Tim Peake pays tribute to Captain Eric '˜Winkle' Brown

British Astronaut Tim Peake has paid tribute to Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown, who passed away on Sunday, at the age of 97.
Captain Eric Brown CBE, was often referred to as Britains greatest ever pilot Picture: Neil Hanna PhotographyCaptain Eric Brown CBE, was often referred to as Britains greatest ever pilot Picture: Neil Hanna Photography
Captain Eric Brown CBE, was often referred to as Britains greatest ever pilot Picture: Neil Hanna Photography

Captain Brown was the Navy’s most decorated pilot, having flown over 487 types of aircraft during his career.

Tim Peake has tweeted his tribute from the International Space Station, saying: “So sad to hear that Capt Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown has died - to my mind the greatest test pilot who has ever lived. A true inspiration.”

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Born in Leith, Captain Brown was the first Naval pilot to land a jet on an aircraft carrier, also holding the record for the most carrier deck landings at an impressive 2,407 landings.

The pilot died at East Surrey Hospital on Sunday night, after a short illness.

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'˜World's greatest' aviator Eric Winkle Brown dies at 97

Aviation expert Paul Beaver, a friend of Brown’s for the last 40 years, paid tribute to a man who was “self-effacing, modest and an absolute delight”.

He said: “He was a great Scot and one of the greatest living pilots. Nobody will ever beat his records. He was a man whose life will never be repeated.”

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