Fly Past

May 2018 FLYPAST 79

RECORD BREAKERS 100 YEARS OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE

The prospect of disbandment and

re-equipment with the less popular

Panavia Tornado F.3 in 1989 loomed

on the horizon.

Wg Cdr John Brady, the

commanding officer, was very

sensitive to the impact of such

changes, particularly among the

ground staff.

He recalled the gestation of the

record flight: “I was talking to Sir

Pete Bairsto in the bar and he had

the view that whilst we were

Left

The fi rst day cover

to commemorate

the record-breaking

fl ight. VIA AUTHOR

Below left

The Phantom en route

to John o’ Groats. VIA

AUTHOR