VW Golf, so you can see that I was hooked."
Alan Cassidy
Alan Cassidy, 53, is an aerobatic instructor and display pilot and has won the last three British National Aerobatic Championships. His career in flying started 35 years ago and he spent 20 years in the RAF. He left in 1990 and flew as a commercial pilot before setting up his own firm, Freestyle Aviation, in 1991.
"I still compete because it is technically the most difficult thing imaginable and so immensely rewarding."
Paul Douglas
Captain Paul Douglas, 52, is general manager of flight operations at British Airways. He joined BA in 1974 as a Trident co-pilot and became Concorde co-pilot in 1988. His current role involves ensuring that 900 flying hours a year are completed safely and efficiently. "The high point of my career at BA was privatisation and the period following. The company's reputation was high and with it rose the self-confidence of all its employees."
Mike Hayes
Flight Lieutenant Mike Hayes, 31, joined the RAF in 1990. After a varied career including flying exercises worldwide and peace-keeping operations over Yugoslavia and Iraq, he was posted to the instructional staff of the Jaguar Operational Conversion Unit 16R Squadron in 1998.
"Failure is a stepping stone to success."
Richard Hill
Richard Hill, 43, is operations director at BMI British Midland. He joined the company in 1982 as First Officer on an F-27 after training in Hamble, Hampshire with sponsorship from British Airways. His career highlight is the successful introduction of the Airbus A321 into service.
"The best advice to anyone contem- plating a career as a pilot is to persevere and be determined to succeed."
Paul Hopkins
Paul Hopkins, 51, has been chief test pilot for BAE Systems since 1997. He joined the company from the RAF in 1985 as a Harrier test pilot and has since been involved in the Hawk, Tornado, Gripen and Eurofighter development programmes.
"Getting to fly some of the world's greatest aircraft, like Harrier and Eurofighter Typhoon, is a job people dream of, and fortunately I am in the job where dreams come true."
Craig Penrice
Craig Penrice, 43, is the BAE Systems project pilot on Eurofighter Typhoon, the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft. He joined after 18 years career with the RAF. "Test pilots get the glory, and I wouldn't swap my job for anything, but there's a cast of thousands needed to create an aircraft as exceptional as Eurofighter Typhoon."
Compiled with help from the airline industry.
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Top Pilots
Presumably the statement that these people were chosen for inclusion 'by their peers' is a joke. Whilst I'm sure their mothers loved them, Mike Bannister, Paul Douglas & Lloyd Griffiths don't leave their desks more than once or twice a month, and worthy though they may be, wouldn't be on my list of BA aces.
"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
Firstly, nobody asked me who the top ten were, secondly it can't be right because I'm not on it !! Seriously, does the chief pilot hold responsibility for flying in extreme weather, weight and balance, fuel burn ? 37 years in the business, and I always thought that as captain, those were my responsibilities. I can sleep easy tonight, a load has been taken off my mind.
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Hohoho; "To finance my original flying lessons, I had to trade in my TVR sports car for a VW Golf, so you can see that I was hooked."
That's it folks, problems paying for lessons? Simply check your garage and sell-off a few of those sports cars you've got that are gathering dust
That's it folks, problems paying for lessons? Simply check your garage and sell-off a few of those sports cars you've got that are gathering dust
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I know 2 of these 10, and flew quite a lot with one of them. Craig has achieved a great deal in his aviation career, but I know that he would never say that he was the greatest pair of hands in the sky, because he used to say to me that he wasn't! However, humility like that is a good quality in a pilot, so maybe that makes him great anyway?
I'm not quite sure what to make of this list, but it does no harm I suppose.
I'm not quite sure what to make of this list, but it does no harm I suppose.
Just how do you define a "top pilot"?
Reminds me of one company I was flying with where certain individuals used to complain that a particular captain was "difficult" to fly with.
When I asked them which pilot they would like to be with when faced with a dire emergency they all quoted this captain's name first!
I am not belittling the achievements of these top pilots but it doesn't always follow that the "creme de la creme" are the best when it all goes pear shaped!
Reminds me of one company I was flying with where certain individuals used to complain that a particular captain was "difficult" to fly with.
When I asked them which pilot they would like to be with when faced with a dire emergency they all quoted this captain's name first!
I am not belittling the achievements of these top pilots but it doesn't always follow that the "creme de la creme" are the best when it all goes pear shaped!
