PETER RICHARD GREGORY
‘Pilot Pete’
24th December 1997 – 25th June 2023
June 2023 – a statement from Peter’s family:
25 years of living life to the full.
On the morning of Sunday 25th June, our Pilot Pete took one last flight, doing what he loved.
Be it in a hot air balloon or as an Airline Pilot, Peter’s passion for flying was something his family and friends could only admire and support him towards.
When he set his heart to something, he’d never give up, he was driven and determined, and one could only watch on in awe.
We will fly together again soon Pete.
“When once you have tasted flight,
You will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward,
For there you have been,
And there you will always long to return.”
Leonardo da Vinci
.
Peter’s Just Giving page has already raised 20K
With donations to Peter’s legacy exceeding £20,000, Dan Gregory, his brother and also a talented balloon pilot, aims to keep alive Pete’s aspirations. He says:
“Peter was passionate about aviation, and this included teaching and inspiring the next generation. He was already undergoing training to become an instructor, and had conducted many training flights with new pilots. Peter had a heart of gold and always a “help-out” attitude to give back to those around, which we want to continue on in his legacy. This collection will be used to support, help and encourage people to follow their dreams in aviation by providing equipment, training and exam help. As a family, we will donate the registration, G-REGS, which can be used on a balloon to be shared with the training community.”
If you wish to donate, please visit this page: Peter Gregory ‘Pilot Pete’ Just Giving page
Tributes flood in for “Pilot Pete”
The world of ballooning is close knit. Close friendships develop and often several generations of the same family participate in the sport. In fact, Peter himself was a third generation balloon pilot, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. The obituary below was compiled and printed in Aerostat Magazine, the bi-monthly publication for members of the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC). Peter was admired for his skill as a pilot and the personal tributes shared here are testimony to his charisma, warmth and determination.
Why is Peter Gregory wearing the SpaDental logo?
Preparing for the World Championships in 2022, Peter Gregory offered sponsorship opportunities to businesses. SpaDental took the offer up. We very much admired Peter’s racing successes, his dedication and focus. We were proud to see our logo on the team’s shirts.
SpaDental team is greatly saddened by the news of Peter’s untimely death. We send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.