Alan is truly one of the greatest pilots aussie airline pilots ever to come to gliding and am proud to have introduced him to cross country soaring. While at Bathurst recently had a real long talk to him and such knowledge. LAME, aeronautical engineer, pilot inc check captain, & worked with Boeing on pilot input to cockpit of the coming B747-400. He recommended Qantas get the B767 and threw the manual across the table to management when they wanted to vary operations Alan won. He came back recommending Qantas get the B777 but that was when management ignored pilots. Needless to say Qantas is one of the few such airlines in world not to operate B777. As he said recently what other plane in the world fly 16hrs with almost 400 passengers at 3/4 the seat cost of a 747-400. No wonder Qantas are loosing money with their international operations. Very sad news about a truly knowledgeable pilot from a generation when pilots really had knowledge. He quietly really taught me a lot in aviation.
Ian mcphee Some sad news to report. Alan Bones suffered a serious stroke last Sunday and is in a critical condition. A recovery of any sort is highly unlikely. Alan’s family have asked that we inform the gliding community. They have also asked that their privacy be respected at this very difficult time. Please do not call the family for further information. I will pass on any news that might be forthcoming. Those of you in NSW particularly would know Alan as a cheery person always ready to help where needed. A very competent cross country pilot, Alan knew how to drive his Discus BM, ZAR. He was also on the tug roster at his home club at Bathurst. Again, please don’t contact Alan’s family. They have enough on their plate without well meaning calls. Tom and Jane Gilbert _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
_______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
