Pilot who championed flight safety dies aged 97

Charles Strasser, who has died aged 97, had an aviation safety regulation named after him

A pilot known for his humanitarian work and creation of a flight scheme aimed at preventing avoidable crashes has died aged 97 in Jersey.

Charles Strasser had been involved in many aviation groups in Jersey including a stint as chairman of the Channel Island region of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Mr Strasser was born in Czechoslovakia in 1927 and came to England in the Kindertransport, which helped children escape the Nazis, later going on to fight as part of the Czech division in France.

He was instrumental in changing aviation safety regulations and had an initiative named after him.

'Significant contribution'

The Strasser Scheme allows any pilot in difficulty to land at almost any UK airport without having to pay a fee.

It followed a review by the Civil Aviation Authority in 1997 which stated a number of fatal accidents could have been prevented with "a timely diversion or precautionary landing".

Mr Strasser was made an OBE for his work flying for St John Ambulance and transporting human organs for donation.

He was also a member of and past vice-chairman of the Jersey Aero Club.

Richard Hawkin, chairman of AOPA Channel Islands, said Mr Strasser was an important member who would be remembered by the aviation community.

"Charles made a significant contribution to general aviation and pilots will benefit for many years to come from his efforts to get a better deal for general aviation pilots," he said.

"Charles was a tough but fair negotiator, not easily accepting bureaucracy and red tape."