If I can do a little “shameless promotion”, I wanted to share a link to an article I have written on the aviation career of well-known British vintage aircraft pilot Brian Smith.
http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2014/12/11/aviation-profile-brian-smith/
I’m sure many of you will be familiar with Brian for his exploits flying World War Two fighter aircraft with the Old Flying Machine Company, The Fighter Collection, Historic Flying Ltd and others. His warbird displays are flown with the “Hanna spirit” and most recently, he has been putting on superb routines in the Hawk 75, Bearcat, Corsair and Spitfire, amongst others.
The article looks at how Brian got involved in the aviation world via the Tiger Club, leading into his association with Neil Williams and Ray Hanna, the latter of whom facilitated Brian’s entry to the warbird scene when he invited him to join OFMC. Brian discusses at length his time flying with OFMC and TFC, amongst many other things including his work on OFMC’s film/television productions, comparing the various marks of Spitfire, comments on flying numerous warbirds and leading the 16-ship Spitfire sequence at Duxford in 2010.
I hope there’s something of interest in there. 🙂
Brian at Redhill, circa 1963.
By: TexanTrev - 15th December 2014 at 05:26
A great article, together with a super selection of photos Elliott. I well remember lots of Brian’s superb displays. An intriguing insight into a very accomplished pilot and reminding us all of the great characters that are/have been around the Warbird scene, not least of all, the Hanna & Grey families. Thanks for posting.
By: me109g4 - 15th December 2014 at 01:50
Very enjoyable article, great read. many thanks for posting it.
By: The Bump - 15th December 2014 at 00:28
The one by Ben Dunnell is in the current issue of Aeroplane.
Many thanks Charlie, I must hunt that down.
By: Zac Yates - 14th December 2014 at 22:48
What a truly wonderful article. I’m ashamed to admit I was unaware of who Brian Smith was, but reading his story was spectacular. Thanks for posting Elliot!
And some of those photos….truly wonderful.
By: charliehunt - 14th December 2014 at 18:25
The one by Ben Dunnell is in the current issue of Aeroplane.
By: The Bump - 14th December 2014 at 17:21
Fascinating story and sits well alongside the recently published account of Peter Kynsey. Had it not been me accepting at age 13 that my short sight meant i could never have a flying career i would have been a hangar rat at Blackpool and perhaps become a pilot full time. Nowadays I always suggest that people never take the first time they are told somethings not possible as just the start.
Is the article about Peter Kynsey available online?
By: The Bump - 14th December 2014 at 17:19
It’s no exaggeration to say that that has to be one of the finest articles I have ever read, plenty of goosebumps whilst reading and happy memories of the Hanna and Grey family and reminders of what they have done for the warbird world.
By: trumper - 14th December 2014 at 09:51
🙂 Superb write up and photos ,Thank you 🙂
By: Skyraider - 14th December 2014 at 08:06
Thanks very much for posting this, I really enjoy these insights. The part where he insisted he called Ray Hanna back was very special.
By: Wondy - 13th December 2014 at 12:50
Superb festive read – thank you for posting
By: Seafuryfan - 12th December 2014 at 22:31
A really great article, Elliott. About as close as it gets to an evening of amazing dits over a few beers 🙂
By: R6915 - 12th December 2014 at 20:25
A splendid article. As a point concerning the anecdote about comedian Dick Emery and the Tiger Moth incident with a young Brian Smith on board at Wisley wasn’y that at one the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Garden Party’s held there around that time? ?
By: PeterVerney - 12th December 2014 at 19:50
And thanks from me too. As he says “You have to be in the right place at the right time”, but he made full use of that time.
By: Skybolt - 12th December 2014 at 19:28
What a superb article. I first met Brian during his “hangar rat” time at Redhill and his talents have enriched the display scene over the decades since then. A most enjoyable read. Many thanks.
By: GliderSpit - 12th December 2014 at 17:21
Very interesting to read! Thanks for posting.
By: DazDaMan - 12th December 2014 at 15:53
Excellent read, and some serious pornography there!
By: Scramble Bill - 12th December 2014 at 14:30
Wasn’t going to read, just look at the pics, but did read, excellent article, memories……….
By: charliehunt - 12th December 2014 at 14:12
Met him once – good bloke, so look forward to reading it. Thanks for the link. Agreed, I attended all the early Farnborough shows in a suit and tie and the early ones in the school mac, whatever the weather!!
By: Propstrike - 12th December 2014 at 11:40
Yes, he looks a keen young fella, clearly destined for higher things.
One cannot help but observe that the decline of the UK aircraft industry mirrors EXACTLY the shift away from chaps wearing ties.
By: scotavia - 12th December 2014 at 11:36
Fascinating story and sits well alongside the recently published account of Peter Kynsey. Had it not been me accepting at age 13 that my short sight meant i could never have a flying career i would have been a hangar rat at Blackpool and perhaps become a pilot full time. Nowadays I always suggest that people never take the first time they are told somethings not possible as just the start.
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December 12, 2014 at 10:29 am