Concord, to some people out there, it's just a relic in a museum. But to others, it was a way of life. Who better to tell us about this majestic aircraft than the chief pilot of British Airways Concorde, Captain Mike Bannister. With over 9,600 Concorde flight hours and a distinguished career spanning decades, Captain Bannister brings unparalleled insight into the Concorde's legacy and its impact on aviation history. Join us as we delve into the skies with Captain Bannister and explore the remarkable story of Concorde.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Mike wanted to be a pilot from a young age and set his sights on flying Concorde. He started flying Concorde in 1977 and became the Chief Concorde Pilot for British Airways.
- Only 20 Concordes were ever built - 7 for British Airways and the rest for Air France. It took experienced pilots about 6 months of training to qualify on Concorde due to its complexity.
- Concorde was capable of flying at twice the speed of sound and could cross the Atlantic in just over 3 hours. This led to many benefits for passengers like avoiding jet lag.
- Concorde had very powerful engines to help it accelerate quickly and break the sound barrier. It also had a unique wing shape optimised for supersonic flight.
- Concorde provided a luxurious flight experience with exemplary service from the cabin crew. Customers could even visit the flight deck inflight.
- After retirement, most Concordes found homes in museums to continue inspiring future generations. The Concorde simulator at Brooklands offers the chance to experience flying this iconic aircraft.
BEST MOMENTS
"And it was really fascinating. And of course, so the cabin crew were the best in British Airways. And so they were a great bunch of people."
“I can remember to this day, watching little aeroplanes fly over all the time, and I was on holiday with mom and dad.”
“I went straight from school to pilot training college, and then from Pilot Training College to British Airways”
ABOUT THE GUEST
Mike Bannister, born in May 1949, is renowned as an airline pilot, notably serving as the Chief Pilot of British Airways' Concorde fleet from 1995 to 2003. Graduating from the Ashton School and the College of Air Training Hamble, he embarked on a distinguished career with BOAC in 1969, eventually becoming Concorde's youngest pilot in 1977. With over 9,600 Concorde flight hours, Bannister's legacy in aviation is unmatched. Post-retirement, he remains actively engaged in charitable endeavours and aviation consultancy, while also authoring the book "Concorde" in 2022, chronicling his remarkable flying experiences.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring.
We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight.
Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the world above the clouds, Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard!
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