Shoreham Airshow: Pilot Andy Hill still in critical condition

Pilot Andy Hill is said to still be in a critical condition following the crash on Saturday August 22.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Aug 2015, 13:58 BST
A display at Shoreham Airshow shortly before the tragic crash Picture by Eddie MitchellA display at Shoreham Airshow shortly before the tragic crash Picture by Eddie Mitchell
A display at Shoreham Airshow shortly before the tragic crash Picture by Eddie Mitchell

As well as being an airline pilot, Mr Hill is a formation instructor and Harrier pilot with Ultimate High, a company at Goodwood Aerodrome which offers flight training and flying experiences.

“Like many on the Ultimate High staff,” their site says, “Andy started his career flying Bulldogs on a University Air Squadron, and after excelling on fast jet training was ‘creamed off’ and went straight into instructing on the Jet Provost.

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“He then operated the Harrier GR5/7 in Germany. After flying the A340 and B757/767 his day job is captaining an Airbus.

“He is a very experienced formation instructor and display pilot, and regularly displays the RV-8, Jet Provost and Hunter.”

Mr Hill is also a pilot for RV8tors, which offers display flying for public airshows and private occasions such as weddings and corporate events.

Their site says: “Andy Hill is a well known formation instructor, light aircraft test pilot and an ex-RAF Harrier GR7 instructor.

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“He instructs on the Jet Provost, Extra 300 and Bulldog, teaching aerobatics and combat manoeuvres. In 2011, as well as displaying with the RV8tors, Andy flew formation displays in the Hunter and Bulldog, and solo aerobatic displays in the Jet Provost.

“Andy and his wife Ellie took 2 years to build their RV-8, both are airline captains with over 12,000 hours each, and now building an RV-3.”

Fellow pilot David Wildridge, a former RAF Hunter pilot who also flew in Saturday’s display, said: “Andy Hill was a British Airways captain and very well thought of.

“He is a highly experienced pilot, well-known and well-loved. He is highly professional and it is totally unusual for this to happen.

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“He was a Harrier pilot in the air force. They are the top RAF pilots - the best of the best.

“It is difficult to make any comment on the crash which would be meaningful until the investigation is complete. His wife was also a British Airways captain and our thoughts are with the family.

“It was just very sad when it happened.”

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