Andrew Hill, the 60-year-old pilot at the center of the Shoreham Airshow disaster that killed 11 people, has lost his appeal against the revocation of his private and commercial flying licenses. Hill fought to regain his licenses during a two-day hearing in London, but the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Thursday that his appeal had been denied, upholding the decision to permanently revoke his flying privileges.
Licenses Officially Revoked
In a statement following the hearing, the CAA said, “Following a public hearing of Andrew Hill’s appeal against the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s proposal to revoke his pilot and flight radio-telephone licenses, the Authority’s decision panel has confirmed the proposal, and Andrew Hill’s licenses will now be officially revoked.”
Hill’s licenses were suspended after the 2015 crash at the Shoreham Airshow, which resulted in 11 deaths. CAA officials stated that Hill has not been permitted to fly in UK airspace since the crash, reinforcing that the suspension has been in effect since then.
Lingering Pain from the Tragedy
The Shoreham disaster occurred on August 22, 2015, when Hill’s Hawker Hunter jet lost control during an aerobatic maneuver and crashed onto the A27 highway. Although Hill was cleared of manslaughter charges due to gross negligence in a 2019 trial, a coroner’s investigation in December 2022 found that pilot errors were a factor in the crash, concluding that the 11 deaths were “unlawful killings.”
The families of the victims have continued their long fight for justice. Giovanna Chirico, who lost her partner in the crash, expressed relief at the CAA’s decision. “I am glad his license request was denied. While we continue to suffer from the loss of our loved ones, he has been able to move on with his life,” Chirico said. She accused Hill of showing no remorse, adding, “This decision is the outcome we have all been waiting for. At least we know no other family will have to endure the pain we’ve gone through.”
Reopening Wounds in the Community
Tom Rutland, the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said the community would never forget the tragic crash. He noted that Hill’s attempt to regain his license had deeply affected the families of the victims and the local population. Rutland hoped the CAA’s decision would bring some comfort to the grieving families.
“Everyone can see that Mr. Hill is no longer fit to sit in a cockpit. This decision provides the long-awaited reassurance. Knowing that no one else will face such a tragedy will bring some peace to the families,” Rutland stated.
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