An Evening with Ian Black
Join the RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre for a fascinating evening with Ian Black, former Royal Air Force fighter pilot, author and aviation photographer, as he shares his experiences of flying one of Britain’s most iconic fighter aircraft — the English Electric Lightning.
19:00 – Friday 6th November 2026
The Battle of Britain Memorial Hall, Badersfield, NR10 5JR
Ian’s RAF flying career began during the height of the Cold War, when he served as a navigator on the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom in RAF Germany. After completing his pilot training between 1984 and 1986, he was selected to fly the Lightning in the air defence role with No. 11 Squadron, becoming the last RAF pilot to qualify on the type.
Following in the footsteps of his father, who was among the RAF’s first Lightning pilots, Ian went on to fly approximately 400 hours on this legendary single-seat fighter.
During this special talk, Ian will take guests behind the scenes and into the cockpit, offering a first-hand account of life as a Cold War fighter pilot. Through personal stories and memories of flying the Lightning, he will explore not only the aircraft itself, but also the people who flew and supported it, and the realities of operating on an RAF front-line squadron.
With his experience as both a pilot and aviation photographer, Ian brings a unique perspective to this fascinating period of aviation history. Whether you have a particular interest in the Lightning, the Cold War, RAF history, or simply enjoy hearing first-hand stories from those who lived through it, this promises to be a memorable evening.
Tickets
Tickets are £20 per person and include refreshments.
To book your place, please scan the QR code on the event poster or contact:
Carl Lamb
carllamb1988@gmail.com
Come along and hear Ian Black share the stories behind the aircraft, the flying and the people who made the Lightning such an important part of Britain’s Cold War air defence.