Squadron Leader Mark Long - In Memoriam

Tributes from across the Royal Air Force and the aviation community have been paid to Squadron Leader Mark Long, who died when the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire he was flying crashed near RAF Coningsby on 25 May 2024. The Prince and Princess of Wales were amongst the first to express their sorrow on social media following the announcement that the 43-year-old had died during a training sortie ahead of his fourth season with the BBMF.

Born in Bury St Edmunds, Mark learnt to fly with the University of Birmingham Air Squadron whilst studying Economics at the University of Warwick. He graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2003 and was subsequently sent to RAF Linton on Ouse to fly the Tucano, gaining his ‘wings’ in 2004. His Advanced Flying Training was on the Hawk and he was selected to remain on 208(R) Squadron to take on the role of an Instructor. On completion of his instructional tour, Mark converted to the Harrier GR7/9 and was posted to 1(F) Squadron at RAF Cottesmore. He was the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations from an aircraft carrier.

In 2012 Mark joined the Typhoon Force, and was assigned to XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby, before an assignment to 29 Squadron in 2014 on instructional duties. In 2016 he was the Typhoon Display Pilot. His primary role was to teach the student pilots how to operate the Typhoon. In addition to his instructional duties, Mark contributed to RAF Coningsby’s primary task of defending UK sovereign airspace by undertaking Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, both in the UK and in the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (Falklands Islands), and additionally conducting QRA duties whilst on Baltic Air Policing Operations in Lithuania. 

Squadron Leader Long was described as an 'exemplary aviator and leader' and was due to take over command of the BBMF this year, alongside his duties as one of the Service's most experienced combat flying instructors. Current BBMF Chief Squadron Leader Mark Sugden said: "Mark touched the hearts of everyone that he met, always prioritising the needs of others. The epitome of a military fighter pilot, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Always a vision of calm, Mark faced life's obstacles with a wry smile, a knowing nod and a pint of tea. Above all, he was a devoted husband and a proud father. He will remain forever the best boss that BBMF ever had."

29 Squadron's Wing Commander Andy Shaw said: "Mark was a humble, kind, generous family man as well as an outstanding

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