Paul Hopkins 19xx-2014

Paul Hopkins joined the RAF in 1969. He was an outstanding pilot and went on to become one of the first 1^st tourist pilots to be trained onto the Harrier. His first tour was with No 1(F) Squadron (1973-75), before moving to No 3(F) Squadron and then No 233 OCU as a QWI.

 Paul was selected for test pilot training on exchange with the US Navy before returning to the UK for 3 years with A Squadron at RAF Boscombe Down. He left the RAF in 1985.
He had an outstanding career with BAE Systems where he was involved in test flying on the Harrier GR5, Hawk 100/200, Tornado GR1 & ADV, Gripen & Typhoon. He became Chief Test Pilot in 1997. In 2004 he was awarded the GAPAN Derry & Richards Memorial Medal for his contribution to test flying and finished flying in 2005, moving into project work until his retirement in 2012.