Mark Hanna was my childhood hero, many kids my age, there hero's were pop stars, and actors, for me it was Mark Hanna. I saw him fly at Duxford a number of times, and speech on camera. You could always see the enthusiasm he had for the old warbirds, and his love it it all just shone throw, but coupled to that he had the up most respect to the young pilots who flew them in combat and the veterans who he would happily share a chat with. I was 13 years old when when I hear the news of his passing, my granddad told me, I absolutely gutted. We lost a real inspiring, and true gentleman that day in 1999
Thank you for posting. I met Mark and his father Ray in Carrollton Georgia when he came to see Hess Bomberger’s P-51. He was exactly as you described. Immediately, I recognized he was a true gentleman with unique qualities. I am honored to have met him.
I am privileged to have met both men, outstanding in their abilities and their characters. Great memory of Mark climbing out of the machines with a wider grin than the wing span.
A great tribute Sarah. I have seen Mark and Ray fly many times. Both were superb and highly professional pilots. Sad days when I heard of the passing of both, and of the passing of 'Hoof' I feel that every time 434 takes to the sky it is a beautiful tribute to your father and Brother. As well as all pilots who took to the skies to defend our freedom. Best regards. Greg.
Sarah is absolutely right when she says that the airshows at Duxford are extremely well organized. In the early 1990s, I flew a light airplane from Norway to Duxford to watch one of the airshows. There were about 100 visiting airplanes. After landing, we were guided by marshallers, given a paper with the departure instructions, and given transport to the public area. The show was fantastic, as usual, and then it was time to depart. You may think that it was chaotic when 100 airplanes departed in a short period of time. But it wasn't. They used both runways (asphalt and grass), and all we had to do, was to complete the runup and enter the line of others waiting for their clearance to take off. When the airplane ahead of you had departed, you gave the tower your registration. You were given the clearance, and a couple of minutes later, the air was empty.
My cousin Sarah she spoke so we'll, this was the first time I have seen her, ray had twin brothers which my father was one off and they all went to Auckland Grammer, it is sad as all Hanna brothers are deceased, great to see you Sarah xxxx love scott
It reminds me of the time in the early nineties, when I was working in Hong Kong - MH434 was then owned by Adrian Swire - the then boss of Cathay Pacific. It is fantastic that she is still around, well cared for, and still has the same identity so that people who know can relate to those long gone times. Thanks.
Absolutely lovely fantastic, talented family. Some say you should never meet your heros for fear of being let down. NOT in this case, met both Ray , next to the Shackleton, and Mark , spinning on the top wing of the Crunchie Stearman, on separate occasions at Duxford. Sorely miss those stunning powerful aerobatics by both.
I'm very sorry to have just read of Mark's death in Spain, while landing in a Messerschmitt 109. September 1999. Sarah is a very brave lady, her father & brother are buried alongside each other, in England.
Just spotted this clip, lovely tribute. I had the pleasure of spending a couple of months working with the OFMC while on my OE from New Zealand in 1995. Amazing experience, amazing people and especially privileged to have been there with Ray and Mark. Having a lifelong passion for warbirds, I treasure the memories of my short time there to this day. Regards Glen
Mark Hanna was my childhood hero, many kids my age, there hero's were pop stars, and actors, for me it was Mark Hanna. I saw him fly at Duxford a number of times, and speech on camera. You could always see the enthusiasm he had for the old warbirds, and his love it it all just shone throw, but coupled to that he had the up most respect to the young pilots who flew them in combat and the veterans who he would happily share a chat with. I was 13 years old when when I hear the news of his passing, my granddad told me, I absolutely gutted. We lost a real inspiring, and true gentleman that day in 1999
Thank you for posting. I met Mark and his father Ray in Carrollton Georgia when he came to see Hess Bomberger’s P-51. He was exactly as you described. Immediately, I recognized he was a true gentleman with unique qualities. I am honored to have met him.
One of the finest flying aircraft in the world...
I am privileged to have met both men, outstanding in their abilities and their characters. Great memory of Mark climbing out of the machines with a wider grin than the wing span.
A great tribute Sarah. I have seen Mark and Ray fly many times. Both were superb and highly professional pilots. Sad days when I heard of the passing of both, and of the passing of 'Hoof' I feel that every time 434 takes to the sky it is a beautiful tribute to your father and Brother. As well as all pilots who took to the skies to defend our freedom.
Best regards.
Greg.
Glorious Duxford ! and a list of REAL celebrities, may it long continue...
Thanks for posting. I still miss watching Mark & Ray on the display circuit.
Sarah is absolutely right when she says that the airshows at Duxford are extremely well organized. In the early 1990s, I flew a light airplane from Norway to Duxford to watch one of the airshows. There were about 100 visiting airplanes. After landing, we were guided by marshallers, given a paper with the departure instructions, and given transport to the public area. The show was fantastic, as usual, and then it was time to depart. You may think that it was chaotic when 100 airplanes departed in a short period of time. But it wasn't. They used both runways (asphalt and grass), and all we had to do, was to complete the runup and enter the line of others waiting for their clearance to take off. When the airplane ahead of you had departed, you gave the tower your registration. You were given the clearance, and a couple of minutes later, the air was empty.
Unfortunately these days they do not allow visiting aircraft to the airshows.
Brilliant, remember seeing Mark in action at numerous airshows back in the day.
My cousin Sarah she spoke so we'll, this was the first time I have seen her, ray had twin brothers which my father was one off and they all went to Auckland Grammer, it is sad as all Hanna brothers are deceased, great to see you Sarah xxxx love scott
It reminds me of the time in the early nineties, when I was working in Hong Kong - MH434 was then owned by Adrian Swire - the then boss of Cathay Pacific. It is fantastic that she is still around, well cared for, and still has the same identity so that people who know can relate to those long gone times. Thanks.
Mark would be extremely proud of you
Really moving tribute, never got to meet them in person though I've seen a few Spitfires over the years, hope they'll always be remembered
Amazing !!!!!looking forward to another fantastic show today
Absolutely lovely fantastic, talented family. Some say you should never meet your heros for fear of being let down. NOT in this case, met both Ray , next to the Shackleton, and Mark , spinning on the top wing of the Crunchie Stearman, on separate occasions at Duxford. Sorely miss those stunning powerful aerobatics by both.
Got engaged on that Spitfire. Much love to Sarah.
I'm very sorry to have just read of Mark's death in Spain, while landing in a Messerschmitt 109. September 1999. Sarah is a very brave lady, her father & brother are buried alongside each other, in England.
I ground-crewed for Mark on 29{F) Sqn. The man was a legend an an inspiration to the erks.
Cheers from California !
Mark and Ray where such good pilots
Just spotted this clip, lovely tribute. I had the pleasure of spending a couple of months working with the OFMC while on my OE from New Zealand in 1995. Amazing experience, amazing people and especially privileged to have been there with Ray and Mark. Having a lifelong passion for warbirds, I treasure the memories of my short time there to this day. Regards Glen
Glad you enjoyed it!
Any ideas where flying legends will movet to?? How about Leuchars?.
Sywell.