The fascinating history of Concorde continues to capture the imagination and the Society of Friends of the Fleet Air Arm Museum is holding a lecture by senior BA Concorde captain, John Hutchinson on Thursday 27th July at 7.30pm.

He says of his distinguished flying career “I have never worked in my life. I’ve been paid to enjoy my hobby in the company of some of the finest people I have ever met – my fellow aircrew.”

The iconic supersonic airliner was the love of his aviation life and Concorde fans will find the tales from the sharp end fascinating.

Having spent 15 years flying at 23 miles per minute, he describes being overtaken by family cars on the motorway below as ‘rather humbling’. Retiring from professional flying hasn’t meant slowing down though, he is much in demand internationally as an aviation consultant, expert witness, broadcaster and speaker.

John has always given back to the profession that gave him so much pleasure and his contributions to aviation over many years were recognised in 1999 when he was elected Master of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators. He remains an active, highly respected and very popular ‘Past Master’ of GAPAN.

Although best known as a senior BA Concorde captain, John Hutchinson started his prolific flying career in the RAF and has flown more than 70 types of aircraft.

He served from 1955-1963 (Harvard training in Canada, Shackleton pilot in Singapore, QFI/IRE) and was a corporate pilot for three years before joining BOAC in 1966. He was, successively, a 707 and 747 co-pilot and then a captain on the VC10 before being selected to be a Concorde captain. He remained on the Concorde fleet until retirement, and was a Route Check Captain. The magnificent supersonic airliner was the love of his aviation life and Concorde fans (like me) will find the tales from the sharp end interesting, informative and enjoyable.

Tickets cost £10 and include light refreshments. The talk starts at 7.30pm in the Swordfish Conference Centre at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton. Tickets are available in advance from www.historicdockyard.co.uk/concorde For any queries please contact the ticket box on 01935 842617.

Tags: 2017, Fleet Air Arm Museum, July, News