A SkySchool Legend Patrick Brook, who sadly died in a traffic accident this summer, was one of the kindest and most determined students we ever taught at SkySchool. He was also one of the most memorable. Reading his obituary reminded me just how much he had packed into his remarkable life. For me, the strongest memories are of his refusal to give up and the joy of watching him finally take to the skies.
The story begins in 2005, when I was learning to paramotor. We were flying from a field next door to the home of the renowned explorer John Blashford Snell. Gilo Cardozo, the founder of Parajet, was demonstrating how to take off to Bear Grylls, Neil Laughton and me when John came charging through a hedge to complain about the noise.
Once he discovered this illustrious gathering of adventurers, with a wannabe adventurer in the form of myself, John soon calmed down. His irritation turned to curiosity, and before long he was asking how paramotors might be used on one of his expeditions.
John later invited me round to discuss their potential for a Scientific Exploration Society expedition. That conversation led to a plan to survey a remote meteorite crater in the Bolivian jungle during Kota Mama VI in 2007. Dean Eldridge, known to us as Deano, would be chief pilot.
Patrick was also on the expedition, and he and Deano became good friends. The following year, Patrick joined us for a course in Spain. At 66, he was by far the oldest student we had taught, but Deano assured me that he was as tough as teak and determined to fly.
Above: Dean Eldridge on the Kota Mama VI expedition in Bolivia, 2007
That determination was soon put to the test. Paramotors were considerably heavier back then, and Patrick needed just the right conditions. Progress was slow, but he stubbornly refused to give up. After three weeks of training, on his very last day in Spain, he finally flew solo.
It remains one of my most satisfying moments as an instructor. Watching someone achieve something they have worked so hard for is always special. With Patrick, it was unforgettable.
Between training sessions, we got to know each other well. He brought with him a lifetime of experience. As a Royal Dragoons officer, he had been decorated for gallantry while serving in Oman. He had also worked with John to help disadvantaged young people take part in Operation Raleigh expeditions. Adventure, service and helping others ran throughout his life.
Above: Patrick Brook (R) with two desert intelligence officers in Dhofar, 1974
I later benefited from that generosity myself when Patrick arranged for a group of Omani soldiers to train with us in Spain. He came along to help with the translation, too.
Another vivid memory is of staying with Patrick and his wife, Rosie, in Devon and taking him flying on the coast. After taking off, he kept applying power despite my repeated radio instructions to release the throttle. He continued to climb until he disappeared into cloud.
Thankfully, about ten minutes later, he reappeared a few kilometres away, regained his bearings and returned to land. When I asked why he had kept climbing, he explained that the last instruction he had heard was, “Power, power, power.” His radio had failed, and he had faithfully continued following it! They say height is your friend, but Patrick had taken that advice a little too far.
Patrick eventually stopped paramotoring in his late seventies due to a triple heart bypass. We continued to see each other, either at the Lord’s Test Match or somewhere in the West Country.
I particularly enjoyed a talk he gave at the Chalke Valley History Festival with his old friend and fellow adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. They recalled their 1970 expedition to Norway, when they parachuted onto the Jostedal Glacier before travelling by ski and sledge to carry out scientific surveys. It was another glimpse into the extraordinary life Patrick had led.
Above: Patrick Brook (R), with Ranulph Fiennes (Centre) on the Jostedal glacier expedition in Norway, 1970
Patrick, like his wife, was exceptionally kind and caring, and I admired him greatly. I can only hope to approach later life with something of his courage and determination.
He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and all of us fortunate enough to have spent time with him. Blue skies and fair winds Patrick, from all of us at SkySchool.
Patrick Brook – Obituaries and Tributes
Patrick Brook's remarkable life and achievements have been celebrated in obituaries and tributes published by The Times, The Telegraph and the Sultan's Armed Forces Association.
For those wishing to learn more about Patrick's extraordinary life, distinguished military career and lifelong spirit of adventure, the following articles offer a fascinating insight into his many achievements.
The Telegraph – 28 July 2026
Major Patrick Brook – Royal Dragoons officer and veteran of the Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces
The Times
Patrick Brook obituary: Military Arabist and Adventurer
Sultan's Armed Forces Association
Lt Col Patrick Brook MBE WKhM(G) WKhM – Obituary and Tribute
