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Flight
Lieutenant David Stead
Pilot ~ Captain
David ‘Steady’ Stead (pronounced "Sted")
was born on 15 October 1969 and brought up in West Yorkshire.
In his youth he was a keen fell runner.
After a short spell with a quantity surveying practice, he
was commissioned as an RAF Officer on 2 August 1990 and was
posted to RAF Linton-on-Ouse where he commenced flying training.
He was awarded his pilot’s wings in 1993 and joined the
Hercules fleet in 1995. He completed his co-pilot’s tour
on 47 Sqn and rejoined the Sqn as a captain on 18 Dec 1999.
He amassed some 4100 hours in the air, with 3800 on the Hercules,
and was recognised as being one of the most capable captains
within the Hercules fleet. It is often said by his fellow
aviators that he was, “Steady by name and steady by nature”. |
Steady had been involved in operations around the globe with
the Hercules fleet in Afghanistan and Iraq. Crews always showed
a depth of trust and confidence in his captaincy that motivated
them to give their all. This ability was never better demonstrated
that during the evacuation of a number of seriously injured
combat casualties, including children, in Afghanistan. This
mission was conducted in appalling flying conditions where
no other fixed wing aircraft would fly. On this occasion his
exceptional skill, judgement and physical bravery was directly
responsible for saving lives.
He was a typically straight-talking Yorkshireman with a devilish
sense of humour and a fine wit, who always insisted on his
cup of Yorkshire tea to start the day. Married to Michelle,
who he met at a wedding, he was delighted to discover that
she was a local Yorkshire lass. They have two daughters, Holly
and Amelia. Steady was a wonderful father, husband and aviator
and he will be missed by all.
Source MoD With thanks |
