BBMF Operations Assistant Jim Stewart retires

Header image: BBMF Ops Assistant Jim Stewart. (Photo: RAF Coningsby Photo Section © Crown Copyright)

The Civil Service post of BBMF Operations Assistant was established as a full-time role with the BBMF in 2004 and, since then, it has been held by Mr Jim Stewart.

Jim’s previous career was as a Royal Air Force MT driver; during his 37 years of service he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer.

During his 14 years with the BBMF, Jim has been a loyal and dedicated member of the Flight. He has been the assistant to three different BBMF Operations Officers and has worked closely with no fewer than five Officers Commanding the BBMF. His duties have included the co-ordination of the BBMF flying programme with the BBMF engineers and other agencies, and providing all the necessary material and information for the BBMF aircrew to flight plan their sorties. He also liaises with the airfields at which the BBMF aircraft land away and operate from during the display season, to ensure that all the necessary requirements such as fuel and hangarage are available. In addition to his main duties he has also been heavily involved in the many ancillary activities in which the BBMF engages.

Jim will be retiring on 6th April having served the Royal Air Force for a total of 51 years. He and his long experience with the BBMF will be sorely missed. His replacement is yet to be appointed. The BBMF could not operate without the hard work, in the background, of its Admin and Ops Support team, of which Jim has been an absolute stalwart. We wish him all the very best in retirement.