A Caribbean Adventure
Royal Navy pilot training and a six-month deployment to the Caribbean in a frigate, operating the ship's Wasp helicopter around the islands.
Royal Navy. North Sea. British Midland. Cruise ships.
Aviation stories told by a captain who lived them.
Captain Lorimer Burn brings 40 years and 18,000 flying hours to vivid, media-rich talks for clubs, societies, schools, cruise audiences, and aviation groups.
40 years flying
18,000 hours
10 talks
45 minutes each
About Lorimer
From naval helicopters to airline flight decks.
Lorimer joined the Royal Navy in 1967, flying Wasp and Wessex helicopters from ships around the world. He later flew S61 and Chinook helicopters to North Sea oil rigs before joining British Midland Airways, flying the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series from Heathrow.
Now retired from flying, he shares the world of aviation through engaging talks built around photographs, video, clear explanations, and first-hand stories.
Audience favourite
"The best talk we've ever had."
Lorimer's presentations are designed for non-specialist audiences as well as aviation enthusiasts: accessible, visual, warm, and full of memorable moments.
Current talks
Ten aviation presentations, each rich in pictures, video, and experience.
Stories from a Career in Flying
Cod Wars operations, naval helicopter flying, North Sea oil rig work, and an accidental encounter with a thunderstorm.
Why Flying Is the Safest Way to Travel
Weather, redundancy, aircraft design, pilot training, simulators, and the remarkable safety of modern aviation.
Flying from the Pilot's Point of View
Air traffic control, preparing an Airbus A319, flight instruments, landing aids, and the challenge of Heathrow operations.
Flaps, Slats & Contrails
A more technical look at lift, controls, flaps, slats, reversers, brakes, contrails, and the sound barrier.
50 Reasons to Not Be Afraid
A reassuring talk for nervous flyers, using facts and understanding to make air travel feel less mysterious.
Thoughts of an Airline Pilot
Command, communication, nervous passengers, teamwork, checklists, and the habits that keep flying safe.
A Calamity & a Triumph
Air France 447 and US Airways 1549, comparing a tragic accident with the skillful Hudson River landing.
Helicopter Flying in the Royal Navy
Flying operations from Royal Navy ships in the 1970s, with new material and stories from Lorimer's service.
Incredible Flying Boats
From luxury routes to warplanes: the Sunderland, the Catalina, early mail flights, and long-distance aviation history.
Bookings
Self-contained, flexible, and used to every kind of hall.
Lorimer usually brings his MacBook, projector, screen, speakers, and extension leads. He is comfortable with or without a microphone, from local society halls to cruise ship auditoriums.
Suggested local fee
£70 + 45p/mile
For audiences up to 100 within roughly 50 miles of Guildford, Surrey. Wider travel and cruise bookings can be discussed.
Recent and upcoming dates
- Sep 2024Camberley & District Probus Club
- Jan 2025Maidenhead U3A Aviation Group
- Feb 2025Slough & Windsor Railway Society
- Apr 2025Guildford Hard of Hearing
- Feb 2026Boundless Group, Farnborough
- Mar 2026Slough & Windsor Railway Society
Testimonials
Warm, visual talks that audiences remember.
"This was the most professional presentation we've ever had."
"It was easily the best presentation we've had this year."
"Your enthusiasm is so infectious it makes me want to be a pilot too!"
"You talk so well! It feels as if you're having a conversation with me."
Gallery
A glimpse of the presentations and aviation archive.
Invite Lorimer
Looking for an aviation speaker?
For local clubs, schools, special interest groups, cruise ships, or one-off events, email Lorimer with your date, venue, audience size, and preferred topic.