Stapleford Flight Centre  25 Jan 2021

”It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Eric Thurston OBE yesterday, aged 101 years. Eric’s contributions to aviation are enormous. From his role on the Pilots Committee of the Ministry of Aviation and subsequently the Advisory Committee to the CAA to being a pioneer in air taxi and charter work. His ambulance flights around Europe earned him the Order of St. John for his commitment to making life-saving flights whenever he was asked to.

He was a founding member of the British Light Aviation Centre (now AOPA) a member of the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators (GAPAN) and was recently awarded their Sword of Honour.

He was Chief Flying Instructor here at Stapleford for many years, continuing to visit the clubhouse up until his 100th Birthday.

Once we have further information on the funeral arrangements, these will be posted.”