Amazing guy – probably most people have never heard of him, but some on here will have…

Just reading his Wikipedia entry makes me realise what amazing things he has done and what an amazing life he has had – and may he go on for many years yet!

Happy Birthday sir – I admire you and your achievements.

Yep. Read his book. It’s amazing he is actually still with us

Er, yes! Test pilots don’t generally have a long life span – apparently even l less so ME163 test pilots!

I have been fortunate to meet him twice, the second time when he gave a lecture at Old Warden. He drove himself to the venue over 100 miles, gave a two hour lecture without notes and then another hour of signings/ talking to idiots like me and then drove himself home. He was 92 at the time IIRC
A real gentleman.

I have heard he had a fall in the autumn in London and is not so well at present.

Unbelievable character

I could listen to him all day

Someone who has truly lived

My comment was in error
Apparently he has recovered from his fall-good news

Missed your replies Jules and Jim – thanks and glad to hear your thoughts and experiences. I think that he is an incredibly under-appreciated person in these days of (pseudo-)heroes.

saw the documentary about him last year. astounding. to have achieved half as much.

An incredible man, lived on the edge of the envelope for most of his life, truely a hero in all senses of the word.
I’m sorry to hear that he isn’t well after having had a fall :(.

He’s starting to look a little frail these days. As he is entitled to with the number of years he has under his belt.

It’s disgraceful that he was never knighted; but I suppose he wasn’t in any Carry On films…

It has been said that he has turned a knighthood down in the past. Not sure how true that is.