Tom Beck : Aircraft Engineer / Captain
Sadly we learn that Tom passed away, aged 80, on 23rd November 2023 following an accident whilst working the hangar for his light aircraft in West Sussex. My sincere condolences go out to his wife Peta, his family, friends and former colleagues.
After spending ten years in the RAF as an Instrument Fitter, Tom joined British United Airways at Gatwick in 1968 as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Instruments/Electrics). Tom continued working for BCal in the role of Assistant Foreman, until 1978 when he left Engineering to train as a Commercial Pilot.
He started in that role in 1979 for British Island Airways which became Air UK. In 1986 he joined a newly-resurrected British Island Airways as a Captain on first the BAC 1-11 then the MD-83 and worked for them until they ceased trading in early 1990.
After a brief spell with British Midland, he joined the group setting up Airtours which began operating in the Spring of 1991. He stayed with them, working in many roles: Captain, Fleet Technical Captain, Ground and Line Training Captain and Flight Test Examiner, until he retired in 2003 by which time the airline was known as MyTravel. He then flew for Flyjet from 2003-5.
Service details
Tom's service was held on 13th December 2023
Tom Remembered
From Bob Hewitt
I had the pleasure of flying with Tom as his FO on a Shorts 360 for Air Uk out of Stansted back in the early 80’s. He kindly took me up in his Jodel from the private strip just south of Horsham. I met Peta, his lovely wife, when I went to dinner with them. She will miss this marvelous man. RIP Tom.
From Bob Cooper: RIP Tom
From Caron Phillips: RIP and my sincere condolences to his family and friends
From Riaz Butt: RIP Tom. My prayers for Tom and thoughts for his family.
From Roger Warren: RIP Tom
From Sally Simmonds: How sad. RIP, Tom. Kind wishes to his family.
From Tony Rider: RIP Tom Fly High
From Jim Will: RIP Tom.
From Ian Plumridge
That’s very sad news, Tom was a very nice man to work for, laid back & calm. He was my shift foreman on many night shifts. RIP Tom.
From Dave Surry
That is very sad news. I worked with Tom several times during my apprenticeship .....a very nice man indeed
From Steve Branch: Sad day, one of the good guys
From Ian Morris: I flew with Tom on the MD, a lovely person to work with. My condolences to his family
From Hugh Cowan
Tom was a very close colleague in Caledonian and we also went flying together especially when I building up my hours for my PPL. His knowledge of all things avionic was outstanding as was his ability to get along with people. A lovely guy.
From Paul Robinson: My condolences to Tom’s family. I well remember him from when he was on Base Shift with Ted Bracey
If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime at BCalatribute@outlook.com
Condolences have been extended by:
Dave Thaxter, Jim Will, Pat Cresswell, Valerie Edwards, Riaz Butt, Caron Phillips, John Nicholas, Lindsay Smith, Andy Hudson, Julie Hourigan, Brian Wassell, Graham Waters, Nick Washington-Jones, Mel Sanders, Terry de la Haye, Alan Reeves, Bob Holmes, Janet Willis, Sylvia Murphy, Kris Massie
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