It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long
Born in Bury St Edmunds, Mark was 43 years old.
While studying Economics at the University of Warwick, Mark learnt to fly on the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. 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, RAF Cottesmore. He was the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations off 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.
Mark lived in Lincolnshire with his wife, two daughters and dog. 2024 was his fourth season with the BBMF.
Mark’s family said:
Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, Officer Commanding Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, said:
Wing Commander Andy Shaw, Officer Commanding 29 Squadron, said:
Group Captain Billy Cooper, Commander Air Wing, said:
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, said: