Brian Trubshaw facts for kids
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Ernest Brian Trubshaw (born January 29, 1924 – died March 24, 2001) was a very important British pilot. He was known as a leading test pilot. He was the first British pilot to fly the famous Concorde airplane. This historic flight happened in April 1969.
Contents
Brian Trubshaw's Life Story
Early Life and Joining the RAF
Brian Trubshaw was born in Liverpool in 1924. He grew up in Llanelli, Wales. When he was eighteen in 1942, he joined the RAF. He went to the United States to train as a pilot. There, he learned to fly Stearman biplanes.
In 1944, he joined RAF Bomber Command. He flew large planes like Stirlings and Lancasters. A year later, he moved to RAF Transport Command.
Flying for the Royal Family
After World War II, Brian Trubshaw joined the King's Flight. This was a special group that flew the Royal Family. He piloted King George VI and other members of the Royal Family. From 1949 to 1950, he also taught at flying schools.
Becoming a Test Pilot
In 1950, Trubshaw left the RAF. He became a test pilot for a company called Vickers Armstrongs. He worked there for 30 years. By 1964, he became the chief test pilot. He helped develop and test many important planes. These included the Valiant V-bomber, the Vanguard, and the VC10. He also worked on the BAC One-Eleven.
Flying the Concorde
Brian Trubshaw became very famous when he first flew the Concorde. This happened on April 9, 1969. He flew Concorde 002 from Filton to its test base. When he stepped out of the cockpit, he said, "It was wizard – a cool, calm and collected operation."
Just weeks before, he had flown an early test of the French Concorde prototype. That plane was commanded by André Turcat. Trubshaw and Turcat both received a special award in 1971 for their work on Concorde.
Later Career and Awards
Brian Trubshaw received several important awards. He was given the Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 1948. He also received the OBE in 1964 and the CBE in 1970. In 1976, he was awarded the French Aeronautical Medal.
He finished his career as a director at British Aerospace from 1980 to 1986. After that, he worked for the Civil Aviation Authority. He also wrote books about aviation, including Concorde: The Inside Story.
Brian Trubshaw was a strong and outgoing person. He loved sports like golf and cricket. He also became involved in equestrianism, which is horse riding. He even judged fences at the Badminton Horse Trials for some years.
Personal Life
In 1972, Brian Trubshaw married Yvonne Edmondson. He always loved sports. He played cricket for his school and the Royal Air Force. Later in life, he became a very good golf player.
Death
Brian Trubshaw passed away peacefully in his sleep. He died on March 24, 2001, at his home in Cherington, Gloucestershire.
Legacy
In 1998, Brian Trubshaw was honored. He was added to the International Air & Space Hall of Fame. This is a special place at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
See also
- John Cochrane – another British test pilot for the Concorde
