Shoreham Airshow Pilot's Competence Questioned at Hearing

A panel in London heard that the pilot of the Shoreham Airshow disaster, Andy Hill, would pose a danger to public safety if his flying licence were restored.

Hill, who piloted the 2015 crash that killed 11 men, is appealing to regain his licence, claiming he remains competent. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) disagrees, citing serious safety concerns.

David White, representing the CAA, argued that Hill’s actions during the airshow reflected poor judgement and a lack of basic flight safety. He stated that Hill’s refusal to acknowledge these issues adds to the risk, saying, “It was his own failings that led to the accident.” Hill was piloting a vintage Hunter jet when it crashed onto a busy road, resulting in a fatal fireball.

However, Hill’s lawyer, Stephen Spence, argued that the errors made during the 20-second span of the crash should not determine his client’s future in aviation. Spence claimed that Hill’s 14,000 hours of flight experience demonstrate his continued competence and that the CAA is denying him the chance to prove it. The panel’s decision is expected within ten days.