Richard Stratton, who was one of the most prominent figures in British aviation, has died.

Mr Stratton, known to his friends as Dick, was educated at Uppingham School, in Rutland, where the headmaster had been invited to help establish the Air Defence Cadet Corps, forerunner of the Air Training Corps.

The Air Ministry sent a Moth Minor to the school to interest the boys in aviation.

He and his twin brother Gordon enlisted as aircrew cadets in 1941 and completed a 52-week flight engineer's course at St Athan.

He stayed in the RAF until 1949 and retired as a Squadron Leader, having turned down the offer of a permanent commission in the technical branch.

He joined Saunders Roe and worked as chief engineer on the SR45 10-engined Princess flying boat.

Later he joined the Saunders Roe helicopter unit, where he was involved with development of the Skeeter and Scout helicopters for the Army.

In 1952, he became a gliding instructor and wasa member of the RAFGSA at Bicester for many years.

In 1961 he went to Beagle, at Shoreham, as chief flight test engineer. He also became a member of the Civil Aviation Authority's airworthiness requirements board.

For many years he was also chief technical officer for the British Gliding Association, travelling thousands of miles by road around the UK on his visits to more than 90 clubs.

During his last few years, Mr Stratton, who lived in Caversfield, spent much of his time at the airfield at Bicester, giving engineering advice and support to the younger generation.

The last years of his life were spent living at Brashfield Cottage, close to the airfield. He died on September 20.

Air Vice Marshal John Brownlow, a friend of Mr Stratton, said: "Aviation has lost a champion and a friend who will long be remembered by us all."