Royal Aeronautical Society Heathrow Branch January 2021 Lecture via WEBINAR -
"Farewell to the 'Queen of the Skies'"
ABSTRACT:
The British Airways Boeing 747 graced our skies for over five decades, from the 747-100 classic series in the early 1970s, right through to the 747-400 variants, which arrived in 1989 and were finally retired from service in late 2020. Over this period the aircraft has been considered a global icon, ‘Queen of the Skies’, with British Airways leading the operations of the type, as the world’s largest operator.
Here, at the RAeS Heathrow Branch, we have closely observed the era of B747 at Heathrow, from its inaugural through to retirement, and we are delighted to have two of the people who knew it best to this special webinar, pays tribute to the dedicated service of the B747.
Capt. Al Bridger, Director of Flight Operations for British Airways, who was Flight Manager Technical and one of the pilots to fly the last of the British Airways ‘Jumbo Jets’ to their resting place in October and December 2020. He will be sharing his memories of his time on the fleet, as well as providing an insight into being at the controls during that final flight.
We are also delighted to invite Capt. Hugh Dibley, for a panel session hosted by BA Senior First Officer Eleanor McBrien, from the RAeS Heathrow Branch Committee. Capt Dibley was selected for the first B747 course for BOAC, and soon became an instructor and examiner on the aircraft. He too became Flight Manager Technical for the B747 in his time at British Airways.
We hope this to be a fitting final farewell to the true ‘Queen of the Skies’ from all of us at the RAeS Heathrow Branch.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
***
Captain Allister Bridger, Director of Flight Operations, British Airways
***
Al is the Director of Flight Operations for British Airways, responsible for the safe and efficient overall operations of British Airways aircraft. Prior to this, he held both training, fleet and technical managerial positions on the Boeing 747 and 737 fleets within British Airways including Head of Flight Operation Gatwick and Chief Pilot Boeing fleets.
Al joined British Airways in 1997 and operated as a line and training pilot on routes throughout the world. Prior to joining British Airways, he was a Captain for Air 2000 operating both scheduled and charter flights throughout Europe and North Africa. Before moving into the airline industry, he spent ten years of service in the Royal Air Force as an air defence combat pilot on the Phantom and qualified as a tactics and flying instructor on the Hawk fast jet.
Al qualified as a pilot at the age of 17 and has logged over 11,500 hours flying on a variety of military and civilian jet aircraft.
***
Captain Hugh Dibley FRAeS, B747 Training Captain (Retired), British Airways
***
Captain Hugh Dibley has flown many aircraft types during the span of his distinctive flying career. In BOAC/British Airways, he was a Flight Navigator in DC-7Cs, Britannias, Comets and B707s. He piloted B707s, B747s and Tristars, became BA’s Flight Manager Technical, Training Captain, CAA Authorised Examiner, Flight Test Pilot, and Chairman of BA’s Fuel Policy and Conservation Committee.
Upon retiring from BA, he was Director Operations and Chief Pilot for the President UAE; Chief Pilot and Flight Technical Advisor of Air Hong Kong; Director Flight Operations, Air Mauritius and subsequently became an A320, A330 and A340 Training Captain, Technical Pilot and Flight Instructor Pilot at Airbus Training, Toulouse.
Capt. Dibley has been much involved in the work of the Society. He has been a member of many RAeS Specialist Groups, Chairman of the Toulouse Branch and was a member of the RAeS Council. Capt. Dibley is a Liveryman of GAPAN, and an elected member of the French Académie de l’Air et de l’Espace / Air & Space Academy. Over the past 40 years, he presented many papers on Fuel Conservation / Operational Efficiency, Noise Reduction, Flight Safety, Flight Simulation, Crew Flight Time Limitations, etc.
***
Senior First Officer Eleanor McBrien MRAeS, Committee Member, RAeS Heathrow Branch
***
Ellie is a Senior First Officer with British Airways after completing the BA Future Pilot Programme in 2016. She flies the short-haul network on the Airbus A320 fleet out of Heathrow.
Ellie studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester before accepting a place on the FPP midway through her studies. As a Pilot Ambassador for British Airways, she provides an insight for young people wishing to make a career in the airline industry.
Ellie has been an active member of the Heathrow Branch committee since 2012 and enjoys working with both the branch and the main Society to encourage young people to follow their passion in aviation and aerospace.
FOR UPCOMING EVENTS:
visit tiny.cc/RAeSLHR or aerosociety.com/Heathrow
Негізгі бет 2021/01 WEBINAR: Farewell to the 'Queen of the Skies'
Пікірлер: 1