Royal Naval helicopters of 848 Squadron, in which Mike Smith served, in a jungle clearing near their base in Nanga Gaat, Borneo.
michael smith, born 1939
NAVAL HELICOPTER PILOT & ENTREPRENEUR
Mike Smith is a highly accomplished helicopter pilot, who served in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. This included service on the helicopter carrier HMS Albion in the 1960s, and a spell as a helicopter flying instructor. After leaving the Royal Navy, he set up with his wife Mary a company, HeliAir Helicopters based in Wellsbourne, near Warwick, which sold, serviced and chartered helicopters. It grew to be the most successful dealership in the world for Robinson helicopters. As an adventurer, Mike pushed the boundaries of helicopter flight, including setting a speed record for flying around the world by helicopter. His children Quentin and Sasha continued this aviation tradition - Quentin as championship expert in helicopter aerobatics, and Sasha as the founder with her husband of a company making protective covers for helicopters.
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