I have been working with Sarah Hanna and others (including several Key Pub forum members) to compile an extensive series of articles delving into the history of the Old Flying Machine Company and the key figures of Ray and Mark Hanna.
The first, introductory part of the series, looking at OFMC’s inception in the 1980s, has recently been published on the Global Aviation Resource website and I’ve included a link below. I thought it would be a good opportunity not just to share the link – in the hope that it is of interest to people here – but also to offer people the chance to share some of their personal memories and recollections of OFMC’s aircraft and personalities over the years.
As an aside, part two will be published in the next couple of weeks and focuses on flying Spitfire Mk.IX MH434, as told by the people who have displayed the aircraft over the last 30-odd years.
By: Sideslip - 12th March 2016 at 19:44
Yes, I well remember that Vampire display Keefy; one of the best jet displays I have ever seen, close, fast, and as you say, the sound was wonderful.
By: Keefy041 - 12th March 2016 at 19:10
Always nice to here stories like that Percypointer.
As I’ve said a few times , air shows just aren’t the same without them ( no offence to anyone ).
Even a simple test fight at Duxford particularly by Mark , would always end with him diving round from behind the super hangar roaring low across the airfield before a roll off the top to land.
Remember at the Classic jet and fighter show at Duxford Mark took a Scandinavian vampire/venom up for a play before the show started , and the sounds he got from it were amazing, never seen one flown like it since.
And some scarily low beat ups of the airfield in the Buchon whilst they were filming Memphis belle at Duxford.
By: DragonRapide - 12th March 2016 at 14:49
Sorry if this is waffle, just thought I’d share it.
Not waffle at all – in my opinion, one of the most important functions of a forum like this is to keep these memories alive!
Sounds like the sort of time that I was working at Duxford – OFMC had an amazing fleet in the 80s-90s!
Thanks for sharing.
By: Hydramatic - 12th March 2016 at 12:18
Dad won a flight in the back seat of the OFMC P40 ‘Sue’ with Ray at the North Weald fighter meet one year, he had a whale of a time (as did the American guy who got the runners up prize of a ride in the Pilatus with Mark).We have one picture of the old man ( who is also no longer with us) and Ray standing in front of the P40 which is very special to us.
By: Percypointer - 12th March 2016 at 10:33
I had the pleasure of working for Ray and Mark at OFMC. I nicer man than Ray you could never find. A true gentlemen. I have so many happy memories of working there. We had a fantastic fleet of aeroplanes, not only 434, but the P51, the Fury, Corsair, Buchon, Dewotine and T6. The T33 and F86. The Hunters. One memory I have is when Ray called me one Sunday asking if I could come in and move the Hunters, strong wind warning I think. I had my late father with me at the time so off we went. Dad was in the RAF when Hunters were introduced into service. When we arrived at Dx I introduced Ray to Dad (they had met once before, but it’s polite) and we set about moving the Hunters of the line. As I set off with the first one I looked across to Ray and dad laughing, like they were old friends. Turns out Ray said that dad saw them into service and was now helping them in retirement ha ha. It was a nice moment. And a happy memory of 2 gentlemen no longer with us.
Sorry if this is waffle, just thought I’d share it.
By: Zac Yates - 10th March 2016 at 19:12
I found a couple of quotes about Ray recently – I think from the big memorial thread over at PPruNe – and I think this is an appropriate place to share them:
“Ray brought a new element of spectacle and artistry to display aerobatics.” – Raymond Baxter
“Of all the displays I’ve seen since the war, and I’ve seen many, no other pilot had Ray’s ability to demonstrate precisely what the Spitfire was designed to do.” – Alex Henshaw
By: duxfordhawk - 10th March 2016 at 11:31
Great article, I feel blessed that I managed to see Ray and Mark flying so often, special times and I will forever remember seeing my first Spitfire(Ray in MH434 Biggin Hill) display way back when I was 8 in 1982. I owe the Hanna’s a debt of gratitude for inspiring the young me into a life long love of aircraft and the history they keep alive.
By: Zac Yates - 10th March 2016 at 03:49
A great article I thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to all involved, and I really look forward to future instalments.
I hope one day we get to read The Book of Ray and Mark.
By: charliehunt - 9th March 2016 at 17:15
Excellent. A great read with thanks to you and our anonymous membership who contributed!;)
By: Sopwith - 9th March 2016 at 17:15
I was at the Christies sale at Duxford when Ray bought MH434,he was bidding in the row behind where I was sat. I was amazed that the bidding went in leaps and bounds up to the final £260,000. It was quite something to be present at, still got the catalogue.
By: Propstrike - 9th March 2016 at 16:40
Really good article, well worth a read. Looking forward to the next instalment!
The Hanna era really was a glorious period for warbird enthusiasts.
RIP Ray and Mark. – Not forgotten.
Photo Tudor Owen
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March 9, 2016 at 12:56 pm