Alan, an ex BA pilot, is a stalwart member of both the LAA and the historic aircraft scene. For many years he was a regular contributor to the Association’s magazine. As BOAC were touchy about their pilots writing for periodicals, his column, “Over the Hedge “, which chronicled stories of light aircraft and small airfields around the UK, appeared under the pseudonym `John Beeswax’.
Alan’s professional flying career began in 1951 with the RAF, including flying F-86 Sabres in Germany, before joining BOAC to evolve from the Boeing Stratocruiser, through the Bristol Britannia and Vickers VC-10, to the Boeing 747 Jumbo. Alan was also a founder member of the Vintage Aircraft Club, and after acquiring a Piper Cub in the United States in 1962, he and his wife Beryl flew it for no less than 50 years. He also owned a Comper CLA7 Swift, G-ACTF, from 1972 until 1996 - it now flies with the Shuttleworth Collection
In 1982, Alan and Beryl helped establish the North Wales PFA Strut, of which he remains an active member, helping co-ordinate local fly-ins around the region. He is also Chairman of the North Gwynedd Group for the Royal British Legion, having been involved in care work as a case worker, organising fundraising activities and Remembrance services plus working on the annual Poppy Appeal door-to-door collections. Alan has been an LAA member for sixty years and is as enthusiastic as ever. He’s a regular volunteer at the Association’s annual Rally, where he helps to set up the LAA Struts and Clubs stands.