Gerry gets ready to take off for retirement at age of 75
Gerry is a real oneoff, a tremendous knowledge-bank. Steve Borrowdale, Multiflight’s MD.
AIRCRAFT ENGINEER Gerry Athorne was hailed a “legend” as the 75-year-old retired after 48 years working at a private aviation company at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Mr Athorne has bowed out from his role in charge of Multiflight’s engine shop at the Yeadon airport. Grandfather Mr Athorne, who grew up in Kirkstall and went to Intake Secondary Modern School at Bramley, joined the RAF aged 16 in October 1957 and spent 12 years working as an aircraft engineer. He served with 617 Squadron at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire; 38 Squadron in Malta and 543 Squadron at RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire. He has worked on the engines of aircraft including Vulcans, Victors and Shackletons.
After leaving the RAF, Mr Athorne started work as an engine fitter at Yorkshire Light Aircraft at Leeds Bradford Airport in 1969 and became chief engineer in 1998. When Yorkshire private aviation company Multiflight acquired Yorkshire Light Aircraft in March 2000, Mr Athorne took charge of the engine shop. Mr Athorne, said: “I have enjoyed every minute of it, that’s why I have been so long doing it. I have worked with great blokes.”
For 30 years he and his wife Janet, 73, have lived at Otley Chevin, which overlooks the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport. Mr Athorne said he can “almost touch” the aircraft flying over their home.
Steve Borrowdale, Multiflight’s MD, said: “Gerry is a real oneoff, a legend and a tremendous aircraft engine knowledge-bank. We have been extremely blessed to have him working with us for so many years.”