What a curious piece of journalism.
Its not a selection of the best aviators. More a collection of politically notable types. I would love to know who chose who.
It made me think of all those splendid crabby pilots who disappeared out of a side door into retirement with nary a backward glance. The sort who you absolutely knew would put the aircraft down safely no matter what. Pilots who consistently proved the value of safe practice over many long, quiet, careers.
Few of them company men and all of them individuals.
BTW Captain Griffiths, I would hate to be thought of as a 'market leader'.
Its not a selection of the best aviators. More a collection of politically notable types. I would love to know who chose who.
It made me think of all those splendid crabby pilots who disappeared out of a side door into retirement with nary a backward glance. The sort who you absolutely knew would put the aircraft down safely no matter what. Pilots who consistently proved the value of safe practice over many long, quiet, careers.
Few of them company men and all of them individuals.
BTW Captain Griffiths, I would hate to be thought of as a 'market leader'.
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Yeah! How do you become a leading pilot?
I reckon there was only 10 votes submitted in the ballot then they pulled names out of a hat for places!!!!
My top ten consists of pilots that LEAD us to the bar in the evening after a long day - then LEAD by example and pay for the first round - then LEAD us to a nightclub or strip bar - in the morning they LEAD the way to the duty free shop - then when we get back to base they LEAD the way by getting off the A/C and onto the bus so we get home quick!!!
I reckon there was only 10 votes submitted in the ballot then they pulled names out of a hat for places!!!!
My top ten consists of pilots that LEAD us to the bar in the evening after a long day - then LEAD by example and pay for the first round - then LEAD us to a nightclub or strip bar - in the morning they LEAD the way to the duty free shop - then when we get back to base they LEAD the way by getting off the A/C and onto the bus so we get home quick!!!
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Any list of alleged 'Top 10 British Pilots' which doesn't include Ray Hanna has to be extremely suspect.
I suppose he might be excluded because, although he's lived here for circa 50 years, he was born in New Zealand. But that didn't stop him leading the Red Arrows for longer than anybody else, and he's still the best Spitfire display pilot even though he's now older than he'd like me to mention!
I suppose he might be excluded because, although he's lived here for circa 50 years, he was born in New Zealand. But that didn't stop him leading the Red Arrows for longer than anybody else, and he's still the best Spitfire display pilot even though he's now older than he'd like me to mention!
Any pilot who thinks that he's the best in the business is most certainly in the wrong business!!!!!! Such arrogance defies belief....
8000+ hours, 6000+ as P1C, Master Air Pilot, and I'm bŁoody certain that I'm not the best pilot in the business. I don't want to fly with anyone who thinks that they are either!
We all have something to learn. Unless we're stupid enough to think that we're the best there is.
8000+ hours, 6000+ as P1C, Master Air Pilot, and I'm bŁoody certain that I'm not the best pilot in the business. I don't want to fly with anyone who thinks that they are either!
We all have something to learn. Unless we're stupid enough to think that we're the best there is.
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Flying Lawyer
My first thought of a top pilot was also of Ray Hanna; not only because of his skill leading the Arrows but also for his consummate skill as an individual pilot. I watched him display a Spitfire at his son, Mark's graduation at Linton on Ouse. I had never before or since ( nor do I expect to in the future) seen a better individual display.
My first thought of a top pilot was also of Ray Hanna; not only because of his skill leading the Arrows but also for his consummate skill as an individual pilot. I watched him display a Spitfire at his son, Mark's graduation at Linton on Ouse. I had never before or since ( nor do I expect to in the future) seen a better individual display.
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Biggest pile of pants I have seen in a long time. Here are a few to chew over; John Askew - Yakman extraordinaire, and doesn't let his wheelchair slow him down; Judy Leden - don't know if she flies anything bigger than a microlight yet but she holds virtually every record there is for hang gliders, paragliders and the like; the bloke at BA (can't remember his name) who is the only pilot the CAA can think of who has had a collision midair and managed to land the a/c safely afterwards, and he was still only a student; Eric Moody - slightly controversial choice, but how many of us would perform in a very quiet cockpit when you should have 4 engines turning (shame he's still trying to get mileage out of it though). The list of outstanding PILOTS could go on and on, but this top ten seems to be a list of top MANAGERS. I have had the misfortune to meet 2 of the 3 BA chaps and personally don't care much for any of them.