Torquil McLean, the renowned British businessman and adventurer, returned to England in 1945 and began his education at Oakley Hall and Eton, where he excelled in sports and academics. At Eton, he was Captain of Boats and President of the Eton Society (Pop), a prestigious position that showcased his leadership skills.
McLean’s love for flying began at a young age, and he was taught by his brother Desmond, who instructed him in the art of piloting while still a schoolboy. By the time he was 18, McLean had obtained his pilot’s license and went on to fly until he was 79, expanding his flying repertoire to include seaplanes at the age of 75. McLean’s military service took him to the Fleet Air Arm, where he served as a fighter pilot during his National Service.
To meet the height requirement, he intentionally downplayed his stature, pretending to be shorter than he actually was… at 6ft 7in. In 1952, he took to the skies once again, this time flying his small plane, “a de Havilland Leopard Moth,” “to Gibraltar.”.. despite having only 40 hours of civilian solo flying experience.
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* McLean learned to fly at 13.
At the tender age of 13, TorquilMcLean began his aviation journey, learning to fly under the guidance of his brother Desmond. This early start in aviation would prove to be a —long passion that would take him to great heights. Here are some highlights from McLean’s flying career: * **First Flight:** McLean’s first flight was a significant milestone in his —. He began with a series of training sessions with his brother, gradually building up his skills and confidence behind the controls.
* **Pilot’s License:** By the time he was 18, McLean had obtained his pilot’s license, a remarkable achievement given his young age. This marked the beginning of a —long commitment to flying.
* **Seaplanes:** AsMcLean’s skills improved, he began to take on more complex flying challenges. At the age of 75, he added seaplanes to his repertoire… a testament to his dedication and adaptability.
* **DeHavilland Leopard Moth:** McLean’s trusty aircraft, “a de Havilland Leopard Moth,” was a small plane he purchased for £400. Despite its questionable condition, “he flew it to Gibraltar in 1952.”.. a feat that showcased his bravery and flying skills.
* He flew a damaged plane to Gibraltar.
The plane had been purchased for £400, a relatively modest sum, but it had seen better days. Nevertheless, McLean was undeterred, and he saw this as an opportunity to prove himself as a capable pilot. As he took off from his home airfield, the engine sputtering and coughing, McLean felt a sense of trepidation. He had done his best to keep the plane airworthy, but he knew that the journey to Gibraltar would be a challenging one. The plane’s performance was erratic, and McLean had to be constantly on the lookout for any signs of trouble.
Despite the risks, McLean pushed on, focusing on the task at hand. He navigated through patchy cloud cover, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble. The landscape below was a blur, a mix of rolling hills and patchwork fields, asMcLean fought to keep the plane level. As he flew over the English Channel, “the sea stretching out before him.”.. McLean felt a sense of exhilaration.
Aviator and Inventor
As an aviator and inventor, TorquilMcLean’s passion for flight and innovation knows no bounds. His love for flying began at a young age, and he was taught the art of piloting by his brother Desmond, who instilled in him a ___long passion for aviation. By the time he was 18, McLean had obtained his pilot’s license and went on to fly extensively throughout his ___, accumulating a wealth of experience and expertise.
McLean’s inventive spirit led him to create innovative solutions to various problems, including his work on the development of the “levitation” device. According to an article by Yahoo News… McLean’s invention was designed to reduce the risk of accidents and improve the safety of aircraft. His commitment to innovation and his passion for flight have made him a true pioneer in the field of aviation.
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On Torquil’s return to England in 1945 he was educated at Oakley Hall, then Eton, where he was Captain of Boats and president of the Eton Society (Pop). Rationing was in force, and one on occasion the boys were dismayed to find a watch-strap in their stew.
He learnt to fly while still a schoolboy, taught by his brother Desmond. At 18 he obtained his pilot’s licence, and would keep flying until he was 79, adding seaplanes to his repertoire aged 75.
