Celebrated test pilot remembered on centenary

Ceremony for Captain Brown took place today at Edinburgh Airport

Members of the Edinburgh University Air Squadron gathered at Edinburgh Airport this morning to remember one of the greatest test pilots in aviation history, Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, on what would have been his 100th birthday.

They were joined by Captain Brown’s son Glen, Lord Provost Frank Ross, Edinburgh Airport chairman Sir John Elvidge and Edinburgh Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar to lay a wreath at the statue located on site. Two senior pupils from the Royal High School (Winkle’s Alma Mater) were also present.

A wreath laying service took place today at the statue of one of the world’s greatest pilots, Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown at Edinburgh Airport. Today would have been his 100th birthday.
© Lesley Martin

Born on 21 January 1919, Captain Brown went on to become a Royal Navy Officer after training at RAF Turnhouse, now Edinburgh Airport, in the late 1930s. He was a graduate of Edinburgh University and a highly decorated pilot.

A wreath laying service took place today at the statue of one of the world’s greatest pilots, Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown at Edinburgh Airport, today would have been his 100th birthday.
© Lesley Martin

He collected world records for the most take-offs and landings on aircraft carriers at 2,721 and 2,407 respectively. He flew more types of aircraft than any other pilot in history at 487, including biplanes, helicopters and supersonic jets.

Captain Brown was also responsible for test flying a captured German aircraft in the Second World War.