TRIBUTES have been paid to the founder of a North Wales-based military jet display team.
Mark Petrie sadly died on April 2 following a two-year battle with duodenal cancer.
The 64-year-old was a highly experienced and skill pilot, and founder of the North Wales Military Aviation Services, or NWMAS, based at Hawarden Airport, where it remains one of the few jet maintenance companies and operators still in existence under its original name.
NWMAS Ltd (North Wales Military Aviation Services Ltd) was formed in September 2001 to look after the maintenance of military aircraft types including Strikemaster, Jet Provost and Hunter. In 2003 NWMAS expanded to take on light aircraft and helicopter maintenance.
To many, NWMAS is best-known for its Strikemaster Display team - which conduct military jet displays across the UK and Europe.
At his funeral on Monday (April 29), two Strikemaster Display jets flew past the Northop Crematorium to mark the occasion.
His wife, Adrienne Frost, who is a licensed aircraft engineer, said: "Mark wanted to be a pilot from a young age after seeing four F4 Phantoms having a dogfight above his school in Bala in the early 1970's.
"He joined the RAF after leaving school and achieved his dream. In the RAF Mark flew DHC1 Chipmunks, Jet Provost 5A, Hawk T1, F4 Phantoms and Tornado F2/F3. After leaving the RAF Mark joined British Airways and flew L1011 Tristar, McDonald Douglas DC10, Boeing 747-400, 737, 777 and 787. Mark started displaying the BAC167 Strikemaster in 2007 and could often be seen in the sky above North Wales in the summer months practising and going to various airshows around the UK."
Tragically, Mark was diagnosed with duodenal (intestine) cancer in March 2022.
He continued to live a full life while on treatment and was still involved with the Strikemaster team bringing new pilots on board to ensure the team continues.
Mark's last ever flight was on the evening of the March 20 of this year in a DHC1 Chipmunk - the same type he learnt to fly in back in 1980.
Adrienne said: "Mark had been in The Christie Hospital on end of life care and he had enough strength and determination to make this last journey for one last flight - it is a memory we will cherish."
Mark passed away on April 2 in The Christie Hospital with Adrienne at his side.
For Marks funeral, his family have been collecting donations for The Christie Charity which supports cancer patients through their treatment with enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. Over £2,000 has been raised via a JustGiving page - which can be donated to at https://bit.ly/3QmIJkM.
Following his death, numerous display organisations and other acquaintances of Mark paid tribute to him.
Aero Legends, a provider of vintage flying experiences, posted on its Facebook page saying: "Mark was pivotal in helping us to begin operating ex-military jet passenger flights. He trusted us to fly his beautiful and much-loved Strikemaster jets and gave us technical and personal guidance through the whole process. Mark and his whole team at NWMAS have been outstanding partners and he will be greatly missed, both personally and professionally.
"We will continue to operate his aircraft, keep them in the public eye, and look after them as if they were our own. In turn others will be able to enjoy flying in these great jets and appreciate them as Mark did for so many years."
Northern Ireland & Ireland Airshows posted: "Mark flew the BAC Strikemaster and displayed many times at airshows in Northern Ireland and Ireland. He always flew a fantastic display.
"I spoke to Mark a number of times and met him at Duxford a few years back, he was a very nice man who took the time to speak to everyone.
"Thoughts are with his family at this time."
A statement on RAF Cosford's Facebook said: "Mark and his BAC Strikemasters were always very popular at the Cosford Air Show. He will be greatly missed across the UK Air Show community. Our thoughts go out to Mark's family and friends during this time."
Others described Mark as a "stalwart of the UK air display industry" and an "outstanding fighter pilot".
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