Earlier this year it was being reported that the BBMF ‘Boss’ Paul Day would be retiring this year. With a RAF service and flying career of over 40 years, 24 of them with the flight I hope that if this is his final year he will be properly recognised for his outstanding flying record and leadership.
mmitch.
By: Bluebird Mike - 1st December 2003 at 09:57
LOL, now THAT’S style!
I even love the way he describes the Lancaster as ‘a waste of four perfectly good Merlins’!!!
A true, true star.
By: Firebird - 1st December 2003 at 09:52
Originally posted by duxfordhawk
Fluffy am i right thinking sqn Ldr Rowley is ex Red Arrows?his name is very familar to me.
Don’t know about ex-Reds, but I’m pleased the reigns of the BBMF are being handed over to a ‘proper’ fighter pilot, as Clive is an ex-RAFG and Binbrook Lightning pilot, and if I remember was the last boss of the LTF when the Lightning training programme finally ended. Just don’t bring up the subject of Victor tanker drogues to him……;)
I for one wish Paul Day all the best for his post-BBMF future, I’ve only had the pleasure of briefly meeting him once, and that was way back in Sept 1980 when the BBMF displayed at the RAF Northolt families day, which I seem to recall might have been his first season displaying the Spitfire…
I say this from memory, as, soon after landing, during a banter with the other crew members he successfully ‘stole’ the attention of 2 attractive ladies from one of the other pilots on the basis that other one only flew the Hurricane and therefore was not deserving of their company, and then proceeded to stroll across the pan with said ladies, one on each arm…:D
By: DazDaMan - 1st December 2003 at 09:06
And me!
By: mike currill - 1st December 2003 at 07:29
Yes wish him well from me too. I’ve watched him fly at quite a few shows and always admired his finesse. Also best wishes to his relief.
Mike
By: duxfordhawk - 1st December 2003 at 00:37
Originally posted by Fluffy
I can tell you, he is still with us and he will be handing over to Sqn Ldr Rowley at the end of the year.
I will pass on your best wishes when I see him tomorrow.
It will be great to see Paul fly in the future as wish him very well its been special seeing the BBMF in Pauls hands,Also like to wish Sqn Ldr Rowley all the best for next year.
Fluffy am i right thinking sqn Ldr Rowley is ex Red Arrows?his name is very familar to me.
By: Fluffy - 30th November 2003 at 22:05
I can tell you, he is still with us and he will be handing over to Sqn Ldr Rowley at the end of the year.
I will pass on your best wishes when I see him tomorrow.
By: Bluebird Mike - 30th November 2003 at 21:41
I sincerely hope that the ‘Major’ still gets to fly Supermarine’s finest, at least from time to time, as he’s the most fantastic character, bl**dy good at what he does, and deserves to keep flying ’em.
BBMF really won’t be the same without him-a true ‘end of era’ moment.
Maybe if he’s passing, ‘Fluffy’ can both let us know if he’s left yet, and pass on best wishes too?
By: Yak 11 Fan - 30th November 2003 at 21:04
The world doesn’t revolve around Duxford, as I understand it Paul Day has a 2 seat Spitfire based up at East Kirkby to play with in his retirement, owned by Maurice Bayliss (MJ627)
By: trumper - 30th November 2003 at 21:01
How will he survive without flying the Spitfire etc,or will he be seconded to Duxford in his retirement,i wonder?.
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November 30, 2003 at 8:19 pm