I can’t believe it has been 5 years since we lost the exceptional Ray Hanna.
The one they called ‘The Master’ was instrumental in igniting my passion for historic aviation, all those years ago at West Malling, Biggin and Duxford at the helm of MH434 and other warbird delights.
‘Hero’ is an oft overused term in this day and age, but in my eyes especially as a youngster, at the time when other kids were worshiping footballers or g.i. joe, Ray Hanna was (and still is) my Hero and his steed was a Spitfire.
Thank you Ray, and blue skies.
By: duxfordhawk - 1st December 2010 at 21:04
RIP Ray sir.
Airshows have never been the same since, Can’t believe its five years since he passed.
I literally have Ray to thank for my love of airshows and aviation, If I had not seen Ray display at Biggin Hill in 1982 when I was a child I doubt I would be so interested.
The Hanna’s gave so many happy memories at airshows at Ray was always stunning in whatever aircraft he displayed art in motion really. It pleases me to see MH434 still flown in a style Ray and Mark would approve of by Nigel Lamb and Lee Proudfoot in particular. Nigel even putting in a valley dive at Biggin pure Ray Hanna sublime.
Blue skies forever Ray you are much missed.
By: WJ244 - 1st December 2010 at 21:01
I was fortunate enough to see Ray in his days as Red Arrows leader and witnessed some of his spectacular low passes in MH434 in the days when he flew her for Adrian Swire.
As others have already said both Ray and Mark are sorely missed.
By: bombsaway - 1st December 2010 at 19:18
Has it really been 5 years. The best pilot i had the fortune of seeing. Such a loss to the air show world. RIP
By: Flygirl - 1st December 2010 at 19:10
My best memory of Ray is Chailey 2004. I will never forget that day ! 🙂
By: 92fis - 1st December 2010 at 17:31
Doesn’t seem like five years ago, but at least the Spitfire and Mustang still get displayed in a way that the Hanna’s would be proud of. OFMC still offer the best warbird displays by far.
By: TexanTrev - 1st December 2010 at 16:37
Can’t believe it’s 5 years. We, and the airshow world, lost an exceptional guy that day. Those lucky enough to have seen any of Ray’s displays will always be sad that he’s not around to give a repeat performance. Blue skies Ray.
By: AN2grahame - 1st December 2010 at 16:15
I agree totally with all the previous comments,had the pleasure of knowing both guys and they are sorely missed.Good article in this months Flypast showing how Sarah is keeping “The Guv’nors” legacy alive.
By: trumper - 1st December 2010 at 15:23
😮 5 years, Wonderful memories of wonderful displays.I’ll never forget he opened the OFMC hangar door and held it open for my son who was a toddler then and myself with a smile.
Thanks Ray and Mark.:)
By: Tango Charlie - 1st December 2010 at 15:19
Ray
I totally agree,the older you get the faster the years pass! So sad that Mark predeceased him i was looking forward to growing old with him as we were born the same year. Mark would have carried the Hanna name forward for future generations as his father had before. The Hanna name will be forever synonymous with the best in warbird displays. R.I.P
By: Flygirl - 1st December 2010 at 15:15
Ray and Mark both sorely missed.
Sign In
December 1, 2010 at 3:03 pm