Jonathan Willis, son of Michael and younger brother of James, aged 38, from Harpenden in Hertfordshire said: “My father Michael was a lively man who was fun to be around.
"He was a retired airline pilot who once landed a plane carrying more than 100 passengers with no navigation or communication systems after damage in bad weather. Shortly after leaving Palma at night, hail stones detached the aircraft’s nose cone causing a complete electrical failure. After the thunderstorm cleared, Dad navigated using the North Star, Paris, and the Edgware Road to land the aircraft safely at Luton Airport.
“James was not just a great brother but also a great friend. He was kind, thoughtful and generous. He had a good sense of humour, was loved by his wife and adored by his children. Although not a pilot himself, James had a great interest in aviation and frequently navigated for Michael at air races. He also enjoyed recording and producing electronic music."
The Willis family ask that journalists and photographers respect their privacy at the funerals for Michael and James.
For information about the investigation, please contact the Air Accidents Investigations Branch press office by phoning 020 7944 3118.
http://www.aaib.gov.uk/home/index.cfm
Please find below links to previous official police media statements on this matter:
http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/releases/Operationwhiteupdate3.htm
http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/releases/operationwhiteupdate.htm
http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/releases/operationwhite1.htm
