With much sadness we have to report the death of John Lewis, renowned test pilot and long-serving Chief Pilot at the Shuttleworth Collection.
He had endured health issues for some years, but in August was well enough to receive a visit from HAA Chairman Wally Epton to mark the award of Honorary Vice President. A founder member of the HAA, he was member No1, since as Membership Secretary, his was the first name that came to mind as he drew up the list!
As well as his flying achievements we was an accomplished model engineer, and had constructed a scratch-built scale model of a Pacific Class locomotive.
A graduate of the ETPS, he is perhaps best remembered for his flying displays at Old Warden, particularly in the Gladiator and the Spitfire, in which he always concluded a beautifully presented demonstration with his signature double roll..
A video (link below) shows John expertly squeezing a time-expired BAC 111 into the remaining section of runway at Brooklands museum.
Picture – Roger Colbeck