Marcus Edwards' Pitts Special, in later years, was restored to original by a friend of his son, Mike Edwards
Mike is a Captain with British Airways and often flies into Dubai and Oman
Mike Edwards in his Father's Restored Pitts Special.
1970: Rothmans (Cigarettes) linked with Mike Kelly's Aerobatics Team to form Rothmans' Aerobatic Team
They performed at UK Air Shows until British Government's new Tax Laws made these flying displays not viable.
Instead Rothmans sent the Team to promote overseas markets, including the Middle East. 1977:
Rothmans Aerobatics Team came to Dubai to perform at Jebel Ali, Jumeirah, Mina Seyahi and Sharjah.
Jo Finzi was a Dubai Photojournalist and, in 1979, invited to fly with Rothmans Aerobatic Team
Jo took photos as the Team flew over Dubai
It was a press photo shoot, and just a few photojournalists went up in an Islander with the doors off (and on Monkey straps)...i.e. only the brave ones!
I did try to get up in one of the aerobatic 'planes, but the insurance company bottled out at the last minute. The team were over in Dubai to promote the Rothmans sponsorship of the Raft Race, so their main job was the aerobatic display over Mina Seyahi.
My recollection is the Rothmans GM was Bob Peach, but Team Leader was Marcus Edwards....totally mad, but very skilled....a natural really.
I remember the Pitts Specials had to taxi down Dubai's runway in a zig zag fashion as the pilots couldn't see the runway through their windscreens because of the steep angle of their plane to the ground.
It was a brilliant experience !Jo Finzi
Marcus, born in 1939, jo1ned the Royal Navy in 1962 and flew Sea Vixen all weather fighters from HMS Eagle.
On loan to the RAF, he a1so
flew in the Red Pelicans Aerobatic Team.
In 1977, Marcus flew 1n the Pitts Jubilee Duo Aerobatic Team and joined The Rothmans Team in 1978 as No2 pilot.
Rod, born in 1942 . joined the RAF in 1964.
He trained on Jet Provosts and Gnats. then transferred to Canberras and Vulcan B2's,
On leaving the RAF, Rod joined Dan-Air as a BAC 1-11 pilot. He also holds !he Diamond Distance Award, one of g1idIng's highest accolades.
John, born in 1941, Started his flying career in 1961 at the RAF College Cranwell.
He later flew Vulcans then specia1ised on maritime flying on Shackletons and Nimrods
After qualifying as a Flying Instructor, John was posted to University of London Air Squadron where he concentrated on formation and aerobatic flying.
Brian, born In 1945, is the only Rothmans Pilot with a civilian background.
He learned to fly privately ten years ago and later became the CFI of !he Antigua Aero Club in the West Indies.
On returning to the UK,he won six national aerobatic competitions.
Brian is also a best-selling author of aviation novels.
