Captain Tom Pearce-Carr was a CCF cadet from 1956 to 1961 reaching the rank of Sergeant. He attended three Annual Camps and flew in Varsities, Lincolns Shackletons and Hunters. In 1961 he was awarded an RAF Flying Scholarship, flying DHC1 Chipmunks at Exeter. 

 

Following the Flying Scholarship he spent two years as a Cadet at the College of Air Training at Hamble flying Chipmunk and Piper Apache aircraft. He joined British European Airways in 1965 as Second officer Flying Vickers Vanguards, converted to BAC 1-11 in 1971 and became a Captain with British Airways in 1975. He then converted to the Boeing 747 in 1982, retired from BA in 1996 and became Chief Pilot of Air Foyle Passenger Airlines flying Boeing 737's in UK, Belgium and Norway. Looking for a change to short-haul, Tom then flew 737's for Easyjet from Luton and Gatwick.

 

Tom joined 2499 Squadron as a Civilian Instructor in 2001 specialising in teaching Air and Pilot Navigation.   He also taught boat handling skills during the summer on the River Thames and was the Squadron Health and Safety Officer.

 

Tom sadly passed away in 2012 after a long battle with cancer.