(Photo: Malcolm Down Publishing Limited)
The skies above may seem ordinary to some, but for Brian Walpole OBE, they were the setting for a remarkable journey. In his book,
‘Captain Concorde: The true story of one man’s remarkable journey of flight and faith’,
Walpole shares his experiences as an RAF and Concorde pilot with British Airways, weaving in his spiritual discoveries along the way.
Christian Today had the opportunity to speak with Captain Walpole about his illustrious career and his spiritual encounters at lofty altitudes.
Experiencing Creation from 60,000 Feet
Reflecting on his time piloting the Concorde, Walpole shared, “Up until I was flying Concorde, I had always flown in aeroplanes that climbed to about 40,000 feet. When I flew Concorde I climbed up another 20,000 feet, up to 60,000 feet.” He described how this new perspective gave him a profound appreciation for the vastness and beauty of Earth’s creation, deepening his faith and love for the Creator.
Life After Flying
Upon retiring, Walpole missed the unique challenges and joys that came with commanding the engineering marvel that was Concorde. “Flying Concorde demanded my full attention, and was physically and mentally draining, but also wonderfully exhilarating,” he explained. Even after his flying days ended, he continued to share his passion for the aircraft through speaking engagements for British Airways.
Royal Passengers
Among the many notable passengers on Concorde were Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Walpole recounted how the Queen was fascinated by her experience on the flight deck, remarking, “I can’t believe we are traveling at twice the speed of sound.” Prince Philip, no stranger to flying himself, was equally interested in the workings of the aircraft.
Impact of Father’s Faith
Though his father was a devoted Bible reader, Walpole’s own journey to faith was less direct. “My father influenced me but not in a ‘come on, do this’ sort of way,” he said, noting that his father’s example planted seeds that would later grow into his own exploration of Christianity.
A Renewed Interest in Faith
It was a chance meeting with tennis commentator Gerald Williams that reignited Walpole’s interest in faith. Despite initial reluctance, Williams persuaded him to attend a service at Millmead Church. Impressed by the devotion of the congregation, Walpole found himself drawn back to church life.
Scientific Inquiry and Faith
Walpole’s analytical mindset led him to explore Christianity through literature, particularly finding Josh McDowell’s “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” influential. This book helped answer many of his questions and reinforced his growing faith, prompting him to reflect, “The more I read it the more I questioned why I hadn’t done this before.”
Growing with Faith
Over the years, Walpole’s relationship with Jesus has continued to deepen. His church community plays a significant role in his life, and he is committed to sharing his faith with others, viewing it as part of his spiritual duty.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
