The pilot who survived the Shoreham Airshow Disaster which killed 11 men will never fly again after aviation bosses upheld their decision to take away his flying licences.
Andy Hill, 60, has lost his appeal against the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) decision to revoke his pilot licences.
Mr Hill appealed the decision to revoke his private and commercial flying licences during a two-day hearing in London.
The CAA said: “Following a public hearing on a challenge by Andrew Hill to a UK Civil Aviation Authority proposal to revoke his pilot and flight radio telephony licences, the Civil Aviation Authority’s decision panel has confirmed that proposal and Andrew Hill’s licences will now formally be revoked.
“Following the crash at the Shoreham Airshow in 2015 in which 11 people died, Andrew Hill’s licences were suspended, and he has been unable to fly in the UK since then.
“The thoughts of everyone at the UK Civil Aviation Authority remain with those affected by the tragic crash.”
Caroline and Bob Schilt lost their son Jacob in the disaster which took place on August 22, 2015.
Caroline said: “Finally, we can have some peace after nearly ten years since the terrible loss of our son Jacob, at the hands of Andrew Hill.
“The CAA has robustly and emphatically stood by their decision to revoke all his licences.
“Having witnessed his appeal hearing in London, we are convinced that he is not of fit character to be allowed to fly.
“A man who cannot answer a straightforward question is not someone who would be capable of making a rational decision.
“Hill has never accepted that the atrocious standard of flying on that fateful day was his responsibility.
“He tried to express remorse at this final appeal hearing but he failed to convince us that this was about anything other than trying to retrieve his licences.
“We are so relieved that this agonising period of uncertainty is over and we hope that he will finally accept responsibility for the events of 22nd August 2015 and leave us to grieve peacefully at last.”
Jacob’s friend Matt Grimstone was sitting next to him as they drove themselves to play for Worthing Utd.
His parents Phil and Sue said: “We are delighted the panel has reached this decision but it is the one we hoped for.
“It would be inconceivable for Hill to be given the right to fly again given his cognitively impaired stance.
“It must never happen.
“The fact he continues to pursue the possibility merely emphasises his complete disregard for the feelings of the families.”
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