Warbird Information Exchange

It has been announced that Ray Hanna has passed away of natural causes at his home in Switzerland today. A huge loss to the warbird community and sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Very sad news.

I couldn't quite believe when I saw it on the FP forum earlier.

A truly legendary aviator who will be sadly missed.

My condolences to all at OFMC and his family & friends.

Paul

Ray was our hero.

I will miss him.

RIP - blue skies and tail winds always

For those of you who were fortunate enough to see him fly a Spitfire ( or any other warbird type) I am sure it was something you will never forget. I was privileged to do so at several of the Wanaka airshows and once in the U.K. I also had a chat with him at Classic Fighters, Omaka, back in March where he flew the P-40. A sad loss of one of the 'greats'

regards
Dave

I was very saddened and shocked to get up this morning and find an email from a friend telling me of Ray's sudden passing.

Not only one of the finest pilots that I've ever had the privilege to see fly, but also a true gent, and very approachable too. Hugely respected by his peers in the airshow world, and held in awe by the airshow-going public. A 'Ray Hanna Spitfire display' has achieved an almost mythical status in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts - you only have to think back to the comments made by many who attended Chailey last year.

Ray started flying soon after WWII, and I can well remember his tales of flying Napier Sabre-engined Tempests in his early days. As well as his Spitfire displays, I will also remember him as a great exponent of the P-40, especially in John Paul's P-40E which he operated in the UK for a few years in the mid-80s, the first opportunity that we had to see one of these fine aircraft in Europe.

The airshow circuit was the poorer for a season a few years back when Ray was unable to fly for a year, it will be much the poorer for his passing.

As others have commented, at least he is now reunited with Mark.

RIP Ray.

Very sad! My sincere condolences to his family. An amazing pilot and a true gentleman. I was privileged to watch him fly a number of times and it was always impressive. He will be deeply missed.

Dennis

Very Sad, condolences to all.

Those who saw him fly MH434 knew they saw something [i]special

R.I.P

TT[/i]

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Life's a Beech and an Armed T-6

As others have said Ray was always approachable, and above all an absolute gentleman.

My abiding memory of him will always be the first time I saw him display a P-51 Mustang at Biggin Hill. No one quite managed to exit 'the dip' quite like Ray. And of course there will always be those truly legendary power displays in the Iraqi Fury.

The best of the best and one who his peers could only ever attempt to aspire to.

The thing I liked most about Ray Hanna was you always knew where you stood with him and if you were prepared to take a rollicking when one was due, differences were forgotten.

Respect!

Paul Coggan

I had the chance to talk to Ray for a few minutes at the Fighter pen at North Weald Fighter Meet in 1987. Even though he was busy preparing for the flying he spent several minutes talking to me, and when he had to go Mark came over and he too spent several minutes talking about the (then) new Mustang Survivors book by Paul Coggan I had just bought. Actually having these guys spend the time talking to a 17 year old "nobody" in the midst of a busy show gives a clue to how genuinely nice they were! Rest in peace gentlemen, in knowledge of the many lives you have touched over the years. You will be sorely missed!!!

T J

http://www.ofmc.co.uk/

Look at the picture of him flying under the bridge!
Unreal!

He will be missed!

Ray will always be in our hearts, he will never be forgotten.

We have so many wonderful memories over the years.
An inspiring man, both in aviation and life.

Kiwis can fly,
RIP Ray.

How were Mark and Ray related, brothers?

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

Mark was Ray's son Pat, they were the greatest display pilots that have walked the earth. Now both gone. Very sad.

Ray was a great man, a real hero, and a wonderful ambassador for New Zealand. He will be missed here as much as in the UK.

RIP Ray

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The Wings Over New Zealand Forum http://rnzaf.proboards.com

The Wings Over New Zealand Show http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZ_Show.html

Wings Over Cambridge http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz

thanks Dave.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

I still can't believe he's gone. He was the epitome of the gentleman fighter pilot. Mark was every bit the same. It is such a sad day. He will be missed greatly.

Richard