After 45 years of commercial flying, Captain Geoffrey Patterson has retired.
A senior pilot with Virgin Atlantic, Patterson officially touched down at London Gatwick airport for his final flight on October 27.
Affectionately referred to as “a legend”, Patterson was celebrated yesterday by fellow pilots and members of the Light Aeroplane Club, Seawell, Christ Church.
The 65-year-old Barbadian, was moved to tears after many of his friends and former colleagues congratulated him on a job well done.
“Thank you so much to everyone for coming. It’s unbelievable that my journey has come to an end. I thank all of you for your support and I now look forward to retirement,” he said.
Patterson said when he touched down for the final time he quickly offered up thanks to God for a successful and accident-free career.
He said it has not yet hit him that he will no longer be flying commercial aircraft, something he loved dearly.
He stressed the importance of training young pilots. (DB)
