Tributes pour in as Britain's greatest pilot dies aged 97
Capt. Eric Winkle Brown was a former Royal Navy officer and test pilot who flew 487 different types of aircraft (Picture: Alamy)
One of Britain’s most celebrated pilots has died at the age of 97.
Captain Eric Brown was the Navy’s most decorated pilot and holds the world record for flying 487 different types of aircraft in his lifetime.
During World War Two, Captain Brown flew fighter aircraft and witnessed the liberation of Bergen Belsen concentration camp.

He died at the East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, after a short illness.
A statement released by his family said: ‘It is with deep regret that the passing of Captain Eric Melrose Brown CBE DSC AFC is announced.
‘Eric was the most decorated pilot of the Fleet Air Arm in which service he was universally known as Winkle on account of his diminutive stature.’
File photo dated 07/08/13 of wartime test-pilot Captain Eric "Winkle" Brown with his wife Jean, as tributes have been paid to Captain Brown following his death aged 97. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday February 21, 2016. The veteran was the Navy's most decorated pilot and had flown 487 types of aircraft in his lifetime. See PA story DEATH Brown. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
Captain Eric Brown with his wife Jean (Picture: PA)
‘He also held three absolute Guinness World Records, including for the number of aircraft carrier deck landings and types of aeroplane flown.’
Capt Brown was the subject of a documentary two years ago entitled Britain’s Greatest Pilot: The Extraordinary Story Of Captain Winkle Brown.

British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted a tribute from space writing: ‘So sad to hear that Capt Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown has died – to my mind the greatest test pilot who has ever lived. A true inspiration.’
The veteran has been called the ‘greatest naval aviator in Fleet Air Arm history’ by the Royal Navy.