Squadron Leader Jim Wild back in his old cockpit after 37 years
(Image Credit: Herbie Fatherly / BDAC)
Squadron Leader Jim Wild back in his old cockpit after 36 years (Image Credit: Herbie Fatherly / BDAC)The Boscombe Down Aviation Collection (BDAC) located at the Old Sarum Airfield just North of Salisbury, UK has recently acquired an English Electric Lightning cockpit and arranged for a reunion with its last pilot, Squadron Leader Jim Wild who last flew the craft 36 years ago. The plane still bears his name stenciled on the fuselage just outside the canopy and the emotion of that reunion must have been palpable.
The two parted company on April 4, 1977 when Wild flew the craft to Farnborough, UK from RAF Gütersloh in Germany. The RAF No. 92 Squadron was retiring their Lightnings and being disbanded with a new No. 92 (Designate) Squadron already formed several months earlier. The plane was then shipped by road to the Ministry of Defence’s “Proof and Experimental Establishment” Base Shoeburyness in Essex for use as a target in weapons testing, determining what types of projectiles would afflict the most damage on the fuselage of an attacking enemy aircraft. Despite the torturous testing and 30 years exposed to the elements, the cockpit of the plane survived more or less intact and was rescued when the remains of the plane was to set be scrapped.
Collection of aircraft and cockpits on display at BDAC (Image Credit : BDAC)The restoration of the cockpit is expected to be complete by the end of this summer, and Wild has donated some keepsake items he pulled off the decommissioned plane after his final flight like the the joystick and some other minor odds and ends. He’s even volunteered to return and help with the restoration despite living some 200 miles away. After the restoration has been completed, the cockpit will go on display along with the museums fairly extensive collection of historic plane cockpits, that allow visitors to climb in and try them on for size.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
I remember the name on the aircraft as I was a Jnr Tech A/Tech/W on 92
Sqn on disbandment at Gutersloh, sad time, great aircraft., good luck with the restoration.
It would certainly look good in my shed here in New Zealand.
I knew Jim Wild when he was a 5 Sqn pilot at Binbrook. Always remember going to a board of enquiry to authenticate signatures on servicing documents after Jim ejected from a Lightning while on a station exercise…happy days. Jim was one of the better pilots on the Squadron.
I remember the name on the aircraft as I was a Jnr Tech A/Tech/W on 92
Sqn on disbandment at Gutersloh, sad time, great aircraft., good luck with the restoration.
It would certainly look good in my shed here in New Zealand.
Best wishes
Ian
Hi, I’m trying to find Jim Wild that knew my dad, terry gough a chief tech in the raf, I’m hoping its you.
I knew Jim Wild when he was a 5 Sqn pilot at Binbrook. Always remember going to a board of enquiry to authenticate signatures on servicing documents after Jim ejected from a Lightning while on a station exercise…happy days. Jim was one of the better pilots on the Squadron.