Join Mike for an illustrated talk as he looks back at some of his favourite moments flying the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster Bomber, ‘City of Lincoln’.
Mike’s father was also a Lancaster pilot during WW2. He has also had the privilege of carrying out the taxy runs of the privately owned ‘Just Jane’ at Lincolnshire’s Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby.
Mike retired from the RAF in 2013 after a career of nearly 40 years as a multi engine aircraft pilot with the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
With a number of still pictures and a few short video clips he is going to talk about his experiences with 2 Lancasters;- the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s “City of Lincoln”, and the privately owned “Just Jane” of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby.
Mike graduated from the RAF College at Cranwell in 1976 and after flying training went on to the AEW (Airborne Early Warning) Shackleton at Lossiemouth. He then moved across the road to Kinloss and completed 2 flying tours and 2 ground tours with the Maritime Nimrod.
He escaped from Kinloss in 1989 on posting to Station Ops at Coningsby, with the ulterior motive of flying the Lancaster with BBMF.
As a “current” Lancaster pilot at the time, he was also asked to operate the East Kirkby Lanc when it was restored to taxying condition in 1995 giving passenger rides to members of the public and has continued to do so ever since. He now also taxis the Mosquito NF2 based at East Kirkby giving individual taxy rides for the “well off”!
After 9 years at Coningsby the powers that be decided it was time for him to return to a proper job, and he was posted to 51 Sqn at Waddington to fly the Nimrod R1, so he had to leave BBMF, but continued to taxi Just Jane.
Mike was kept pretty busy on 51 and he was involved in all the recent conflicts involving British forces such as the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. He had the doubtful honour of being the world’s last Nimrod pilot when on 29 July 2011 he delivered the last airworthy airframe to Kemble where it was prepared for its final destination at Cosford Museum. He was then reduced to “flying a desk” at Waddington as the Station Flight Safety Officer for his last two years in the Service.
As a Volunteer Reserve pilot Mike was able to continue to fly with the RAF until 2018 providing Air Experience for Air Cadets at Cranwell at weekends. He now flies just for fun with the Waddington Flying Club.
Mike is very proud of the fact that his father, John was also a Lancaster pilot, in WW2, and they often provided a unique double act at Coningsby and East Kirkby. Sadly, John passed away in 2004, but Mike is pleased that he appears frequently in the presentation.
Ancient Worlds
The Ancient Worlds evening talks take place on the first Wednesday of every month and are a brilliant way to delve deeper into our exhibitions programme.
The talks are delivered by a wide range experts and offer insight into their field.
Evening talks are for members of The Atkinson Development Trust, however non-members are welcome for a fee of £5 (please pay cash on the door). Children under 16 go free (must be accompanied by and adult). Students go free (must show their student card).
The Atkinson Development Trust
The Atkinson Development Trust is a charity (no: 1161020) whose vision is to develop The Atkinson as a centre for communities to enjoy art and learn together.
There are many ways you can support, including becoming a member, sponsoring a seat and donating.
The support that we receive from a wide range of donations and grants plays a vital role in enabling The Atkinson to enhance our visitors experience and tell the story of Sefton.
