One of the sticky’s at the top of the page is about the “John Farley Memorial Fund” – and in similar references I have seen mention of him passing away “last September”
Yet I thought I had seen him at a couple of recent BAPC meeetings – Derby last October and Tangmere in February. A quick Google brought up that he received a Doctorate in February.
So have I gone nuts – or are there TWO John Farleys that were Harrier test pilots. Someone help me :confused::confused:
Roger Smith.
By: Chris Royle - 16th June 2018 at 14:27
I am posting this from Sheila, John’s daughter;
In the name of the family, I would like to express our gratitude for the posts, the shared memories, the photos.
My father touched so many peoples’ lives in so many ways.
His life and his life’s work are being celebrated and we would like everyone to know what a consolation this is for us.
Our heartfelt thanks,
Sheila Farley
By: Arabella-Cox - 15th June 2018 at 14:07
To me he was always and always will be “Mr Harrier”……. RIP
By: Trolly Aux - 15th June 2018 at 11:02
Met John a number of times at North Weald, a great genuine guy I remember his talk at the Squadron, I think he may of even done a couple of talks.
By: DaveF68 - 15th June 2018 at 09:46
I’m not someone who has ‘heroes’ but John certainly qualifies. Sadly, I never got the chance to meet him, but we corresponded over the years on various aspects of the Harrier story, and I was always in awe of the fact that he gave me, a mere enthusiast, so much time and information.
RIP John, the drink I promised you will have to wait a while (I hope)
By: Rocketeer - 14th June 2018 at 20:51
It’s been a sad June for the test flying community. First Tony Clark and now John. Blue skies gents….true role models.
By: 1batfastard - 14th June 2018 at 17:06
Hi All,
Yet another piece of sad news of a true great that gave his all to aviation. RIP Mr Farley
Geoff.
By: Steve Bond - 14th June 2018 at 16:45
He had incredible flying skills, especially in the Harrier. I am glad to have called him a friend and a colleague at City University London. Whenever he came to talk to the aeronautical engineering students you could hear a pin drop – he kept them spellbound – not an easy thing to do with 20-year olds!
A great loss.
By: Newforest - 14th June 2018 at 14:55
Indeed, that is sad. R.I.P.
Did he have any conenction with Farley Farm airfield?
By: Flygirl - 14th June 2018 at 11:05
Sad news indeed, I have a lovely print he signed for me in the late 70’s. RIP.
By: mike currill - 26th May 2008 at 18:53
I’m glad someone else suffers from that problem, I usually come up with answers like that.
By: RPSmith - 26th May 2008 at 12:47
thanks bravoalpha – mine was a typical case of 2 + 2 = 5 🙁
If I’d have dug a little deeper I could have answered my own question.
Anyway this John Farley had been involved in the Vimy replica, was restoring Messenger ‘KBO to fly (the family were planning to continue this and hoped it would fly in 2008) and the family are also hoping to continue with the HP 42 flying replica project.
Roger Smith.
By: bravoalpha - 26th May 2008 at 04:48
John Farley
Not the same man at all Roger.
This John Farley appears to have been an electronics engineer and latterly a publisher, not a Harrier test pilot. A look at the web site shows him to have been quite a guy and an avid follower of aviation matters.
John Farley, the test pilot, is alive and well and still doing the lecture circuit, enthralling audiences with his stories.
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May 26, 2008 at 2:26 am