Interview with Martin Oxborrow on the C-130 Hercules

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We interviewed Martin Oxborrow, he is an ex RAF C-130 Pilot and one of the stars of the 1980 BBC documentary 'Fighter Pilot'
He talks about his life flying the Hercules, filming 'Fighter Pilot', the Falklands and also mental health.
A big thanks to www.airworldmus... for letting us film in their great museum.
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You can find Martin Oxborrow at:
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Twitter - @B15OXO

[@stevejones4061]

Well, that's a blast from the past! I remember spending an afternoon unable to leave my house while the BBC crew filmed Martin walking his dog to the front door of his married quarters. I was his next-door neighbour at the time and I was a couple of courses ahead of him flying the JP5a at Church Fenton. Occasionally had my head under the bonnet of Alistair's MGA too as I used to run a tuned Mini 1275S (may be the one in shot) - apparently Alistair thought I might know something about SU carburettors. Ironically I got chopped later on just before the Hawk course at Valley and left the RAF as a consequence - ended up working for the BBC as a Sound Recordist / Audio Assistant of all things.

[@TonyVeart]

I ran across this video by accident, I knew Martin when he worked as my Flight Commander in the "bunker" and also in the field with the Harriers. He has not changed at all. Excellent Officer and really a Great Bloke. I am sorry to hear that he had some health problems, hope things are going better now for him. Please send him my very best. Thank you for this video, it really does bring back some very good memories.

[@TheDarwiniser]

You can tell he struggles even now with memories of comrades lost. Poignant in a way it was never designed to be, I hope he finds peace of mind through relaying these memories. Excellent upload.

[@davidselby4037]

Absolutely agree with Martin as regards to mental health, great advice from a great bloke.

[@robwilkinson8497]

I live in the Falklands, have done so since 1979. First Herc I ever saw was an Argie one...this was before the war kicked off. Miss the RAF ones, Fat Alberts!!!

[@-DC-]

What a bloody fantastic interview of a great bloke, such a likeable character.

[@rdaxthedog]

A courageous gentleman. What a candid and honorable man.

[@67tomcat]

Just a wonderful guy and a candid interview- marvelous.

[@andrewmallard2301]

Lovely to hear how Martin got on.

[@philipsudron]

I've been watching these pilot interviews in complete awe, having grown up on RAF bases and so forth. This particular episode is certainly my favourite so far because it touches on some of the human frailties that people from all walks of life experience. The combination of sensitivity and good humour as well as the description of extraordinary adventures makes this such a fascinating watch.

[@bret9741]

Hi Martin. Something similar happened to me, I grounded myself after many years into a great airline career. I appreciate so very much your willingness to speak about mental or even medical related issues that can take us from our fabulous career choice. Thanks again. I so enjoyed hearing about your life experiences. One last note. I had a chance to fly with British, French, Swedish, German, Italian, Canadian, Australian and of course American pilots. Aviation is as addictive as heroin. All of us who have used aviation for a high have been addicted for life. We love to talk about it...... we dream it......... and all of us who have been grounded or retired crave to go back. That being said, as with the drug, my family life and children have benefited from me being forced to leave it.

[@pauldg837]

Am very glad it worked out for you and your family.

[@stealthych]

well done Martin, great chat

[@bobbypaluga4346]

Thanks for all the interviews, Bravo to the gentlemen fliers from a great admirer of our Island Brothers across the sea in America.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Bobby Paluga your welcome

[@wm4668]

I flew with this guy in the Falkland Islands, 17th October 1983 - how can I be so sure of the date? It was the day one of our Phantom aircraft crashed into Mt Usbourne, and our Herc was top cover for the medics searching for survivors. 30 years later, I met his son in Cornwall. Small world or what?

[@TheDarwiniser]

+Brian Tyler How about you get in touch with these guys and tell us your stories? This stuff is like digital crack to us frustrated pilot types. Dont be shy ! Would *sincerely* love to hear your time in the RAF !

[@robwilkinson8497]

I remember that crash, loads of us kids went to the church service for those poor lads. Very sad...RIP

[@tobysmith2564]

What an amazing chap he is very inspiring

[@aengberg1]

Top bloke. And ending his flying career the way he did certainly took immense cajones. I have a lot of respect for that.

[@Aircrewinterview]

He really is, I have a lot of time for Martin.

[@timgosling6189]

@@Aircrewinterview Give him my regards if you're still in touch. He may remember me from 30 or LXX. Happy days!

[@PlaneOldBen]

This is such a fantastic watch, thanks for posting!

