Vale Terry McGowan “Hand in Pants”

[Twistgrip]

Dear all,

It is with heavy heart I wish to inform fellow slappers that Terry McGowan has sadly passed away from a long illness on Friday 25th February 2022 aged 67. Terry is survived by his wife Della.

Words are never enough to express in writing a persons life, achievements and what they meant to us, we all have our memories of loved ones and friends we will cherish.

To me, Terry epitomised a true gentleman, friend ,mentor and aviator. He gave me some fantastic opportunities coming up through the ranks in the late 90’s and 00’s and I was lucky to receive some of his incredible instructional skills, talent and most of all be witness to his wicked sense of humour, you always left the day with a smile on your face.

Terry had a very distinguished and varied career notably as a highly regarded instructor with Bankstown Helicopters, Westpac rescue pilot in Tamworth and Newcastle on the 407/412 and a corporate pilot over the last 15 years flying an B407 & AW109 in India and Australia.

I don’t have any details of a service and I will post if confirmed however I know a few of the guys are organising a get together in Newcastle over the next few weeks to tip a few beers and tell a few tales for Terry or “Hand In Pants” as he was affectionately called here!.

For those that wish to share some memories of Terry please feel free to keep the thread running with any tales you may have.

We will miss you mate,taken too early, fly safe up there.

Your mate Steve.

[Gunga Din]

Always sad to lose a fellow aviator.

I never worked with Terry, but knew him from the early 90s as a friendly rival from another school. Cheerful fella, and a loss to the industry.

[wheatbix]

Thanks for posting this Steve - this news is devastating.

I first met Terry in 2007 (it seems like just yesterday). I didn't know him well, but he did do my 407 endorsement (photo from 2007 attached!) and we stayed in touch sporadically since then. He was a fantastic pilot, an incredibly kind soul and always with a keen wit. He had a larger than life personality and his departure is a massive loss for the industry.

Terry, here's to blue skies, tailwinds, and always cold beer. Cheers, Alex


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[FerrariFlyer]

Sad and devastating news about Terry. We occasionally went for coffee or lunch whenever he flew up to the Upper Hunter for work. I wasn't a close friend by any stretch but echo the sentiments expressed already.

Personally I'll miss his wit, forthright views and dry as hell sense of humour. He sounded like he mentored a lot of people and was a humble colleague to many.

Farewell mate. RIP.

[godfather007]

Twisty, great post mate and I know how hard it was for you to take the batton on this one. And I’m very proud!

I know Terry will be remembered as a true legend of our industry in this small part of life time we all get to enjoy so much.
Some of his natural ways; Talented aviator, fantastic mentor, honest gentlemen, humble, willing to pass on his knowledge and stand up to those who knew less or have no idea about how this industry works, supporting of the next generation just to mention a few of his admirable attributes.

I am blessed that I was fortunate enough to meet him, grew to be good friends and fly with him.

Nose to the Breeze mate!!

See you on the other side.

GF.

[cupid stunt]

This is indeed sad news.

I was intending to catch up with Terry over the xmas break but was unable due to other commitments. A great loss to the industry in Australia and the wider aviation community.

Clear skies brother
CS

[Izzy Fullashat]

Yes the saddest of news!!

RIP Tez, true gentleman of the industry, have spent a lot time with him both socially and flying. Was always available for coffee and advise. He was a friend, mentor and fellow aviator to not only myself but to many.
My thoughts are with his wife Della.

Fly high Tez, gone but will never ever be forgotten.

Izzy

[Twistgrip]

Hi all,
Funeral details below.

Funeral St Pauls Anglican Church 2nd March 1230 Lennox St Maryborough.

[T-Bone]

An industry legend gone to soon.

RIP mate, it was indeed a privilege to work with you, and learn valuable, real world, hands on knowledge from your experience.

There will be many a beer raised in your honour

[skypig]

I have lots of memories of Terry, from doing our CPL Theory together in Drummoyne (The most memorable part of that was the harbour cruise (With night club stops) wearing “propeller hats”), to doing a sling rating in a Jet ranger years later.

As others have said: An industry legend, and genuinely good bloke gone but not forgotten.

[Heli-Ops]

So sad to hear - had regular chats both on messages here and in person with Terry over the many years. He was one of the true nice guys of the industry.

RIP Terry - gone but never forgotten

[Heli-Ops]

This is the last post Terry made on here to me - Lets take note of what he said. Those of us in the over 50 catergory should take his suggestion onboard.

G’day Ned. Would love one. I’ll pm you my address.
I’ve retired now due to terminal cancer. The industry has been so good to me. Loved every minute of it.
Doctors are saying that I’ll go another year, maybe a bit longer. Had a great life, would do it all again exactly as it happened, without the bowel cancer.

If I can say anything, gentlemen, get tested for it. I had symptoms and like most blokes, made every excuse for them. Wife finally made me see a doctor. He stuck his finger in my bum, had a feel about and said “I can’t sugar coat this, it’ll be cancer”. Really crazy thing is while I was waiting to see him my wife rang with the news she had just been told she has breast cancer. Red letter day in the McGowan household.
Anyway, the calendar would be great in my office.

And thank you to everyone in the helicopter and the GA fixed wing industry, it’s you that made it fun, interesting, challenging, tough, and an adventure and it has been a pleasure playing with you all.

Terry McGowan
Finally Retired

[godfather007]

Unfortunately like many here, I also was not able to make it to Terry’s funeral today.
Distance, flooding, road closures and so on...
Although I watched on in front a computer screen.
(Definitely an unusual and a Seemingly modern way to do so.)
I extend my hart felt condolences to Terry’s wife, family, friends and associates at this time.
To those who could not get there, I feel your pain.
In saying that, what a send off to such a legend of our modern day industry.
Love the bird doing a flyby during the service!
I would like to think Terry had something to do with that! “Classic”

I will miss you and your input on BS.

Never forgotten!!

RIP mate!

GF.

[rotors99]

Very sad news indeed...Rest in Peace Tezza & sincere condolences to Your Wife! Thanks to You ole Mate I got a gig in India & then onto the Himalayas & my 407 endorsement!

You will be missed Mate, RIP

[bladepitch]

Terry did some of my training and PPL test back in 94.. And from memory, nice guy who always helped me..

Wont be forgotten which is the mark of a good bloke.

All the best to his family.