Yahoo News Tributes Paid To 'Gifted' Red Arrow Pilot
Tributes have been paid to Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging after his Red Arrow jet crashed in Dorset.
The display team had taken part in a performance at the Bournemouth Air Festival when the jet came down just south of Bournemouth Airport.
Flight Lieutenant Egging, 33, from Rutland, was known to colleagues as "Eggman".
Group Captain Simon Blake, the Commandant of the RAF's Central Flying School said he was a "gifted aviator" who only joined the team in the position known as Red Four last autumn.
"Throughout his winter training and the display season to date, his professionalism, skill and humility have shone through," Group Captain Blake said.
"A true team player, his good nature and constant smile will be sorely missed by all.
"In such a close knit team, this tragedy will be keenly felt by his fellow team members, the Reds and all of the engineering and support staff, the Blues."
According to the Royal Air Force (RAF) website, Flight Lieutenant Egging became interested in flying at a young age, after his airline pilot father used to allow him into the cockpit for take-off and landing.
He was married, and leaves behind a wife, Emma.
Before joining the Red Arrows, he flew the Harrier GR9 and supported coalition ground forces during operational missions in Afghanistan.
Air Vice Marshal Mark Green, Air Officer Commanding 22 (Training) Group, said: "I first met Flt Lt Jon Egging in 2003 when I became his Station Commander.
"Even at that early stage in his career, Jon's professionalism, competence and ever present smile made him stand out from the crowd.
Hence, his eventual selection for duties with the Red Arrows came as no surprise.
"His time with the team was typified by the characteristics that were Jon's trademark: Professionalism, enthusiasm for life and a willingness to help others that transcended all boundaries.
"Jon will be sorely missed by all those that had the privilege to know him.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Jon's family and friends at this tragic time."
