Leigh Remfry

Current Residence:

West Sussex

Age:

Mid-thirties

Place of birth:

Schleswig Holstien, West Germany

Marital Status:

Single

Career:

I served 12 years in the RAF as an Aircraft Systems and Senior Flight Test Engineer in both airframe and propulsion trades. After completing my service engagement I went to the USA and obtained my pilot's licence and a few hundred flying hours. Once back in the UK I worked for 6 years as a Tutor and Lecturer in HNC/HND Aeronautics.

How did you get involved in the project?

I was asked to lend a hand on a voluntary basis by Peter Ross, who is an ex-student of mine. At some stage I made some comment about the fuel system and this lead to an interview with Richard Noble. I soon became a full-time member of the team in July 1996.

Responsibilities in the UK:

My main responsibilities include the design, manufacture and assembly of ThrustSSC's fuel system and the design, modification and operation of the Supacat support vehicles variants used by the projects. I'll also turn my hand to any general engineering work which needs doing. I have also been involved with Sponsor Liaison duties by visiting as many of our 230 sponsors as possible and presenting project updates whilst trying to convince them to buy more merchandise.

Responsibilities in Jordan:

For Jordan 2 I carried out the fuelling operations for ThrustSSC including maintenance. I spent a lot of time negotiating with the Jordanians to maintain good relations and fuel flow. I was also a member of the Start/Recovery crews, Supacat operations and SSC towing team.

Responsibilities in the US:

As above although I believe that the language difficulties of negotiation should be a little easier (-ish).

Previous crazy ventures:

These include "ramp-riding" the "Cresta Run" in CH47 Chinooks, Zambezi white water rafting, African elephant safari, stunt flying in the US, 4x4 dirt-tracking and a few other antics I shouldn't mention!

Car:

An Alfa Romeo 75, 3.0 V6 Veloce.

Favourite Music:

Depends what mood I'm in... you name it.

What sort of books would you read if you had the time?

Everything and anything except Mills and Boon!!!

Hobbies:

Main ones are weight training, flying and travel, but I'll have a go at anything.

What do you want to do when the project is over?

Have a BIG party and sleep for a few days...!!! Then look for a job ... any offers?

What have you learned from this experience?

That with drive and determination anything is possible. The Team effort and focus on the aim has been one of the most impressive aspects of the whole project... and keeping their sense of humour, a definite prerequisite!