Shoreham Airshow Crash Pilot Appeals for License Reinstatement

Andrew Hill, the pilot involved in the tragic Shoreham Airshow incident of August 22, 2015, is currently appealing the decision to revoke his flying license. The appeal process, which began on October 2, 2024, is taking place at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, a venue known for handling complex arbitration and mediation cases.

The Shoreham disaster, which occurred 9 years and 1 month ago, resulted in the deaths of 11 men when Hill's Hawker Hunter aircraft crashed onto the A27 road in West Sussex. This incident marked the deadliest air show accident in the UK since the 1952 Farnborough Airshow crash, highlighting the risks associated with vintage aircraft performances.

Following the crash, Hill's license was suspended by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK's specialist aviation regulator. The CAA is responsible for issuing and regulating pilot's licenses in the country, ensuring the safety and competence of those operating aircraft.

In March 2019, Hill was acquitted of 11 counts of manslaughter by gross negligence. However, an inquest held in December 2022 ruled that the 11 men were unlawfully killed due to Hill's "significant errors" and "poor" flying. This ruling, coming more than seven years after the incident, followed multiple delays, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hawker Hunter aircraft involved in the crash was a transonic British jet-powered fighter developed in the 1950s. Built in 1955, it had previously served in the Royal Air Force before being used in air shows. At the time of the accident, Hill was an experienced pilot with over 14,000 flying hours.

The crash led to significant changes in airshow safety regulations in the UK. Temporary restrictions were placed on vintage jet aircraft performances, and the Shoreham Airshow itself was permanently cancelled. These measures sparked debates about balancing public safety with the preservation of aviation heritage.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, publishing its final report in March 2017. This investigation, along with the subsequent inquest, led to increased scrutiny of pilot medical assessments for air show performances and discussions about the safety of holding such events over populated areas.

The current appeal hearing, scheduled for two days, has reignited concerns among the victims' families. Anthony Mallinson, whose father Graham was among those killed, expressed strong opposition to Hill regaining his license, citing the emotional impact on the bereaved.

A decision on Hill's appeal is expected to be published around October 13, 2024, up to 10 days after the hearing concludes. The CAA has refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal case, maintaining a neutral stance during the proceedings.

This case continues to raise important questions about aviation safety, the responsibilities of pilots in high-risk performances, and the long-term consequences of air show disasters. As the aviation community and the public await the outcome of Hill's appeal, the Shoreham tragedy remains a somber reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in air shows and the need for continuous improvement in aviation regulations.

"We all, as a collaborative of families, feel extremely strongly that he never has his pilot's licence reinstated out of respect for all of us, the families and all of our loved ones lost. He shouldn't be anywhere near a cockpit."

The Shoreham disaster's impact extends beyond the immediate tragedy, influencing air show practices and safety protocols across the UK. As the appeal process unfolds, it serves as a focal point for ongoing discussions about the future of air shows and the delicate balance between thrilling performances and public safety.