Pilot who died in Spitfire crash hailed as the very best of the Royal Air Force
Family and members of the Royal Air Force have paid tribute to the pilot killed in a Spitfire crash, describing him as "the very best of the RAF".
Squadron Leader Mark Long, a Typhoon pilot at RAF Coningsby and a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight pilot for the past four years, was killed in a Spitfire crash near the base.
"The epitome of a military fighter pilot, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight," said Officer Commanding Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden.
Officer Commanding 29 Squadron, Wing Commander Andy Shaw said: "Mark was a humble, kind, generous family man as well as an outstanding fighter pilot, instructor, and Display Pilot."
"He inspired every single Typhoon pilot in the RAF, and taught many of them, bringing an infectious enthusiasm to every task.
"His loss will be keenly felt both throughout the Typhoon Force and by those who knew him in his Display and BBMF roles."
Born in Bury St Edmunds, Sqn Ldr Long's journey in the RAF began at the University of Warwick, where he learned to fly on the University of Birmingham Air Squadron.
Over the years, he distinguished himself as an instructor, a Harrier pilot, and a member of the Typhoon Force.
"A superbly talented Combat Air and Display Pilot, Mark inspired all those he met with his truly infectious energy, across both the Combat Air Force and all those serving at Royal Air Force Coningsby," said Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin.
Throughout his career, Sqn Ldr Long's commitment to excellence and his willingness to mentor others set him apart as a true leader.
"Having seen first-hand the difference Mark made within the Typhoon Force, the Display Wing, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, I know his talent and energy will leave a lasting legacy, which will continue to be a source of inspiration for us all," Vice-Marshal Flewin said.
Sqn Ldr Long graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2003 and was subsequently sent to RAF Linton on Ouse to fly the Tucano, gaining his 'wings' in 2004.
In 2012 Mark joined the Typhoon Force, and was assigned to XI Sqn at RAF Coningsby, before an assignment to 29 Sqn in 2014 on instructional duties.
In 2016 he was the Typhoon Display Pilot. His primary role was to teach the student pilots how to operate the Typhoon.
Group Captain Billy Cooper, Commander Air Wing, reflected on Sqn Ldr Long's outstanding contributions to the Typhoon Air Wing.
Sqn Ldr Long's exemplary skill as a pilot, his engaging personality, and his unwavering commitment to service left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him.
His selection as the Typhoon Display Pilot for the 2016 season was a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership.
Group Captain Billy Cooper, Commander Air Wing, reflected on Sqn Ldr Long's outstanding contributions to the Typhoon Air Wing.
"His talent for flying was there for all to see, and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious. Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all," Gp Capt Cooper said.
"Mark was the quintessential RAF Officer; respectful, humble, upbeat, and driven by an innate sense of service and professionalism and doing the right thing by others,"
"His time as an instructor and leader has touched everybody on the Typhoon Air Wg and people’s lives are better because of him," Gp Capt Cooper said.
In his personal life Sqn Ldr Long was a devoted husband and father, living in Lincolnshire with his wife, two daughters, and his dog.
His family said: "Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love, and dedication to his family.
"His talent for flying was there for all to see, and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious. Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all."
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