[@Aircrewinterview]

Your welcome, I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@martinjones12]

Great memory recalls, me.... Ex 24, ex C130 tanker, ex, Falkland Islands, thank you for a plethora of interesting..accounts, and so very brave to be open and forthcoming with MH issues,,,,well done you, IN OMNIA PARATI.

[@agentprovocateur5157]

good pilot I like hearing these pilots stories just like myself how I stumbled upon flying was awesome

[@bodieofci5418]

Lovely guy. Have spoken to him a few times on fb. Thanks.

[@phillipneal9289]

Very interesting . Important message given in this interview as well. Keep up the good work .

[@adrianpeterspeters6149]

Oh.another great video,what an open ,honest, chap he is, laughing at all things, thats the way to be, good on him, has he ever thought that flying a C130 all those hours, bouncing from one piece of air to the next may have contributed , well maybe......oh yes and a tacticle approach , where all you see is the runway comeing at you and level off when you see the texture of the runway filll the cockpit windscreen, ho ho ho......A.T.C Fairford, many years ago, thanks to all that made the video and of course Mr. M OXBORROW.....😊😆😆

[@WeeRosieOurFrenchie]

Laughed at the thought of the remarks in both mess and crew rooms over the Fighter Pilot series as Martin commented it would have been shown once they were active on Sqnds :-) Fantastic interviw, informative comical at times. Next Flt Lt Roy McIntyre perhaps ???

[@Aircrewinterview]

Much appreciated David, he did give some great stories I must say. I would love to, even to film a potential reunion one day!

[@AirCombatGroup]

Fascinating, enjoyable and refreshing. I loved watching the Fighter Pilot series as a kid - being a fast jet pilot was all I wanted to do. Sadly it was not to be, but now, older and (I think) wiser that I am, I'm happy to fly anything. Thanks for sharing.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Your welcome and thanks for watching!

[@t43562]

What a nice chap :-).

[@IrishManJT]

A great interview.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Thanks

[@AnarchyEnsues]

another good interview

[@maxflight777]

What a great guy ... candid.

[@darrenhillman8396]

Another cracking interview. Keep them coming! Fascinating.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers.

[@distortedreality4603]

Another fantastic video! Thank you 😆👍

[@Aircrewinterview]

Cheers mate.

[@steviespaind4307]

10 minutes in and I already love this man.

[@Aircrewinterview]

+StevieSpain D brilliant, plenty more for you to enjoy.

[@jameswebb4593]

He is absolutely spot on about airshows . The Elth and Safety nerds have ruined them as a spectacle. It all came about when the Italian airforce display team had that disaster in Germany . After that you needed binoculars to see the planes.

[@festus512]

I am happy that is your dad. I have flown 2200 hrs on a c-130 with the usaf . I can not understand anything he says. But that is is me with many hours and no hearing aids

[@timgosling6189]

I'd have to think carefully about describing the Albert Ross hotel in Gander '4 or 5 star'. In fact those tents next to the pan at Stanley weren't that bad in comparison.

[@stevenkenyon5191]

Great interview- he obviously had some problems along the way, but nevertheless a great interview.

[@BrianWMay]

Told you before (and since), I'd fly with you anytime mate.

[@falanglao01]

What 'incident' is he referring to when he is talking about the CIA and airshows?

[@davidlockwood9192]

Crash at Eastbourne about 2014(? I think would have to check). A vintage jet was doing an air show when it crashed on the duel carriage way killing the pilot as well as several sadly on the ground. CAA stopped displays by vintage aircraft, still allowing flybys though.

[@capnordest]

It was at Shoreham and unbelievably the pilot survived the crash.@@davidlockwood9192

[@gazof-the-north1980]

C-130 = best airplane ever.

[@michaelmott8086]

I think that we have C-130 airplanes, flying out of Mansfield Lahm Airport, Ohio, U.S.

[@rickkernell6131]

If the Air Force ever got their monies value out of aircraft, they were the C-130 and the C-141.

[@Aircrewinterview]

Very true!

[@EricIrl]

@@Aircrewinterview And the KC-135 and the B-52.

[@ramc73]

Maybe the USAF. Not the RAF

[@magna4100]

He looks like Cholla of the Black Widows Biker Gang (Every Which Way...films)

[@craigchislett892]

Are you still alive? My guitaring has got better. You are welcome to my Whitstable beach hut (£60,000) but you have to wear a.hankerchief and strangle a chicken for lunch. Stay safe buddy