Captain Tony Ridley has taken the final flight west his family announced recently. “Riddles” has he was universally known was a staunch advocate for helicopter safety which he pursued with fierce tenacity but a tenacity tempered always with humour and a twinkle in the eye.
He was a proud member of BALPA from the age of 21 and and made a significant contribution to aviation and flight safety long after he stopped flying professionally. I had the great good fortune to work with Riddles through his BALPA work and on the international stage when he was prominent member of the Helicopter Committee. Later, when I moved into the rotary world it was to Riddles wise counsel that I often turned concerning industry matters.
Riddles flying career began in 1973 when he joined Bristow Helicopters can continued for the the best part of four decades until his retirement in 2010. During that span he also worked for British Airways Helicopters flying offshore energy support missions as well as passenger flights for BAH during the summer months between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. His later work took him to KLM Helicopters and CHC.
Throughout his career, he earned the respect of those around him. Many young co-pilots looked up to him as a mentor, benefiting from his knowledge, experience and willingness to share it. Those who worked alongside him consistently described him as an exceptional aviator, highly skilled, calm and professional, and someone they trusted both in the cockpit and on the ground.
His contribution to aviation was much more than the many thousands of hours he spent flying. He was a mentor, a colleague and a passionate advocate for safety, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy among the many people whose careers and lives he influenced.
Image: Ridley family
