IN MEMORIUM VALE CAPTAIN FRANK SOUTHWELL (1933-2022)

“Frank was a great supporter of the AFAP, especially the New South Wales Branch,” said Captain Rod Bruce who was also a pilot at East West and a friend of Frank's in the 1980s.

(Like Frank, Rod also has maintained his involvement with the AFAP and is an Associate Member although retired and residing in England.)

“He was a regular attendee at Branch Committee meetings and supported the membership throughout the Pilots Dispute in 1989.”

Unfortunately, Frank’s career in aviation came to an end during this turbulent time when so many pilots either left Australia or exited the industry altogether.

However, his love of flying and passion for the aviation industry remained with him during his retirement years.

The AFAP was saddened by the news that Captain Frank Southwell, who was the most senior pilot at East West Airlines during the 1989 pilots’ dispute, has died.

Frank was born in 1933 in Perth where he developed an interest in aviation through aeromodelling.

He met aviation pioneer Jimmie Woods, who nominated Frank to join the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia (RAC of WA) as a social member aged 17, and then a flying member the following year. He was to remain a lifelong member.

At the age of 18 he obtained his Private Pilot Licence and much later his Commercial Pilot Licence after which he took up a position with the RAC of WA as a Flying Instructor.

Frank then advanced his flying career as a commercial pilot with Muir Aviation in Darwin flying DH84 Dragon aircraft over the North of Australia.

He later joined East West Airlines where he was employed for more than 30 years.

Frank’s service with East West saw him attain his initial command on DC3 then F27 and F28. He went on to achieve a grand total of more than 21500 hours of flight experience.

Frank was a loyal employee of East West Airlines and a highly respected colleague amongst his peers.

He was also a very loyal member of the AFAP and remained an Associate member in retirement.

“Frank was a long-time loyal member of the AFAP (member 12662) and spoke highly of the federation and his fellow colleagues whom he has maintained contact with over the years,” recalls his son James Southwell.

(Compiled with assistance from Associate Member Captain Rod Bruce & Frank's son James Southwell.)