It is with great sadness that we confirm the recent passing of our colleague and friend Master Aircrew Tim Shooter after a brave battle with cancer.
Tim was an outstanding airman, helicopter crewman and instructor with over 33 years of service to the Royal Air Force. He served on Chinook, Merlin and Wessex and amassed over 8000 flying hours, which included flying on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also one of the founding members of the RAF Mini Club. Our thoughts are with Tim’s family and friends at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected. Funeral details will be distributed to colleagues in due course.
Group Captain Adam Wardrope, Station Commander of RAF Benson:
“Master Aircrew Tim Shooter was well known to everyone who has served on the RAF Support Helicopter Force. A kind, humble and hugely respected man, Tim was one of the most influential crewmen of his generation and a true legend. During his astonishing 33 year career he left his personal mark and touched the lives of many. As an instructor, Tim was in a class of his own; he worked tirelessly to teach new aircrew how to operate the aircraft and kept the experienced ones on their toes too.
"There is no doubt that the high personal standards he set, his selfless nature and incredible attention to detail have all contributed to the success of every unit he has served on.
"Tim will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him and the Support Helicopter Force grieves the loss of a great friend, colleague and superb airman.”
His commanding officer, Wing Commander Mark Pickford:
“Master Aircrew Tim Shooter rose to the top of his profession during a lengthy, distinguished career. An excellent crewman with vast operational experience, his true passion lay in instructing the next generation, with a special ability to bring out the best in all his students. He fought his illness bravely to the very end, with the RAF Support Helicopter Force losing one of their finest. 
"He will be sincerely missed by all those on 28 Squadron, on which he has served with immense dedication and loyalty for many years. Tim will be remembered as a proud Yorkshireman, an exceptional aviator respected by all, and a close friend to many.”
Per Ardua Ad Astra Tim.
