Biography of: Commander Simon Askins RN
Born 13th July 1938 – 5th July 2015
Simon joined the Royal Navy as a cadet engineering officer at age 16. Once there he discovered gliding and flying were even more fun than sailing. He first flew solo at 17 in a glider and a Tiger Moth.
He learned to fly ‘officially’ at No.1 Flying School at RAF Linton on Ouse – then went to RNAS Lossiemouth to learn how the Navy does it. Training on Scimitar twin engine fighters complete, he was appointed to No.803 squadron on board HMS Victorious in the Far East. A year or so later he was sent off to the RN Engineering College to pick up on his engineering training – with some flying during the time.
He then became a Maintenance Test Pilot and flew all the RN ‘planes of the 1960s and 70’s – props, jets and turbo props. A later conversion on to helicopters followed. He flew all the then current RN, RAF and Army machines as he went to work at the tri-Service repair yard at Fleetlands, Gosport.
Other appointments in the MoD and as base engineering officer at two airstations completed his career. Whilst Air Engineering Officer at Yeovilton airstation he flew the Swordfish display aircraft for a season.
He subsequently worked for Fairey Aircraft and then both the CBI and IoD.
He has written books about the Fairey Gannet, the Sea King helicopter, and contributed to other books (by AdHoc publications). He continued to be active and interested in all Naval aviation including most recently the restoration of the Stow Maries WWI Aerodrome.