Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's outgoing Officer Commanding: 'I've been very lucky'

Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, the outgoing Officer Commanding of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), has been in a cockpit since the day he joined the Air Force. Now, as he prepares to hand over the historic role, he told BFBS Forces News that he relishes the challenge of flying a Spitfire.

"I would take a Spitfire every day," Sqn Ldr Sugden said. "And it's not just the prestige of the airplane. I think most pilots, they crave the flying challenge, and these airplanes are a challenge to fly."  

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Taking over his role is Squadron Leader Paul 'Ernie' Wise, whose multi-engine aircraft background led him to flying the Lancaster Bomber which forms part of the iconic flight.

"The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is steeped with privilege and honor ," Sqn Ldr Wise told BFBS Forces News. "Of course, there are challenges, and I'm looking forward to that challenge. It's a very demanding role. But, one that I relish."