PASSION FOR FLYING: 50 Years in the Cockpit

After 50 years in RAF uniform, here is the story of Tom Eeles, a true gent (as most pilots are). Having entered RAF College Cranwell in 1960, Tom Eeles began flying training in January 1962 on the Jet Provost and gained his RAF wings on 30th July 1963. This was followed by advanced flying training in the Gnat T1 and his first posting was to No 16 Squadron flying the Canberra B(I) 8. Its role as a light bomber squadron was primarily nuclear strike, with a secondary role of conventional ground attack by day and night. 16 Squadron was deployed to Kuantan, about halfway up the east coast of Malaya, tasked with providing long range day and night divebombing and strafing with 1000lb bombs and 20mm cannon on airfields on Java. In July 1966 and on loan to the Senior Service, Tom reported to RNAS Lossiemouth for a swept wing conversion course on the Hunter before starting the Buccaneer Operational Flying Course. Posted to 801 NAS, HMS Victorious in the Far East, in 1969 Tom joined 736 Naval Air Squadron responsible for training courses of RAF aircrew. In July 1972 he moved to 12 Squadron based at RAF Honington whose task was to provide a maritime strike/attack capability, and a nuclear strike capability. 1975 saw a move to 79 Squadron flying the Hunter and after a spell at the RAF Staff College, Tom became Staff Officer responsible for all aspects of fast jet advanced flying training on the Hawk at Valley, and multi engine advanced flying training at Finningley. In 1983 he was selected to command 237 OCU and commanded the Examining Wing at the Central Flying School and retired in 1997 but became a full time reservist until November 2004. He continued to fly with 5AEF until September 2010. And still has 'a passion for flying after all these years.' 'I also dabbled in air defence and had a long association with flying training in all its variety, ranging from operational conversion right down to elementary teaching.' From the serious to the hilarious here are the tours, the jinx, the technology, the camaraderie and the shared passion for the freedom of the skies. Tom has totalled over 8,000 hours flying! 147 page well illustrated paperback.