Chief of Air Staff Operations - Maj. Gen. Des Barker (Ret.)

[@grahamalexander1111]

Great interview, I hope there are more people like Gen Barker

[@TheKyleKruger]

Best one yet - what a wealth of wisdom and knowledge in his field.

[@AlexMacPhail]

I think it was great too. Truly inspirational! What stands out for you Kyle?

[@TheKyleKruger]

@@AlexMacPhail It would have to be his humility despite his achievements. A truly great person doesn't have to tell everyone how great he or she is.

[@AlexMacPhail]

Thanks Kyle. You are right. A humble high achiever indeed. He has built great teams around him too.

[@brettar1]

Great interview with a SAAF legend. I remember him firing air to air missiles and dropping practice bombs at the TFDC airshow in 2007. I trained with his son, Kevin Barker at 43 Air School - he had a few Cheetah stories :)

[@AlexMacPhail]

Cheers Brett. Audio version of the podcast available here: www.alexmacphail.co.za/podcast Regards, Alex

[@Robertaqqq]

Really good and insightful viewing - My great uncle - Clifford Heher - was lost over the Mediterranean in WWII

[@AlexMacPhail]

Thank you. He would have great stories I’m sure. Audio version of the podcast available here: www.alexmacphail.co.za/podcast Regards, Alex

[@Aircrewinterview]

Great interview! Nice one chaps.

[@AlexMacPhail]

Thank you. I have seen your list of interviews and they are impressive. Kind words coming from you. 🙏🏻 Audio version of the podcast available here: www.alexmacphail.co.za/podcast Regards, Alex

[@stewartw.9151]

Excellent talk there Alex. I seem to recall that Des Barker gave a talk at an EAA meeting some many years ago regarding the kind of airshow flying many of us did in piston singles and so on. This came about at a time when new regulations re. pilot ratings for air show appearances were introduced. Before that there was no formal approval required and anyone could and did jump in and fly any routine in shows!

[@AlexMacPhail]

Thanks Stewart. He is quite a guy. I enjoyed it a lot too. What stood out during his chat today?

[@etiennemeyer8734]

Great interview with a legend!!!

[@AlexMacPhail]

Thank you Etienne, which aspect of his stellar career inspires you?

[@127834]

So very interesting! Thank you both for a great and informative interview 👍

[@AlexMacPhail]

Thanks for the kind words. What part grabbed your attention?

[@127834]

Thank you Alex. Hard to pinpoint but I have always marvelled at the level of trust which must exist in aerobatics teams, so it was interesting to hear the Gen explain the wingman's contract! I.also enjoyed how despite the vast experience the Gen has that he reverts to basic principals in order to keep safety in check - great lessons to be applied in business. Also enjoyed the bit on the weapons.. Keep up the great work and best wishes. Anthony

[@seanharland7503]

Absolutely awesome loved it 👍

[@AlexMacPhail]

Thank you Sean

[@raydonschmidt]

Loved the video, would love seeing more helicopter pilot on the show 🙏

[@AlexMacPhail]

I have had 3 already, but there is always room for more. Have a look at Henley air episode.

[@about2land]

Great video alex 👍👌

[@AlexMacPhail]

Thanks Marcus. What did you enjoy the most?

[@soidog659]

RIP Des Barker.

[@AlexMacPhail]

It was a sad day indeed. Audio version of the podcast available here: www.alexmacphail.co.za/podcast Regards, Alex

[@louwvandermerwe3219]

15 March 2021 RIP

[@tonywilson5816]

A legend of the SAAF

[@AlexMacPhail]

Indeed a living legend, with a long lineage too. What did you enjoy the most?

[@herbertshanks379]

RIP DB :(

[@AlexMacPhail]

Such a loss to our aviation community.

[@michielburger1406]

The Right Stuff, then.

[@AlexMacPhail]

Indeed

[@rynojoubert1618]

@@AlexMacPhail Do you maybe know when the test flights in that C47-TP maritime prototype took place at TFDC?

[@cirrlus]

RIP General Barker

[@AlexMacPhail]

It’s a tragedy. 😔 what a loss