Ken Wallis - RIP

[Kevin Farnell]

Hadn't seen this reported until today, but Wing Cdr Ken Wallis MBE, inventor of the Autogyro died on Sunday age 97.
He had not only a long career related to aviation, including serving on Wellingtons during WWII but was also involved in both power boat and sports car design.
A true British eccentric genius and also a Gentlman.
I had the pleasure of watching him demonstrate the Autogyro at several airshows over the years.
A celebration of his life will be held Old Buckenham Airfield on 29 September.

RIP Ken.

Kevin

[Tako_Kichi]

A sad loss of a unique character. We don't build 'em like that any more.

[Filonian]

One of life's true characters.

RIP.


Graham

[Garry Russell]

Very sad , and a great shame the Auto-gyro never achieved the greater fame it deserved and for which he fought so hard to achieve.

I remember him on Blue Peter in the 60's and I wanted one.

RIP

[Chris558]

I occasionally see an autogyro over my way. Next time I see it, I'll think of him.

[Airspeed]

Starting to feel like my parents, now; heaps of well-known names adding to the exit list.
Condolences to his loved ones.

[Jon.M]

RIP. a great character.

He was well known for building and promoting autogyros notably Little Nellie in the Bond film. He wasn't however the inventor of the autogyro. That was Juan de la Cierva.

Jon

[Filonian]

There's an autogyro based (or was ) at Eddsfield.

Interesting approach to 27 there, over two sets of trees straddling the main road and the end of the runway just beyond the second set.



Graham

[Motormouse]

from the beeb http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-23952207
think I'll have to dust off Mr Garwoods Little Nellie

ttfn

Pete

[Kevin Farnell]

He wasn't however the inventor of the autogyro. That was Juan de la Cierva.

Jon

My appologies, I stand corrected. I just so associate him with the Autogyro, I assumed it was his invention.

Regards

Kevin