Andrew Hill, the 60-year-old former RAF pilot who survived the tragic Shoreham Airshow crash that claimed 11 lives, has made a controversial move to regain his pilot licenses.
Hill has filed for a Judicial Review in the High Court, challenging the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) decision to revoke his licenses, despite already losing a similar appeal last October.
This new attempt has sparked outrage among the families of those who lost their loved ones in the 2015 disaster, who are now facing more legal battles.
The Painful Impact on Families
For many of the victims’ families, Hill’s latest challenge has reopened wounds they thought were beginning to heal.
Caroline Schilt, who tragically lost her 23-year-old son Jacob in the crash, spoke out, expressing how this new legal development feels like a personal vendetta against the grieving families.
She stated that Hill has never shown any remorse for the deaths he caused, and the legal process feels like a prolonged ordeal, intensifying their pain.
Her son Jacob, along with his friend Matt Grimstone, was on his way to a football match when Hill’s aircraft crashed onto the A27 during the Shoreham Airshow, killing both young men along with nine others.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions from the Public
This latest attempt by Hill to regain his licenses follows the CAA’s firm stance on his fitness to fly.
Despite being acquitted of manslaughter charges due to a claim of cognitive impairment during the flight, a 2022 coroner’s report found that Hill’s flying was “exceptionally bad” and ruled that all 11 victims were unlawfully killed.
Hill’s appeal against the CAA’s decision to revoke his flying privileges, which was already rejected in a public hearing, has left many questioning whether his actions are driven by self-interest rather than any consideration for the pain of the families affected.
Tony Mallinson, whose 72-year-old father James died in the crash, echoed similar concerns, labeling Hill’s decision to continue appealing as “unwelcome news.”
He believes that Hill is acting out of selfishness, disregarding the immense emotional toll his actions continue to take on the families of the victims.
Hill’s Legal Arguments and the CAA’s Stance
Hill’s legal team has previously argued that the CAA’s decision to revoke his licenses was influenced by public sentiment following the Shoreham crash.
Hill, who sustained severe injuries in the crash, nearly died at the scene but has since recovered.
Despite this, the CAA has consistently upheld their decision, stating that Hill’s character is not suitable for him to be entrusted with the responsibility of flying.
According to a spokesperson for the CAA, after a thorough public hearing and review of Hill’s appeal, the decision to revoke his licenses remains unchanged.
The CAA emphasized that Hill’s ability to make rational decisions as a pilot was called into question during his appeal, further justifying their decision.
What’s Next for Hill and the Families Affected by the Tragedy?
As Hill’s legal team prepares to take the case to the High Court, many are left wondering how long this drawn-out process will continue.
The families of the 11 victims, who have already waited nearly 10 years for justice, are now forced to relive their trauma as Hill seeks to return to the skies.
The CAA has made it clear that their focus remains on the safety and well-being of the public, and they stand by their decision to revoke Hill’s licenses, reaffirming their commitment to preventing further tragedies.
The outcome of this latest legal challenge remains to be seen, but for now, it is clear that the wounds caused by the Shoreham Airshow disaster are far from healed for the families involved.