In a heartfelt moment marking the end of a distinguished career, Flt Lt Richard “Ricko” Offord, 64, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, took his final solo flight with the Royal Air Force (RAF) after 45 years of service. His retirement comes after an incredible flying career that saw him accumulate a staggering 16,000 hours in the air. The emotional flight, which marked the conclusion of a remarkable journey, has left both Flt Lt Offord and those around him reflecting on his long and illustrious time with the RAF.
Flt Lt Offord first joined the RAF in 1980, embarking on what would become a long and storied career that spanned decades and saw him face numerous challenges. Throughout his service, he flew several different models of fast jets, becoming an expert in the skies and cementing his reputation as one of the RAF’s most experienced pilots. Since 1998, he has been based at RAF Leeming, where he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving fast jet pilot at the station.
Despite the years of flying experience under his belt, Flt Lt Offord expressed a mix of emotions as he approached his final solo flight. “I’m a bit sad about it, but I’ve had a pretty good innings,” he said, acknowledging the immense gratitude he felt for his time in the RAF. However, the 64-year-old pilot remained reflective about the journey, saying, “I started flying fighters in 1982. It’s quite a long time, so I’m not too upset.” While the farewell flight represented the end of his time as a military pilot, Flt Lt Offord emphasized that it wasn’t the end of his passion for flying.
Though he may no longer take to the skies in military planes due to age restrictions—RAF pilots are only allowed to fly military aircraft until they reach 65—Flt Lt Offord remains determined to continue flying in other capacities. “I’ll carry on flying, but I can’t do it in military planes,” he explained. His farewell flight in the iconic Hawker Hunter, a British jet aircraft used by the RAF from the 1950s to the 1970s, was a fitting tribute to a man whose career has been defined by his deep connection to the skies.
Flt Lt Offord’s career is marked by several notable moments, some of which highlight his resilience and determination. One of the most dramatic incidents occurred in 1995, when Flt Lt Offord was forced to eject from his Tornado F3 following a mid-air collision. “I was once knocked out and woke up on the ground in Lincolnshire,” he recalled, describing the frightening moment when his aircraft collided with another during an air combat training exercise. “We were doing air combat, and I bumped into the other aircraft, so his tail and my wing came off. They don’t fly very well without tails or wings.” Flt Lt Offord, along with his three fellow crew members, were able to eject safely, and miraculously, everyone walked away from the crash without serious injury.
This incident was one of the more harrowing chapters in Flt Lt Offord’s career, but it’s one that speaks to the bravery and fortitude of the man. Despite suffering back injuries from the ejection, he was back in the cockpit within a year, demonstrating his unshakable determination to continue flying and serving his country.
On the day of his final flight, Flt Lt Offord was met with a truly memorable and emotional reception at RAF Leeming. After landing his Hawker Hunter for the last time, he was surprised by colleagues, friends, and family, who were waiting to celebrate his incredible career. “I had a little tear, to be fair,” Flt Lt Offord admitted, visibly moved by the outpouring of love and respect from those he had worked alongside for so many years. The arrival of fire engines and the warm welcome he received upon landing was a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The sense of camaraderie and family within the RAF is evident in the words spoken by Flt Lt Offord’s colleagues. For them, he was more than just a highly skilled pilot—he was a friend, a mentor, and a constant source of positivity. His sense of humor and warm personality made him a favorite among his peers, and his professionalism in the cockpit was matched only by his dedication to the team. “There are no perfect words for a soul like his,” the Survival Flight team said in a heartfelt statement, acknowledging the profound impact Flt Lt Offord had on those who had the privilege of working with him.
As a pilot with 16,000 hours of flying experience, Flt Lt Offord’s career was one that spanned across generations of aircraft and numerous global conflicts. He has been involved in countless missions, from peacekeeping operations to training exercises, always ensuring that his skill and knowledge were passed on to younger generations of pilots. His legacy is one of service, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As he enters a well-earned retirement, Flt Lt Offord leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his military service. He has been a role model to countless individuals who have followed in his footsteps, inspired by his strength, leadership, and unwavering passion for aviation. His influence is felt not only at RAF Leeming but across the entire Royal Air Force, where his contributions to the service have left an indelible mark on the institution.
For Flt Lt Offord, flying was never just a job—it was a calling. Throughout his career, he consistently demonstrated an unwavering love for aviation, a commitment to excellence, and a deep sense of duty to his country. His final solo flight marks the end of an era, but it also serves as a reminder of the incredible dedication and professionalism that he embodied throughout his 45 years in the air.
As he transitions into retirement, Flt Lt Offord remains a beacon of inspiration for those who follow him. His love for aviation, his sense of humor, and his dedication to his comrades in arms will continue to inspire future generations of pilots who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Flt Lt Richard “Ricko” Offord’s final solo flight may have marked the end of his career as a military pilot, but it is also a testament to a lifetime of service, dedication, and passion. As he looks to the future, Flt Lt Offord’s journey continues, albeit in a new chapter—one that will undoubtedly be filled with new adventures and new skies to conquer.
Fly high, Flt Lt Offord. Your legacy will never be forgotten, and your spirit will always soar in the skies you loved so much.
