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Trevor Egginton: Pilot who still holds a record

Tue Dec 09, 2014 4:46 pm

Trevor Egginton: Pilot who still holds a record for the fastest ever helicopter flight dies

Dec 08, 2014 21:00 By Alison Stacey

Trevor Egginton from Rednal also saved stranded fishermen in a rescue off the coast of Cornwall


Pilot Trevor Egginton, 81, who has died after a sudden heart attack

A pilot who broke the world record for the fastest ever helicopter flight has died after suffering a sudden heart attack.

Trevor Egginton from Rednal made his mark in August 1986 when he managed to get his chopper up to 249 mph.

The 81-year-old’s record is still unbeaten after flying the G-Lynx chopper at lighting speed over a 15km course.

The record breaking G Lynx Westland helicopter in action The record breaking G Lynx Westland helicopter in action


Friend Elfan ap Rees, founder of the Helicopter Museum in Somerset said: “Trevor was a very good pilot. It’s a great shame that we have lost him.

“He was very passionate about flying, and after some time in fixed wing air-crafts, he finally saw the light and moved to helicopters.

“He had no airs and graces, and was very professional.”

Trevor Egginton (centre) at the helicopter museum, in front of the G-Lynx helicopter in which he set the record. Helicopter museum founder Elfan ap Rees is far left Trevor Egginton (centre) at the helicopter museum, in front of the G-Lynx helicopter in which he set the record. Helicopter museum founder Elfan ap Rees is far left


Trevor, a former pupil at George Dixon Grammar School in Edgbaston, joined the RAF aged 18 and spent two years in the USA training to be a pilot.

In 1964 he was awarded the Chevalier Order du Merite Maritime and the Air Force Cross by the French Government for helping to rescue stranded fishermen off the coast of Cornwall.

“He was given award for a search and rescue operation off Land’s End, and saved a number of Frenchman from a trawler” added Mr Rees.

“They wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for Trevor.”

The Squadron Leader retired from the RAF in 1973, receiving the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Services in the Air.

Later that year the father-of-three joined AgustaWestland as a test pilot, where he set the world speed record in the specially modified Westland Lynx.

“It was a combination of his skill as a pilot and the technology,” added Mr Rees. “And of course Trevor has to be given some credit for that too, as he did the test flying for the record too.”

Later, Trevor who died at his home in Yeovil on November 23, was awarded an OBE for his services to aviation.

He his wife of 58 years Joan Mary and three children Jane, Michelle and Frazer, called him their ‘hero’.

They said: “Trevor was a husband, father and grandfather who makes our chests swell with pride and love.

“We are proud to call him the mentor and role model of our family.

He was a selfless gentleman who dedicated his life to helping others.

To us and many others he is a hero.”

Posted:

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/mi ... ll-8247618
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