Sad to say, Brian Lecomber passed away yesterday, having been very unwell for some time. A Rothmans Display team member, then operator of his own Firebird aerobatic team, he was an airshow legend in the 80’s and 90’s.
Brian was a huge influence on me. He grew up in Amersham, and went to my ATC unit, though 20 years before me. His good chum Lyndon lived nearly next door to me, and we used to get a Chipmunk or Stampe poling round the rooftops at 300 feet ( no prosecutions now !) .
I devoured his novels, and read them so many times they have all fallen to bits, but still are a great read. His journalism was of the best, being wise, candid, confessional, thought-provoking and often hilarious.
I flew with Brian a few times, including one memorable flight concluding with an outside loop over the runway at Denham. With Brian, you always felt safe!
He should have had many more years. RIP Lofty.
Andy Smith
By: Propstrike - 24th October 2015 at 22:03
On-board film of the formation taking off from Denham, forming up over Bovingdon airfield, and running in along the A413.
By: Propstrike - 11th October 2015 at 21:04
The funeral at Great Missenden was very well attended, and the was a ripple of anticipation when the vicar announced that, yes, there would be a flypast.
Everyone gathered outside at the end of the service, and after some minutes, suddenly two Pitts, A Stampe and and Extra swept overhead at 501 feet before John Taylor in the Extra peeled up and away, the classic ‘missing man’ tribute, whilst the main formation flew steadily on.
A sad event, but a good send off for one of the very best display pilots we have ever seen.
By: bazv - 5th October 2015 at 00:18
I am late on parade (been away)
A sad loss : (
Loved his books and attended one of his talks (at Dunsfold) I still have a couple of his books on the old bookshelf !
By: charliehunt - 27th September 2015 at 11:31
Cannot but agree with everything already said. Having not read any of his marvellous books for awhile I will have to attack a few storage boxes and see what’s still there.
By: Newforest - 27th September 2015 at 09:42
Thanks Brian for the books! Just had to re-order some to enjoy again. Your legacy will live on. R.I.P.
By: The Bump - 27th September 2015 at 08:14
So many happy memories of watching Brian at Biggin Hill and of reading his display flying articles in the aviation mags.
I very much enjoyed his column in Flyer magazine, in fact it was the only part of the magazine that survived the recycling bin!
I was lucky to get hold of some dog eared copies of his brilliant books too.
My sincere condolences to Brian’s family.
By: Skybolt - 26th September 2015 at 18:18
Sad news. Brian had been a good friend for over 40 years. His talent as both a writer and aerobatic display pilot was awesome. We will miss him. Sincere condolences to his family from all of us.
By: WJ244 - 26th September 2015 at 16:59
I attended a lecture he gave to the local Raes branch in the 80’s which I really enjoyed and he was quite happy to talk to everyone afterwards. Never forget his displays in the Pitts and Stampe. He will be missed.
By: hampden98 - 26th September 2015 at 09:21
Didn’t know him but his name was synonymous with airshows in the 80’s and 90’s, as were the Rothmans team.
By: Moggy C - 26th September 2015 at 08:55
Nothing to add to the sad news. Just memories of Pitts doing things I didn’t know aircraft could do, and books that even non-aviators enjoyed.
Moggy
By: waco - 26th September 2015 at 07:32
Gutted to hear this news…..really gutted……
Loved his flying, books, articles etc…..what a sad loss !
Blue skies sir !
By: AlanR - 25th September 2015 at 23:07
I believe he was in his mid 70’s ? That’s no age these days.
RIP
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September 25, 2015 at 10:54 pm