HOVERCRAFT EXPERTISE

Joining SeaSpeed in 1971 I flew the sidewall HM2 Air Cushion Vehicle, then trained on the fully amphibious “Winchester” 38 seat SRN 6, and was part of the team that put into operation the “stretched” version of these machines - the 56 seat SRN 6 Mk1(S) - on the Cowes to Southampton route.

During my time flying these and other variants of the SRN 6 series, many different research and development programmes were carried out with new control surfaces for hovercraft, and I gained valuable experience in evaluating different innovations. Many areas of operation were also investigated – overland as well as over water – and I test flew new craft that were being developed at that time.

In 1973, I trained as a First Officer for the Cross Channel “Mountbatten” SRN 4 which entailed intricate engineering knowledge to be “taken on board” Full knowledge of all operating systems in those complex craft was a requirement of the position as “throttle jockey” on the SRN 4.

During my time with SeaSpeed I gained experience in operating High Speed amphibious passenger and car carrying hovercraft, both single and multi-engined - taking part in a forum of Hovercraft and Hydrofoil Captains and Commanders that discussed and laid down many of the operating parameters for today's high speed ferry operations. The combined strictures of the Civil Aviation Authority and the challenges of operating at high speed on water gave me a fresh look at life “afloat”

As a former hovercraft pilot I can thus offer advice in areas associated with these exciting and versatile craft and can act as an impartial observer and intermediary to assess the practicality of any proposed operation from a position of some experience and knowledge.