AN RAF team that guided a light aircraft pilot to a safe landing after he went blind in mid-flight has been honoured by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Jim O'Neill, a 65-year-old businessman, was flying solo in his Cessna 182 over North Yorkshire last October when he suffered a stroke at 5,000ft, rendering him sightless.
But he was safely brought back to the ground by Wing Commander Paul Gerrard returning from a training sortie, backed by the air traffic control team at Linton-on-Ouse, near York.
Mr O’Neill, from Essex, was able to walk away from his aircraft unscathed and has since recovered his eyesight - though not yet sufficiently to fly or drive.
Yesterday the RAF’s team of lifesavers was presented with the CAA’s annual Safety Award in recognition of their actions.
The authority’s head of flight operations, Bob Jones, said: "This was a remarkable piece of quick thinking by Wing Commander Gerrard and the air traffic control unit at Linton.
"Their composure and vigilance undoubtedly saved a pilot in distress. They are very worthy winners of this year's Safety Award."
The award, now in its 14th year, is presented in recognition of good airmanship or practical skills and abilities when faced with potentially serious incidents directly related to flying.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here