Captain Ian W Covington
Following his distinguished service for the RAF in World War II, Ian started to fly for Hunting Air Travel in 1947. This paved the way for a career in commercial aviation that would span 40 years.
Ian flew with Brooklands Aviation, Transworld Charters, Transair and then with Airwork in 1950. He became a senior long-haul Captain with British United Airways flying VC10s and 1-11s before finally retiring from British Caledonian in 1976.
Unwilling to give up flying, Ian then flew for a number of smaller airlines including Express Air Services and Channel Express based in Hurn. Ian hung up his wings in December 1986, aged 65, having accrued more than 20,000hours.
Affectionately known as “Smoothie Covington” for his soft landings, this ability reflected more on his capable, cool and controlled approach to ahy type of emergency as was amply demonstrated by his textbook landing of a Herald with only a nose wheel operable. Ian pictured (left) just after the Herald incident.
Ian was at his happiest when at the controls of an aircraft or telling one of his jokes and will be missed by all who knew him.
First Officer Chris Geilser
Emirates - June 2000
Ian flew with Brooklands Aviation, Transworld Charters, Transair and then with Airwork in 1950. He became a senior long-haul Captain with British United Airways flying VC10s and 1-11s before finally retiring from British Caledonian in 1976.
Unwilling to give up flying, Ian then flew for a number of smaller airlines including Express Air Services and Channel Express based in Hurn. Ian hung up his wings in December 1986, aged 65, having accrued more than 20,000hours.
Affectionately known as “Smoothie Covington” for his soft landings, this ability reflected more on his capable, cool and controlled approach to ahy type of emergency as was amply demonstrated by his textbook landing of a Herald with only a nose wheel operable. Ian pictured (left) just after the Herald incident.
Ian was at his happiest when at the controls of an aircraft or telling one of his jokes and will be missed by all who knew him.
First Officer Chris Geilser
Emirates - June 2000
My thanks to Ken Honey, Una Allman, Leo Murphy, David Slack, Geoff Cooper and Chris Geisler for their help with the information
From Una Allman's Log Book
23/2/65. Viscount G-AODG. Capt Covington
Gatwick Rotterdam 18:10/19:05 Rotterdam Gatwick. 20:00/20:55
Remarks "Good flight smooth service"
If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime
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23/2/65. Viscount G-AODG. Capt Covington
Gatwick Rotterdam 18:10/19:05 Rotterdam Gatwick. 20:00/20:55
Remarks "Good flight smooth service"
If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime
Close this page
