Tony: The Unsung Hero Behind AeroSuperBatics
When audiences look up and see the breathtaking displays of AeroSuperBatics, the world’s only formation wingwalking team, their eyes are naturally drawn to the daring performers dancing across the wings. But behind every flawless loop, every graceful formation, and every safe landing, there’s someone working quietly out of the spotlight.
That someone is Tony, our Chief Engineer, the backbone of our operation.
A Lifetime in Engineering
Tony’s journey into engineering began straight after school, guided by some straightforward advice from his father: “Get an apprenticeship”. Choosing between the gas board and Kemble Airfield, Tony followed his instincts, and it set the course for his life.
He completed a four-year apprenticeship at the former RAF base at Kemble, becoming a fully qualified engineer before spending the next 26 years mastering his craft. During that time, he built a reputation for precision and reliability, even working on RAF Vickers VC10s at Brize Norton, no small feat. Though he jokes that working inside the wings was the worst job, hot, dark, and claustrophobic, it was all part of building the expertise he carries today.
His skill and reputation led to the privilege of working on iconic aircraft such as the Spitfire and Lancaster, still among his favourites.
A “10-Week Job” That Became 30 Years
Tony first came to AeroSuperBatics in 1995, originally asked to carry out what was meant to be a short, 10-week job on Vic Norman’s 1940s biplanes. Three decades later, he’s still here, and remarkably, so are those same aircraft, still flying high in the skies.
Keeping History Alive
As Chief Engineer, Tony’s role is vast. He restores, maintains, and cares for every aircraft in the fleet, from intricate engineering work to the finishing touches of spray paint.
But working with historic aircraft comes with unique challenges. Parts are often hard to source, sometimes requiring shipments from the United States. And while manuals do exist, they don’t always cover the realities of maintaining and operating vintage biplanes in a modern display environment.
That’s where Tony’s experience truly shines.
“Engineering skills are what solve the problems” he says, a quiet testament to decades of hands-on knowledge.
One of his favourite aspects of the job is fabric work, redesigning and recovering aircraft wings. It’s a craft that demands patience, precision, and respect for the aircraft themselves.
“These biplanes are delicate” Tony explains.  “They’re grand old ladies, around 85 years old”
Precision, Patience, and Pride
What many people don’t realise is just how much meticulous, methodical work goes into keeping historic aircraft airworthy. Every component must be carefully inspected. Every detail matters. Patience and craftsmanship aren’t just important, they’re essential.
Tony often works alone with the aircraft, and by his own reflection, he’s spent nearly a third of his life with them. That level of dedication is rare, and it shows in every safe display and successful season.
from the Air Vice-Marshal of the RAF.
Beyond the Hangar
Tony’s engineering skills don’t stop with aircraft. Over the years, he’s applied his expertise to everything from speedboats and steam engines to tractors, cars, and even sit-on lawn mowers.
He’s also been part of some extraordinary moments in AeroSuperBatics history, including travelling to China with the team when the aircraft performed internationally.
A Life Well Lived
Outside of work, Tony is a devoted family man. He’s been married to his wife Sue for 50 years, and together they’ve built a family that now includes a child, two grandchildren, and even a great-grandson. When he’s not in the hangar, you’ll likely find him enjoying time with his family, reading murder mysteries, or heading off on a classic Butlins holiday.
Looking to the Future
Tony does have one concern for the future: the next generation.
“There are very few engineers coming through” he notes. “Everyone wants to be a pilot.”
But aircraft like ours don’t rely on computers or automated systems, they rely on skilled hands, experience, and a deep understanding of engineering fundamentals.
“They need to get their hands dirty” he says.
The Unsung Hero
When asked to sum up his time with AeroSuperBatics, Tony simply says: “It’s been a long time.”
But for us, it’s been so much more than that.
For 30 years, Tony has been the quiet constant behind the scenes, the one ensuring every aircraft is safe, every detail is right, and every display can go ahead without a hitch.
He is respected, loved, admired, and deeply valued by every member of the team, past and present.
Tony is the unsung hero of AeroSuperBatics.
And thanks to him, our beautiful historic machines continue to fly, captivating audiences and defying gravity, just as they have for generations.
